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August is Black-Owned Business Month, a designation created in 2004 to promote African-American businesses, support Black entrepreneurs, and advance economic freedom for Black communities. However, the end of the month shouldn’t be the end of supporting Black-owned businesses.
The best way to support Black-owned businesses is simply to shop them year-round. In this article, we feature five Black-owned design businesses that are run by Black interior designers and often use products, textiles, and other items from other Black professionals.
Black-Owned Design Businesses to Watch This Year
If you’re redecorating your house or looking for more home decor inspiration, consider supporting a Black-owned design business. These are our top picks:
Beth Diana Smith Interior Design
Beth Diana Smith is an interior designer who blends various styles to create a cohesive look for residential spaces. A member of the American Society of Interior Designers, she has been featured in several magazines and podcasts and has made TV appearances.
Smith says the biggest advice she has for anyone looking to start a design business is to not be afraid to ask questions. “You don’t know what you don’t know, so it’s important to surround yourself with other business owners who want to be a part of your tribe,” says Smith. “Be prepared to delve into the unknown, for unexpected things to happen, and to push yourself in new ways.”
You can contact the New Jersey-based interior design firm online to become a client or book a virtual consultation.
Blessed Little Bungalow
Southern designer Amber Guyton of Blessed Little Bungalow uses bold patterns, colors, and textures, making her a sought-after interior designer. She’s been featured in multiple home media outlets and offers her services for both commercial and residential projects.
Although she’s an accomplished designer now, Guyton says she was terrified to get started. She says that to be successful in businesses, you have to “do it scared. Feel the fear, but do it anyway.”
“When I started Blessed Little Bungalow, it was just a hobby and creative outlet,” says Guyton. “Once I found the courage to bet on myself, I took the leap into full-time entrepreneurship.”
Guyton says shopping Black-owned businesses not only supports the Black community and the American economy, but it also can bring a new culture into your every-day life.
“Like any culture, Black-owned businesses offer unique products, services, and perspectives on the world. Interior design and home decor are no different,” says Guyton. It’s important to pour into these businesses to proudly support and celebrate the talent they offer.
If you’re interested in working with Guyton, contact Blessed Little Bungalow.
Bolé Road Textiles
Bolé Road Textiles is a home decor company that offers pillows, rugs, and curtains made by artisan workers in Ethiopia. Founded by native Ethiopian Hana Getachew, the company also has partnered with the national furniture brand West Elm to create an exclusive line of products.
Getachew says her best advice for aspiring entrepreneurs is: “Just start! From there, really look into how you can keep your expenses lean, support yourself, and still invest in your business. Try to do as much as possible when you first launch, then see what resonates with your customers.”
Customers can shop directly from Bolé Road Textiles’ website to bring a vibrant piece into their homes while supporting a Black-owned business.
Bradley L Bowers
A graduate of the acclaimed Savannah College of Art and Design, Bradley L Bowers runs a design studio in New Orleans. His company designs homes, hotels, restaurants, and more.
Bowers has found success in the industry, but he says it certainly did not come overnight—it’s a daily effort.
“Everyone wants you to think that success is a magical place of constant euphoria. Success is making it through all of yesterday and all of last year. There is power and wonder in surviving, and if you can laugh and smile while you are moving from day to day, then you’ve got all you need,” Bowers says. “It took me a long time to realize that the challenge was magical.”
You can order products—such as wallpaper, lamps, and textiles—from Bowers’ website.
Bridgid Coulter Design
Bridgid Coulter Design is an interior design firm that creates residential and commercial designs, ensuring each space has a unique vibe. Her warm designs stem from indigenous backgrounds and support various motifs.
The Santa Monica-based company has a mailing list for events and newsletters.
Resources for Black-Owned Businesses
Whether you’re a Black-owned design business looking for helpful resources or a consumer looking for ways to support Black-owned businesses, these organizations can help you get connected with the right people.
Black Owned Everything
Black Owned Everything is a site aggregating Black-owned businesses so you can shop from stores knowing that every designer is a Black business owner and creative. It also has an Instagram feed promoting its directory of businesses and stores. If you are a Black business owner, you can apply to have your products featured and included on the site.
NAACP Business Grants
As one of the largest organizations supporting Black communities, the NAACP works with other organizations to offer grants for Black business owners and entrepreneurs. Grant amounts vary depending on the supporting organization but generally range between $10,000 and $35,000. You can visit its website for more information on how to give or receive support to the NAACP.
National Minority Supplier Development Council
The National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) is a business development group for “systematically excluded communities of color,” including Black, Asian, Hispanic, and Native American business owners. When you register to be part of the NMSDC, you’ll be added to the council’s database, either as a client looking to support diverse businesses or as a diverse business to showcase your offerings.
Our Recommendation
If you’re moving into a new home, looking to refresh your current one, or just looking for ways to support Black-owned businesses, there are many you can consider. You can hire one of the names on our curated list or search for a local business. Many interior designers may even be able to help you virtually—even if you’re on the other side of the country.
