Photo: Golde
Self-care never goes out of style — and for Women’s History Month, March is an especially opportune time to diversify your R&R routine by shopping some of the best wellness brands owned by women of color.
According to U.S. Census Bureau, in 2018 about 18.3% of all American businesses were minority-owned and just under 20% of all businesses were owned by women. Another study conducted by American Express found that in 2019, women-owned companies brought in nearly $2 trillion in revenue.
However, when it comes to their own paychecks, women still only earn 82 cents on the dollar compared to men, per the American Association of University Women’s 2020 gender pay gap report. The numbers are even more disheartening when it comes to women of color. According to the National Partnership for Women & Families, for every dollar paid to white, non-Hispanic men, Black women earn 63 cents, Native American women earn 60 cents, Latinas earn 55 cents, and Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) women earn just 52 cents.
Looking to empower other ladies while indulging in some health-forward retail therapy?, we’ve rounded up a handful of our favorite BIPOC-powered wellness companies to support during Women’s History Month and beyond — check out our picks below, and share your faves in the comments.
Peak + Valley
When Seattle-based researcher Nadine Joseph was experiencing chronic stress and anxiety (the very focus of her scientific studies, in fact), she discovered herbs and adaptogens — a.k.a. medicinal mushrooms such as reishi and ashwagandha that have been scientifically proven to support brain health, immune functions, skin complexion, and the body’s reaction to stress. Her wellness brand, Peak & Valley, bottles up those formulas in the form of powder supplements that can be added to smoothies, tea, or any other delicious sips.
Peak + Valley Nurture My Skin, $38, at Anthropologie
The Honey Pot
When Atlanta-based founder Bea Dixon couldn’t find relief from bouts of bacterial vaginosis, she decided to help herself and other women through the power of herbal remedies. Her company, The Honey Pot, makes organic plant-based feminine care that’s formulated without fragrances and chlorine, and uses bio-plastic that’s biodegradable and cruelty-free (yep, better for the earth and its animals). Everything is also gynecologist-approved and clinically-tested.
The Honey Pot Organic Regular Tamons, $9, at The Honey Pot
Golde
Superfood-powered wellness brand Golde was born when Trinity Mouzon Wofford and her partner, Issey, debuted their signature turmeric latte blend in 2017. Since then, the Brooklyn-based label has expanded to natural and vegan powdered matcha green tea powders, purifying face masks, cacao turmeric blends, and more, all designed to boost the mood, improve skin and gut health, support immunity, and other health concerns.
Golde Matcha Turmeric Latte Blend, $29, at Golde
Humble Bloom
Co-founded by Solonje Burnett and Danniel Swatosh, the cannabis-focused online retailer highlights BIPOC-founded brands across every corner of wellness. For those that live in marijuana-friendly states, Humble Bloom offers pre-rolls, flower, vaporizers, and more THC products as well as CBD-infused teas, skincare and beauty, and other MJ-powered products.
Barbari Muse herbal blend tea, $23, at Humble Bloom
Partake Foods
Yes, wellness includes treating yourself to sweet, health-conscious treats — and when Denise Woodard was looking for delicious, allergy-friendly bites for her daughter, she decided to whip up her own cookies and baking mixes. Partake’s foods are vegan, gluten-free, and don’t contain preservatives, tree nuts, soy, peanuts, GMOs, and sesame seeds and oil.
Partake 5-in-1 Baking Mix, $24, at Partake
Noirebud
Although cannabis is legal in many U.S. states today, the industry was built on people — many of color — who have been incarcerated for selling or using the healing plant. Sensing a need for a luxe-yet-affordable brand geared towards BIPOC customers, founder Carolyn Gray founded Noirebud in 2018 as a way to serve her community. The line offers CBD-only (read: no THC, which is the element that’ll get you high) wellness products such as stress-reducing oils, herbal teas, body balms, and chocolates.
Noirebud Balance oral drops, $45, at Noirebud
Movita
Women’s health advocate Tonya Lewis Lee founded Movita to help others have a better understanding of nutrition and a wellness-minded lifestyle. The brand offers 30-day multivitamins, prenatal vitamins, and beauty supplements for healthy hair, skin, and nails; everything is USDA organic and available as monthly subscriptions.
