Vancouver is filled with small businesses.
Pop-up shops and markets, like this one spotlighting BIPOC-owned businesses, aren't uncommon in the city and locals are often eager to support the city's many independent artisans and entrepreneurs.
To commemorate Black History Month, here are some Vancouver-based Black-owned businesses to check out not just in February, but all year long.
Fashion
Hogan’s Alley was a prominent Afro-Canadian neighbourhood in Vancouver. This vibrant part of the city buzzed with different cultures and the music, art, and fashion that came with them. This Vancouver clothing brand is an ode to the neighbourhood’s legacy and is a fusion of African culture and Western style.
This Vancouver-based sustainable fashion brand creates comfortable, functional pieces using zero-waste pattern drafting techniques. Kate & Frances also prioritizes featuring BIPOC models in collection campaigns.
This thrift and vintage boutique offers both vintage pieces and street and high end brands such as Aritzia and Oak and Fort. The store also carries jewellery, household items, and home decor, and works with local charities to give back to the community.
This Vancouver fashion brand is inspired by the bright fabrics worn in African culture. It was founded by Yao Zeus Mohammed in 2016 and is produced by artists in Togo.
Beauty
From hair extensions to braiding to hair straightening, this Vancouver business specialises in working with various hair types, including Asian, Black, Caribbean, African, and Caucasian hair.
Those searching for ethical fine jewellery can find a variety of accessories at this woman-owned Vancouver store. Each piece is individually handcrafted.
The name means "blessing" in Twi, a dialect of the Akan language spoken in southern and central Ghana. The local business creates clutches and earrings with a unique take on Ankara prints.
What began as a mother’s efforts to meet her Ugandan-born daughters’ special hair needs led to an established family-owned business settled on Kingsway. The store offers a variety of hair products, from weaves and braids to extensions and wigs.
This skincare brand combines plant-derived ingredients with science-backed ingredients to create multi-purpose skincare for all skin types and concerns.
This organic skincare brand uses natural, sustainably sourced ingredients to create soaps, creams, facial oils, and body oils. Products are locally made in small batches.
Other businesses
This neighbourhood grocer and cafe is a popular gathering spot for locals. The co-owners also own Calabash Bistro and Cartems Donuts.
This Vancouver-based snack brand makes natural, nutritious nut butter. The treats were designed with mothers in mind, incorporating the dietary needs of mothers throughout every stage of motherhood, from pre-pregnancy and pregnancy to postpartum and beyond. The nut butters are plant-based, low in sugar, and high in protein, iron, and calcium.
Founded in Vancouver, Farafena works with women farmers of Mali and Malawi to bring superfoods moringa, baobab, and fonio to the global market.
