With multiple holidays during the winter months, it can seem overwhelming to find the perfect gifts. As we approach this holiday season, many of us are shopping in ways to support our local businesses. We encourage you to seek out businesses in your community owned by people of color. For those of you in Iowa, we have some suggestions for Black-owned businesses across our state where you can find gifts.
This Black-owned bookshop was opened in September, 2020, by Amber Collins, and is one of the first Black-owned bookstores in the state of Iowa. You can shop their collection of books here for delivery anywhere in the U.S. or pickup in Waterloo.
Basic Goods is a Black-owned wellness business located in Iowa City. They feature an entire section on their website of brands they carry from POC-owned businesses. At Basic Goods you can find skincare products, food & drink, and more.
BLK & Bold Specialty Beverages, Des Moines, IA
BLK & Bold offers coffees, teas, and accessories. This Black-owned Des Moines based beverage company creates specialty coffee beans and teas, which you can purchase from their website, as well as Amazon and Target. BLK & Bold donates 5% of their profits to supporting at-risk youth.
Locs and Love, Cedar Rapids, IA
Locs and Love is a Black-owned self care business. You can buy body butters, beard oils, soap bars, and more from their Etsy shop.
Design Fetish by Deshara, Ankeny, IA
Design Fetish by Deshara is a Black-owned Ankeny design shop. Shop her collection of wreaths here.
We would love to hear from you about other Black-owned businesses you plan to support this holiday season. To let us know and add to our list, please leave a comment below.