Architectural Digest Editors Share 21 of Their Favourite Black-Owned Companies

It’s no secret we love a good shopping spree here at AD and Clever, and if we get to support innovative creators and entrepreneurs while we do it, all the more reason to splurge! To kick off Black History Month, we’re sharing some of our favorite Black-owned businesses to shop for furniture, decor, accessories, and more. From stylish bathroom accessories from Sean Brown, one-of-a-kind E&KO. furniture, or all kinds of gifts from Goodee, read on for the full exclusive on a few of the products that we know and love (or have added to our personal wish lists). Happy shopping!

Hoola Beaded Green Cool Ceiling Light

“Nana Quagraine’s decor platform 54kibo stocks everything from luxury dishware to textiles to baby gifts and high-end furniture. The common thread that ties all of these products together? Nana’s dedication to sourcing the best in contemporary African design. Most recently, I was delighted to see the work of South African lighting design studio Mash.T, whose work is woven and beaded by hand.”  — Rachel Fletcher, commerce editor

“Designer Akosua Afriyie-Kuma’s gorgeous raffia handbags are precisely the kind of accessory I’m always searching for to spice up a photo shoot—something with vivid colors, seductive shapes, and fine artisanal details. Handwoven in Ghana (where the designer currently resides), the bags radiate not just beauty but delight. AAKS should make a serious move into the home goods arena. After all, who doesn’t love a raffia pom-pom?” — Mayer Rus, West Coast editor

Alysia Mazzella Tea Lights

“There’s nothing like the smell of burning beeswax to make a room feel homey. I’m an Earth sign, so I thrive when I’m grounded—setting good vibes in your domestic environment through scent is crucial to unlocking this level of inner peace. I became familiar with Alysia Mazzella and her beeswax practice during the pandemic and have never looked at candles in the same way since. I get so much use out of these packs of tea lights that she sells. At this point, I should be on the subscription plan so I never experience running out again!” — Sydney Gore, digital design editor

Brother Vellies Cloud Sock

“There’s a good chance you’ve seen a pair of Brother Vellies shoes on one of your favorite people (my latest obsessed moment: on Molly, in the season finale of Insecure). You also likely know the brand because of its incredible creative director and founder, Aurora James (hello, Fifteen Percent Pledge!). But onto the socks—since I don’t get to see my bare feet from October through June, I’m always looking for the most cozy, delightful footwear, and these cloud socks are perfection. Plus, they come in so many amazing colors, so an ideal item to stock up on.” — Zoë Sessums, digital design writer 

“If IRL hardware stores give you the willies, there’s never been a better time to spec your next wall finish from a distance. Clare, a brand founded in 2018, is shortlisted for my next home reno project. It’s zero-VOC, self-priming, and offers cheeky hues like Meet Cute (an updated millennial pink), Two Scoops (a sage variation), and the honestly named Greige. Clare also offers a Color Quiz and inexpensive sample packs—sweet mercies for tinkerers as indecisive as me.” — Lila Allen, AD PRO editor

Curves by Sean Brown Shower Curtain

“Chances are you’ve seen one of Sean Brown’s custom CD rugs on Clever, your IG feed, or in many stylish celebrity homes, but the Toronto-based designer keeps a full selection of creative decor and design objects stocked in the Curves shop. I’ve been eyeing this incredible shower curtain covered with designs of iconic chairs (because yes, I too love chairs on everything), and I think 2022 is the year I need to bring it home once and for all.” — Rachel Fletcher, commerce editor

“I’ve been taking pottery classes on and off since 2019. It is a great creative outlet for someone who stares at a computer screen all day for work, and it is incredibly meditative and relaxing. It’s also extremely difficult. I’m proud of the progress I’ve made, but I continue to be in awe of other artists whose work I see at the studio I go to or online. When we were asked to highlight our favorite Black-owned businesses for Black History Month, I knew I had to share some of the Black ceramicists I admire who are doing awesome things with clay. London James of Porcelain Sneakerhead, Virginia Felix of Keraclay, Whitney Simpkins of Personal Best Ceramics, and Tiana Tucker are all great, as is Sherród Faulks of Deep Black, who makes minimalist pieces in rich colors, like this decorative dish that doubles as an incense burner. I also highly recommend following @black_ceramicists on Instagram to find even more!” — Rachel Wallace, digital entertainment editor

“Right before Emmanuel Olunkwa became the editor of Pin-Up, he debuted a line of his own functional furniture. My personal favorite piece from the collection is this adorable side table made out of birchwood plywood. I envy all who snagged it during the last lap of the Ssense sale! Long live flower power ✿” — Sydney Gore, digital design editor