Last week, I shared 10 inspiring Black creators, artists, and businesses. Today, I am focusing specifically on LGBTQ+ creatives and entrepreneurs. I think it’s important for us to engage with and support people in the Black and LGBTQ+ communities. Here are some wonderful humans and businesses to show some love:
Maven Made
Maven Made is a shop, founded by Bethany Frazier, that sells plant-based skincare and wellness goods. They use organic, cruelty-free, non-toxic, and 100% botanical ingredients. I recently ordered their Relaxation Gift Set (yes, for myself!) and am so excited to try the products out! @mavenmade
Jess Bird
Jess’s website and Instagram is Bless the Messy, a place where she creates art that is uplifting, accepting, and supportive. Shop her online store, and feel good!
Christopher, the Plant Kween
Christopher is a Brooklyn-based lover of plants. He has built a joyful community on Instagram through all things botanical! He conveys a delight for life, along with helpful plant knowledge, through his happy, green-filled photos and honest, upbeat captions.
Christopher Robinson, The Art of Fun
Christopher is a children’s book illustrator and animator. If you’ve read the incredible Last Stop on Market Street, you have seen his art. Check out his website and Instagram for that warm fuzzy feeling.
Bijou Candles
Bijou Candles was started by NYC-based married couple Alaina and Jocelyn out of a mutual love for candles. They make fun sets of hand-poured candles, all named after women, like their 80s and 70s Icon Votives. And they believe in treating yourself, so go for it! @bijoucandles
NOTO
Formulated by Gloria Noto, this brand is a collection of genderless, multi-use products with botanic-based ingredients. Shop their full body wash and deep hydration serum (full shop here). What’s more, NOTO gives back. This month specifically, they are donating 100% of Agender Oil sales to The Okra Project, which seeks to address to global crisis faced by Black Trans people. @noto_botanics
Loveis Wise
Love-is wise creates beautiful, bright, inspiring illustrations. Shop their works of art on Etsy, and follow them on Instagram.
Humankind Swim
Humankind Swim aims to create swimwear that will make you feel comfortable and confident. Shop their gender-inclusive essential set here and limited edition tie dye tee here! @humankindswim
Automic Gold
Automic Gold sells fine jewelry that is made for everyone – all genders – and the brand is size-inclusive and diverse. Plus, they create everything using sustainable, eco-friendly, and ethical practices. Shop their collection here. @automicgold
Raquel Busa
Raquel is an artist and sewist who creates embroidered cards, face masks, coloring books, and more for her shop, Maquina 37. I also enjoy her illustrations on Instagram, like the one above from mid-March – I felt the same way on my birthday in early April!
Please share some of your favorites as well, if you’d like!
