Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many small businesses are suffering, particularly businesses run by women and women of color. Here at The JMK, which is also a woman-led business, we want to lift up our fellow female and female-identifying entrepreneurs and share with you their innovative businesses. 

Harlem Candle Co.: We adore luxury candles, and the selection at the NYC-based Harlem Candle Co. are just exquisite. Founded by travel and lifestyle expert Teri Johnson, these elegant and sleek candles are inspired by her love for jazz and Harlem. The warm and woodsy Duke is named after maestro Duke Ellington, and the sweet and floral Josephine is named after the gorgeous and talented Josephine Baker. These 12-ounce candles burn for about 80 hours and cost $45. 

Farmgirl Flowers: When founder Christina Stembel tried to cut costs at her Stanford University alumni events job by creating her own flower bouquets, a multi-million-dollar idea was born. What makes Farmgirl Flowers unique is that the bouquets are designed with small farmer-grown flowers AND they feature modern designs different from the overly feminine bouquets of major florists. Most bouquets at Farmgirl Flowers come in a rustic burlap bag and look like they’re freshly picked off the field.

The McBride Sisters Wine Collection: What started as two sisters’ shared passion for wine has now turned into the largest Black-owned wine company in America. Two of the McBride Sisters most popular wines are the Black Girl Magic collection, featuring a rose, red blend, and Riesling, and the SHE CAN collection with canned wine and wine spritzer. You can find their delicious wines at Kroger, Ralphs, Safeway, Target, Walmart and more.

Thea Candle Co.: Another candle company worth the mention! Thea Candle Co was only founded of April this year by two local students at the University of Washington. Their goal was to bring a meaningful and positive impact on the planet and are doing just that with their eco-friendly coconut soy wax candles. 

The JMK: For over 12 years, mom vlogger Judy Travis has created content that speaks to moms everywhere. In 2018, she started her own line of beautiful and comfortable robes—The JMK, named after her three daughters—to extend her desire to empower and uplift women. Moms are the backbone of our communities, and they deserve to be celebrated and cherished for their contributions to the world. Our robes are designed for women to feel confident and maybe even a little bit sexy in their own skin.

The next time you do your shopping, please consider buying from locally owned or small name businesses owned by women and women of color. Your support matters.