This past 3 weeks have been an eye opening self reflection. I stumble between the balance of feeling hopeful and feeling dread and paralyzed with sadness and guilt. Hopeful that positive changes are coming from the #BlackLiveMatter movement. People are realizing that there needs to be more a representation of people of color in successful places, in workspaces and even on their instagram feeds. Hopeful that people will look internally and realized their own learned behavior of racism and listen and learn to change it. Hopeful that this fight won’t go on for another 400 years.
I feel dread that racism is alive and well in our country and that I’m embarrassed to live here. I’m paralyzed with sadness and guilt that I’m white and I’ve therefore lived with an unfair privilege all my life and I haven’t said or done more. Dread for my family and friends that don’t see this as a problem.
My heart has always bleed for people and causes and I’m just feeling guilty that I’ve never done enough.
Sadly, it is extremely embarrassing to say, but my own Instagram feed was not very colorful before this. Welp, any “influencers” that posted Swipe Ups or Try Ons when I felt that it wasn’t the time, or when “we” were all supposed to be “muted and listening,” I unfollowed.
I wanted to make my feed as colorful as I want to see the world. Unfortunately, we live in San Diego, which isn’t very diverse with Black People but we are very diverse with Hispanics. Therefore I did a bunch of research, asked you guys for help and changed what I see when I open the app.
My Instagram feed needed a little help to beautify and diversify. Below are accounts and business that I personally follow, purchased from or will soon and think you should follow as well.
Where to Shop:
Aliya Wanek
Full of classic styles and silhouettes, Aliya Wanek is made in the Bay Area and focuses on ways to reduce the brand’s environmental impact. The timeless Jorja dress is high on my wish list and I will be checking back daily to see when it is back in stock!
Where to Shop: HERE
Instagram: @aliyawanek
Ava & Isa
Timeless linen and cotton children’s wear that has me wanting everything in my size.
Where To Shop: HERE
Instagram: @avaandisa
Crownz by Gem
Ankara bonnets and headscarves made in Arizona meant to protect your “crowns” {hair}. All fabrics are imported from Ghana and is named after a powerful African queen, including the founders mother and grandmother.
Where to Shop: HERE
Instagram: @crownzbygem
Estelle Colored Glass
This account had me drooling before I even realized it was a Women of Color business. The wine glasses are beyond gorgeous and I really think I need them for our new outdoor set up. Get a couple of classes or a cake stand for your next hostess gift and “Welcome Back!” party, post COVID.
Where To Shop: HERE
Instagram: @estellecoloredglass
Fresres Branchiaux Candle Co.
3 brothers who create 100% vegan candle with 10% of the proceeds going to DC homeless shelters. Oh! And they are ages 9 to 14. Started as a way to get more allowance, the three brothers have created a one of a kind business with vegan candles {harder to find than you think!} that support young entrepreneurs, the Black community and the homeless.
Where to Shop: HERE
Instagram: @freresbranchiaux
Habit
Habit is women owned by a Mexican-Indian Women who swears that the best way to prevent aging is to use a daily SPF {duh!}. With inclusivity messages all over their website {“works on every skin tone because we know that not everyone is white”}, chic packing and investment in everyone wearing their SPF, they want you to up your SPF game and stick to it. Like a Habit.
Where to Shop: HERE
Instagram: @habitskin
House of Roushey
Local to Rochester, NY {message her for a contact free drop off!}, Christy is an engineer turned self taught artist, focusing on flowers. Her Etsy shop is a first for the eyes and she describes her flower focus by saying, “flowers are like each of us- Unique. Imperfect. Significant. Radiant.”
Where to Shop: HERE
Instagram: @houseofroushey
Jade Swim
The chicest swimsuits that I’ve seen in a while, Jade Swim want to focus on, “different, unique, meaningful. Simple but more than basic.” With focuses on being for long term and multifunctional, you have to see the cleans lines of these bathing suits.
Where to Shop: HERE
Instagram: @jadeswim
Lend Your Love Bodycare
With a focus on natural body care and a healthy body, mind and spirit, LYL wants everyone to embrace their natural beauty.
Where to Shop: HERE
Instagram: @lylbodycare
Le Petit Organic
Specializing in vintage, organic and eco-friendly clothing for kids, these items will leave you wanting them in your size. {want this dress to match Madrid!}
Where to Shop: HERE
Instagram: @lepetitorganic
Madame de la Maison
This feed is the definition of dreamy and even more so if you are looking to plan a post COVID party, as they rent and sell “tabletop beauties.”
Where To Shop: HERE
Instagram: @madamdelamaison
Maya’s Cookies
A San Diego native company and it has my mouth watering just writing this. Available for delivery country wide, the cookies are vegan and baked and shipped daily. Maya tells her story on her website that people would beg for her recipe and then would be floored to learn they were vegan. Excuse me while I go place an order ASAP! They are also plant based, dairy free and cruelty free.
Where to Shop: HERE
Instagram: @mayascookiessandiego
Mmaa
More than just a basket company, Mmaa works on empowering and employing women and give back to education for women in Ghana. They focus on offering resources for all types of education and resources to sanitary products for women.
Where To Shop: HERE
Instagram: @mmaa.social
Opal + Fig
These handmade heirloom dolls are beyond precious and one of a kind and each purchase gives back to feed the hungry. The prefect doll and giving back and supporting a small, Women of Color owned and operated business? What is not to love?!
Where To Shop: HERE
Instagram: @shop.opalandfig
RetroRhapsody
Kenia own’s a vintage shop with curated pieces and showcases them in the post gorgeous Instagram feed.
Where to Shop: HERE
Instagram: @smallneeds
The Tiny Tassel
Mimi started this company by hand making tassels, and now you can find her wears in shops all across the country and even in her own shop in Charleston, South Carolina. All the garments are handmade by her mom and I want them all!
Where To Shop: HERE
Instagram: @thetinytassel
WearProclaim
Earth friendly, California made and a wide shades of “nude” underwear, this is your new go-to brand of underwear. From their website, “We are founded on the principles that fashion should represent all women and can be made in a way that does good for people and the plant.” What is not to love about that?!?
Where to Shop: HERE
Instagram: @wearproclaim
Who to Follow
Obviously, all the accounts above. The ones listed below are Black Influencers that I’ve fallen in love with, either their message, their feed, their style, or, most likely, all of the above.
@chrissyford – A Harpers Bazaar contributor with a feed and eye for fashion
@danielleprescod – equestrian with an amazing sense of style and isn’t afraid to use it.
@nycxclothes – Gorgeous Haitian sisters with the most beautiful feed. What Instagram used to be x2
@sashaexeter – Canadian single mom boss, with a bi racial daughter and a love for home workouts.
@sequinsandsales – Atlanta based blogger and Mental Health advocate with a classic and clean style maya
@spiritedpursuit – her feed will having you dreaming of your first post Covid vacation.
@tune2tunde – International fitness model and Peloton instructor, and I am told her classes are a must!
@waityouneedthis – an NYC girl, trying to help you recreate the look at excellent price points
