Honoring Martin Luther King Jr. Day: Supporting Black-Owned Businesses

As we take a moment to honor the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. on this special day, it becomes increasingly vital to reflect on how we can embody his spirit of equality and unity in our daily lives. Embracing and supporting Black-owned businesses is one significant way to carry forward Dr. King’s mission. These businesses not only provide economic development but also strengthen community bonds and represent the diverse fabric of our society.

By choosing to invest in Black-owned companies, we celebrate their rich diversity, creativity, and innovation. In this article, we present six exceptional Black-owned brands, deserving of your attention and patronage—not just today, but every day. From pet care to beauty, candles to lifestyle products, these businesses showcase the resilience and entrepreneurial spirit of their founders.

1. PetPlate: Healthy Food for Your Furry Friends

Founded by Renaldo Webb in 2016, PetPlate emerged with a mission to provide healthier meals for dogs across the nation. This unique pet food brand specializes in freshly cooked meals and USDA-organic dog treats, designed to meet the nutritional needs of your beloved pets.

• Check out PetPlate’s Beef and Sweet Potato Bites, a protein-packed, filler-free, human-grade treat your dog will
  love.
• Help your pet relax with Chill Out Soft Chews, featuring natural ingredients like ashwagandha and L-theanine, along with peanut butter for flavor.
• Older dogs can benefit from Hip Hopping Soft Chews, crafted to support joint health with glucosamine, chondroitin, and flavorful berries.

2. Oui The People: Embracing Body Positivity

Founded by Karen Young, Oui The People is dedicated to celebrating body positivity and empowering individuals to embrace their true selves. This innovative body-care line emphasizes delivering effective, high-quality products tailored for real skin results.

• Transform your skin with their Prebiotic Lotion, which hydrates and soothes dry, stressed skin.
• Create a full skincare routine with The Body Box Collection, featuring a lactic acid body wash, body serum, and body gloss.
• Indulge in the Take Care Set, complete with a hydrating orange blossom body gloss and a massage tool that promotes skin health.

3. Be Rooted: Crafting Beautiful Cultural Products

Founded in 2020 by Jasmin Foster, Be Rooted creates aesthetically pleasing products like planners, candles, and calendars, all designed with women of color in mind. The brand reflects vibrant artistry and cultural inspiration in every item.

• Unwind with the Rest + Refresh Candle, infused with calming lavender and chamomile scents.
• Enhance your home’s ambiance with the Inhale + Exhale Candle, featuring a blend of amber, jasmine, and sandalwood notes.
• Stay organized with the 2025 Life is a Mood Calendar, showcasing vivid illustrations to inspire your planning.

4. Scotch Porter: Tailored Grooming Solutions for Men

Calvin Quallis founded Scotch Porter to address the demand for grooming products specifically designed for men with coarse, curly, and wavy hair types. The brand provides a diverse range of solutions for hair, beard, and skin care.

• Achieve your dream beard with Scotch Porter’s Beard Gro System, which includes a beard accelerator and roller for optimal growth.
• Tame your curls with the Complete Hair Kit, packed with shampoo, conditioner, leave-in conditioner, balm, and oil.
• Style and condition your beard with the Beard Balm, serving as both a nourishing treatment and styling product.

5. Spoken Flames: Creating Immersive Experiences

Founded by Shavaun, Spoken Flames emerged from her personal journey of using candles to cope with stress in her digital creative career. Her candles offer more than mere scents; they create immersive and inspiring experiences.

• Enhance your focus with the Focused Candle, designed to boost concentration while uplifting your space.
• Warm up your surroundings with the Soothe Candle, crafted to instill calmness and tranquility.
• Explore the full range of candles that promise to enrich your environment with meaningful aromas.

6. Conclusion: Daily Commitment to Support Black-Owned Businesses

As we commemorate Martin Luther King Jr. Day, it’s essential to embrace his ideals of equality, empathy, and social justice by supporting Black-owned businesses throughout the year. By choosing to support these exemplary brands, we uplift our communities and foster a more inclusive society.

Whether you’re purchasing gourmet dog treats from PetPlate, indulging in self-care products from Oui The People, or enriching your environment with candles from Spoken Flames, every choice counts. Let us carry forward Dr. King’s legacy by investing in the innovative entrepreneurs shaping our communities today.