Back in March when I was right inside the twists and turns of setting up Afrocks and getting the word out, I was already thinking about writing a fantastic blog post about Black-owned businesses. Now is probably the right time: there is a great hashtag going viral on Twitter #UKBlackOwnedBusinesses featuring literally hundreds of dedicated black people doing their thing. Here is a list of the most creative, fun, cool Black-Owned businesses we found through this amazing hashtag!
PS: This is has been put together by the Afrocks team based on our own criteria, which are of course subjective. It doesn’t mean that other businesses not listed below aren’t good…

Hair and Beauty

1. By Aaron Wallace

Entrepreneur Aaron Wallace has launched Britain’s very first black-owned grooming brand, specifically tailored to black men. If you guys need to grow that beard or get an efficient shave, this is the place to go!

2. Afrocks

Ohey! Our website is now live and you can find and book your Locs, Natural Hair or Braids stylist in just a few clicks! So far we only had good feedback from clients and we are adding more stylists as we speak. Please note that we only service London at the moment but are planning expansion in Birmingham and Manchester in January 2017.

3. SimplyMoi

SimplyMoi is owned by a British couple of Jamaican and Sierra Leonean descent who are both long-term advocates and users of natural products for the hair.
The website is very well-designed, very eye-catching and full of information – if you want to buy your all-natural products for your hair, this is the place to go!

4. Afrocenchix

Well this probably our favourite natural hair product website for the following reasons:
– They’ve been very supportive to Afrocks on Social Media
– There is great expertise in terms of product formulation, away from nasty chemical.
– The website is absolutely stunning when it comes to design, and user experience.
– The blog is amazing with some great tips and inspiring stories!

5. JB The Make Up Artist

Judith Beya is an independent makeup artist based in London specialising in weddings and special events.
We love the minimalist website, the portfolio, the video. But what we really like is the ‘Book Your appointment’ feature! makes a difference!

6. Lovable Lashes

Here is a Black-owned website bringing us high quality, affordable lashes! Oh! and they offer worldwide shipping!

Fashion/Jewellery/Clothing

7. Venus Island

We all love having unique/special/beautiful pieces of jewellery that we can show off to friends and family.
Venus Island is African-Caribbean inspired jewellery founded in 2012 that will definitely make your heart melt. Plus shipping is free over £10!

8. Morts & More

Founded by Sena Mortoo and Joshua Umoren, Morts & More brings you the ultimate tailoring experience so men with suits have no other options than just looking good!
Every piece is bespoke so you will need to book a consultation directly via the website. Speaking about the website, we love it! Full width, high-res, shiny pictures are amazingly well organised throughout! Well done boys!

9. Sophisticated Knots

Another one for our men!
Founded by Nathaniel Holder, Sophisticated Knots provides high-quality service of tying knots.
Honestly, the website fits the brand perfectly and is up to market standard – probably one of the best we have seen around.
Get your tie styled and stand out from the crowd!

10. Dao London

Dao London creates uniquely designed garments combined with African print, wax fabric etc.
Designs are edgy, vibrant, ethnic while always keeping that fine/clean touch.

11. BlacShade

BlacShade is an independent company based in the UK that is dedicated to having the latest trends and the best quality. Their mission is to be an inspirational destination for eyewear fashion.
So if you want to look good and be on the top of your game for summer, go check them out!

12. Vitae London

The watches are splendid! But there is more to it: When you purchase a watch from Vitae London, you directly help transform South African kids. Each watch purchased from their classic range of watches supplies a child with two sets of a school uniform, a bag and footwear to see them through the year.
What else do you need?

Home Accessories

13. Otando Home Interiors

Rugs, cushions and Wall paint with a very African twist! Oh yes! The various piece is amazingly designed and will suit your living room pretty well.

Lingerie/Swimwear

14. Lajoiswimwear

No dream is too big!
Lajoiswimwear was founder by two young ladies from London, designing these handmade pieces from their living room.
Pieces fit all size and shape while providing that sexy, classy touch. Very nice website too!

15. MyMilla

WE LOVE IT!
DD cup size and can’t find a style you like in your size? Problem solved! Read what Founder Nicole Kanjere says on the website. Very inspiring!
“For a long time, I have had to either sacrifice my style of lingerie for whichever bra I could find in my size or money for an expensive set I liked. Sometimes I squeezed into bras that didn’t fit me just to wear a particular style until I learnt the amazing benefits of wearing a perfect fitting bra and the various brands out there that offer both style and comfort at a price I could afford.
My clothes fit better, I felt lighter because the support was finally there and my focus was not on how uncomfortable or in pain I was because of my HH cup size. I want women to feel the same way so I want to share my knowledge of the different brands out there that are affordable and stylish.

Design/Branding/Photography

16. Special Touch Design

Lovely little business created by Georgina Fihosy in 2015 whilst on maternity leave. She designs bright, colourful and beautiful African inspired greeting cards for all occasions.

17. Marssaie

Get all your artistic/Design jobs done by Marssaié. This London born & bred graphic designer will tell your brand story across various fields: Art direction, branding, logo design, print design, packaging. We really liked the simplistic, clean and fresh website look. Very inspiring.

18. Xocubic

Sleek looking creative/branding agency created back in 2010. Xocubic will provide 360 degrees creative services for new and existing businesses: Web design, video/film, graphic design, UI/UX design and much more.

19. BoyWonder Management

Another fine looking creative/Branding/Marketing Agency promising ‘Endless Creativity, Uncompromising Quality and Efficient Planning All Inspired By You.’
Go through their past projects to check out how good they are. To us, they seem quality.

20. LCMP Photography

The website and the portfolio is pretty cool. Why not book a session for some edgy shots?

21. Elen B photography

Elen B has been specialising in wedding photographer 10 years and has been featured within Freelance Photographer Magazine, Wedding TV, The Serpentine Gallery, Ninety Nine Magazine, Sparkle and Wow Weddings and the Mahogany Bridal Show.
Have a look she’s incredibly talented!

Food

22. Nari Juice

Nari Palm Juice is an Africa-inspired lifestyle brand. For thousands of years the sweet sap of the palm was identified as a ‘spiritual’ drink. The brand and products embrace the spirituality and colourful, creative, ancient culture of West Africa. And it’s 100% natural!
Haven’t tried it yet but looked delicious!

23. Vanilla Orchid Bakery

Cake! Cake! Cake! Cake!
Created 3 years ago by Hope, Vanilla Orchid Bakery continues to provide scrumptious bespoke cakes to thrilled clients including Canary Wharf Group, Tommy Hilfigher and The Asantehene (King of Ghana) to name but a few. The cake pictures are fantastic! Half of the marketing is done and we all feel like eating them all!

Coming soon

 24. Jamii

This one is looking like it’s gonna be a huge one! They will basically connect customers to discounts at African-caribbean businesses in the UK. You can sign up to get notified about the launch.
Can’t wait!

25. Tropic Bamboo

Fast Casual Tropical Restaurant opening in 36 days from now! You can register your email address for more information.
We saw the video on their twitter account and it’s amazing!

26. Trim It