I used to work at a startup company in Santa Monica, California. Startups are usually celebrated for their diversity but at this startup there weren’t many people of color. My coworkers often stared at me as I went about my work. One time, a white male coworker was staring at me so hard that he tripped over a step and his iced coffee went everywhere. I walked over him and proceeded to warm up my lunch.
At the coffee shop next door, I was adding cream and sugar to my cup of joe and another white male coworker was staring at me for so long, in my head, I asked him if he wanted to stir my coffee.
Dove’s latest ad is just another example of the lack of diversity at corporations. Dove apologized by saying that they "missed the mark" representing black women. And now they can miss our dollars.
“Take those moneys and spread ‘cross families
My sisters, Hattie and Lou, the nephews, cousins and TT”
“TIDAL, the champagne, D’USSÉ, I’d like to see
A nice peace-fund ideas from people who look like we
We gon’ start a society within a society
That’s major, just like the Negro League
There was a time America wouldn’t let us ball
Those times are now back, just now called Afro-tech
Generational wealth, that’s the key”
In the words of Jay Z, we need to buy Black. We have to start supporting small, black-owned businesses. When it comes to beauty and hair, there are tons of up and coming brands and products emerging in the industry. With most opting to use all natural ingredients, here are a few you can give your coins to. Yes, you will have to order online. No, it's not an inconvenience to do so.
Fly Girl Tip: Set a reminder on your phone at the beginning of each month to reorder. Yes, it's that important.
Dark & Stormy Soap by Komfort Zone
Komfort Zone
Komfort Zone is the home of luxurious, satisfying items for the body and bath including delightful smelling, natural soaps, skin-loving butters and several other decadent products. Try: Dark & Stormy ,($7)
Secretly Obvious
Raising awareness about environmental sustainability while promoting health, this line produces soaps, butters and oils to naturally heal skin. Try: Hempseed Oil Soap,($4)
Pooka
This brand prides itself on nourishing ingredients that hydrate the skin and smell good enough to eat. Try: Guava Mango Body Butter, ($16)
Sereniti Bath Body and You
N. Renee Sessoms decided to make a move on researching to find the best in skin care ingredients! “I believe that skincare is an ever changing industry and its my intentions to make sure that my customers get the Best product with the BEST customer service! Your voice will always be valued here in your online shop.” Try Breakfast Bar Soap, ($7.50)
Cherish & Swain
Markeeta Jones is a licensed therapist by day with a love to serve others and assist them in the process of feeling their best selves. Try Blue Orchid Vegan handcrafted soap, ($7.00)
Naturally Me and You
Naturally Me and You is a line of natural products for the body, hair, and home. If you desire a lifestyle that is free of chemically-laden products, full of toxins and bad-for-you ingredients, then try Black Coconut Soap,($10.00)
Divine Luxury Bath & Body
"From Nature's Land to Your Hands" is Divine Luxury Bath & Body’s mission. Try Revitalize Artisan Cold Process Soap, ($7.20)