21 BIPOC-Founded Artisan Businesses to Shop & Support
In the past weeks, we have all come face to face with a necessary, overdue reckoning. As we confront the entrenched structures throughout our society that have perpetuated racism, we at Nest, like so many others, have looked internally – both within our sector and within ourselves – to understand how we can best contribute to the long-overdue movement towards racial equality taking place all around us.
Several years ago, we noticed that while the burgeoning makers movement across the country may be gaining momentum and visibility, it was not growing in ways that fostered diversity and inclusivity. In an initial effort to learn why, we gathered with makers, mayors, brands and philanthropists in South Carolina for a two-day dialogue on race and inclusion in the local makers movements across the country. It was at that gathering that Makers United was born – a program of Nest where, at its heart, we ensure that makers who are disproportionately more likely to face barriers to small business resources and opportunities can access the tools, build the market connections and enjoy exposure so they can truly partake in the boon of the maker economy.
It was just a first step, but one that quickly expanded from Birmingham to Austin and San Antonio. And this summer, Makers United will launch in Detroit thanks to the support of Bloomberg Philanthropies, Same Sky Foundation and designer and Nest Trustee Tracy Reese.
Like so many organizations at this unique and pivotal moment in history, we also know that we can do more. That “more” will certainly come as the Makers United program expands across the country – from St. Louis to NYC to Puerto Rico – all before year’s end. But “more” will also come in our conscious effort to continuously promote the talents of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color makers and artisans, and BIPOC-founded maker and artisan businesses in the Makers United program and our Artisan Guild at large. Like our gathering in South Carolina years ago, this shopping guide is another first step on a journey as we challenge ourselves to do more to serve, promote and ensure that BIPOC makers are truly woven into the fabric of Nest.
JEWELRY
NEW ORIGIN SHOP | Visit Shop
Pictured: Brass Half Moon + Charms Pendant Earring, $32, Shop
NASHIRA ARNO | Visit Shop
Pictured left: The Luisa Pendant, $108, Shop ; Pictured right: The Isabella Earrings, $44, Shop
LYS SANTAMARIA | Visit Shop
Pictured left: Magic Eye Earrings, $150, Shop ; Pictured right: Corazon Azul Brooch, $60, Shop
YOGI DADA | Visit Shop
Pictured left: Legacy Collection: Courage Beyond Pink Earrings, $25, Shop ; Pictured right: Prophecy Canvas Print, $100, Shop
SOCIAL JUSTICE JEWELRY | Visit Shop
Pictured left: Bitsy Power of Peace Logo Stainless Steel Earrings, $30, Shop ; Pictured right: Ally Social Justice Message Stainless Steel Cuff Bracelet, $35, Shop
IDIA’DEGA | Visit Shop
Pictured left: Band Ring, $30, Shop ; Pictured right: Wheel Ear Cuffs in Large, $95, Shop
WANJIKU DESIGNS | Visit Site
Pictured left: Pieces from the Wearable Art: Fashion Collection, See the full collection
ACCESSORIES
KAY KAY’S FASHION | Visit Shop
Pictured: Headbands in Veronica, Amandla, Sophia (sold individually), $12, Shop ; Scrunchies in Veronica, Amandla, Sophia (sold individually), $11, Shop
UNOETH | Visit Shop
Pictured left: Sheba Leather Tote in Nile Blue, $188, Shop ; Pictured right: Shop all bags, Shop
FATRA | Visit Shop
Pictured left: Its Electric, $168, Shop ; Pictured right: Honolulu, $188, Shop
SEWN BY KENZI | Visit Shop
Pictured left: Classic Beauty Cross-back Full Kitchen Apron, $45, Shop ; Pictured right: Little Cutie Half Apron, $30, Shop
CUSTOM COLLABORATIVE | Visit Shop
Pictured left: Mara Hoffman x CC Mask, $28, Shop ; Shop the full collection, Shop
APPAREL
STUDIO ONE EIGHTY NINE | Visit Shop
Pictured left: Indigo Single Breasted Overcoat, $900, Shop ; Pictured right: Blue Reiko Cotton Hand-Batik Long Shirt Dress, $475, Shop
LATCHKEY KIDS | Visit Shop
Pictured left: Classic Ltchkykd$ Tee, $24, Shop ; Pictured right: 4 Eyes Money Over Bullshit, $16, Shop
SOHARLEM | Visit Shop
Pictured left: Swing Dress, $140, Shop ; Pictured right: Shoulder Mud Cloth Bag, $80, Shop
HOME
AWKWARD AUNTIE | Visit Shop
Pictured left: Sphere Planter in Black & White Swirl, $32, Shop ; Pictured right: Envelope Planter/Container, $28, Shop
REPURPOSED PROJECTS | Shop on At West End
Pictured: Recycled Pallet Wine Rack, $99, Shop
KRIETE STONEWARE | Visit Shop
Pictured left: Handmade Ceramic Mug, $45, Shop ; Pictured right: Handmade Ceramic Serving Bowl, $80, Shop
APOTHECARY
CALIFORNIA COUNTRY ORGANICS | Visit Shop
Pictured left: The Butters Decadent Body Butter, $9, Shop ; Pictured right: Ooh You Salty Foot Conditioner, $15.50, Shop
ORGANICALLY BATH & BEAUTY | Visit Shop
Pictured left: Love Whipped Body Scrub, $22.50, Shop ; Pictured right: Bubble Truffles Bath Bomb Gift Set, $45.50, Shop
GOLDE | Visit Shop
Pictured left: Superfood Latte Blends, $29, Shop ; Pictured right: Face Masks, $34, Shop