This year for Black History Month, I would like to share some of my favorite black artists and businesses. Please check out these artisans and support with a follow, a like, a kind comment, or with your dollars

Allow Me Introduce You to.... Artist Ron Stokes - Views by Stokes

Meet my dear friend, Ron Stokes of Views by Stokes.  I'm featuring Ron because he is my go-to for discussions about thriving in the artisan world.  I'm featuring my favorite piece of his art which is his Special Edition " Garvey "... please do yourself a favor and pick up a print of this!!  Thank you Ron for bringing your art to the world!! 
Ron Stokes is a Native of Washington DC. He grew up largely in the Bay Area of California, but has lived in Richmond, VA for the past 10 years.  He is a self-taught street artist that merged his talents with abstract art and developed a unique style of storytelling through color and pattern.  The beauty of abstract work is about finding what speaks to you in the painting. He creates each piece based on emotion, thought, and what inspires him in the moment.  He speaks through color and imagery rather than words bringing to life stories of culture, history and the world around him .  He has worked on both large scale and small scale projects in many cities while giving back to charities and foundations. He sees his artistry as the bridge that connects art to the city. ​

Allow Me to Introduce You to Bougie Scented Candles - Victor Ledbetter and Ron Griffin 

They are new to entrepreneurship but don't underestimate the power of their candles!! Please meet Victor and Ron, my bestest friends from Atlanta that started a candle company during COVID and have flourished!! 
We are Bougie Scented Candles. We make hand pours pure soy wax candles with natural essential oils. Our candles can be used to fill a room with an amazing aroma, and the wax as a fragranced hand moisturizer or a massage oil. We pride ourselves on the quality and the consistency of our product. We are a brand and not a label; meaning we don’t buy in bulk and slap our label on the box. We handle each candle from pour to packaging to purchased.  For those who know us, no other name suited this effort given the two of us, so Bougie Scented Candles it was!

Allow Me to Introduce You to..... Ama Schulman of All Very Goods

This Etsy Favorite ( big deal ) is also one of my favorites. You've probably seen me rocking an All Very Good Bandana as a purse tie, cute necklace or hair bow.  
​Founded in 2019, All Very Goods is an ever evolving collection of accessories, apparel and paper goods.
We are Black woman owned and operated. Our designs draw from our lived experiences, history and mythology, African story telling, craft making, and our love for Black people and Black culture.