With the Holidays around the corner, I bet you’re still wondering what presents to get the people in your life. I really don’t know why, but this year, I found myself thinking of all the beautiful black women in my life. When making presents, I always try to either give something that might be useful or something that is meaningful. For my friends, mother, sisters, cousins, this year, I’m going for well-thought-out gifts. Gifts that fit their characters and gifts that would certainly please the queen in them. Here is a list to inspire you as well!
Moon Souls
Moon Souls has “beautifully handcrafted, beauty, bath and body, and home goods”. Their products include the Body Soufflé, a delicious whipped body butter made of lavender, vanilla mint, raw shea, rose hip, vitamin E, jojoba oil and essential oils. Don’t we love organic, plant-based and locally sourced ingredients?
Nicholle Kobi Drawings
This French-Congolese illustrator that I had the pleasure of watching when she came to Montreal for the Confessions Intimes, an event organized by Four Brown Girls, is a true artist. She portrays black women. Drak, light-skinned, thin, curvaceous, young, mature…You name it. Her drawings are beautiful and most of all inspirational. You want to be friends with her leading ladies or just have a drink with them!
Ethiopian chokers Marzam
Having lived in Ethiopia for most of my teenage years, made me love everything about this country….especially the culture: the clothes, the art, the food. Marzam is a brand created by 3 Ethiopian women currently living in North America. They aim to show a different side of the traditional pieces of garment worn by women in their country of origin. They sell BEAU-TI-FUL chokers made of fabric that is hand-woven by artisans in East Africa.
The Wrap Life
The Wrap Life, created by Nnenna Stella in Brooklyn, New York, is one of those online stores that you love to visit over and over again to find inspiration or just joy. Colorful headwraps made of Ankara fabric is their specialty. Have a look at what they have, you’ll surely find a gift for a beautiful woman who is not scared of trying new things.
Lipbar Lipsticks
Lip Bar was created by a woman of color to allow other black and ethnic women to stop fearing vibrant lip colors. Shades like neon purple, satin black and copper metallic are basic shades with Lip Bar lipsticks. So ladies: fear no more and dare to be bold!
Nubian Skin Lingerie
This is the ultimate lingerie and hosiery line for women of color. Have you ever been frustrated trying to find a real nude bra that would match your skin tone? Well, look no more. Nubian skin is here for us, women of color. They have a selection of hosiery and lingerie in 4 different skin tones: berry, cinnamon, caramel and café au lait. Which one is yours?
So Ethnic
So Ethnic is a Paris based shop selling accessories made in Africa by local artisans. I had the pleasure of having a nice conversation with the owner when he came to Montreal for a private sale last month. That day, I bought a very nice Maasai necklace that I can’t wait to wear this holiday season!
Q Redew Hair Steamer
This hair steamer will leave your hair soft and moisturized yet dry to the touch. It can be used daily to detangle the hair without damaging it. The Q-Redew is a great alternative for those who are looking for a way around flat iron and other heat devices to achieve a manageable hair texture.
Emily Jayne Sugar Wench Scrub
Havana Flamingo on Etsy
I discovered this Etsy shop not long ago and fell in love with it right away. Beautiful handmade, African-inspired jewelry! According to the shop’s owner, the goal for him is not to replicate African or ethnic jewelry but to be inspired by its boldness and most of all, by the strength that it infuses.
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