Black Pound Day: Businesses to supPort from now ‘til forever
BY SOLAMIPE ONIFADE & SOPHIE CHERRY
“It’s a movement, not a moment”
WHAT IS BLACK POUND DAY?
Black Pound Day is an initiative designed to help support Black-owned businesses in the UK and the growth of the Black economy.
Stimulated and inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement following the killing of George Floyd, Swiss (a member of So Solid Crew) dreamt up the idea which is about discovering and celebrating Black-owned businesses. The campaign encourages shoppers to support talented Black business owners by switching from their usual favourite stores, for shopping with local and online UK Black-owned businesses instead.
It started on 27 June and going forward, there will be a Black Pound Day every month, following a schedule of the first Saturday of the month.
HOW CAN WE SUPPORT BLACK-OWNED BUSINESSES?
According to the Black Pound Day website, "if we spend just £10 a week on Black businesses, we can inject £1.9bn into the Black community".
It’s an easy solution so why don’t we all get involved in the movement to bring about real economic impact in Black communities?
We will be releasing our round-ups of our favourite Black-owned businesses every month, so stay tuned! If any brands/artists/dancers/musicians want to get in contact, feel free to drop us an email - marketing@fuze-bristol.com.
REFRESH: Here are some emerging fashion brands to boost your wardrobe. Selected for their commitments to the values of diversity, creativity and sustainability, which are central to FUZE.
JEHU_CAL
Started by founder, Emay whilst still in first year of uni. JEHU - CAL champions sustainability and freedom, the freedom to take any path in life. The brand has a strong focus on graphic design, with Emay doing it all from marketing to finance, down to the designs.
Transparency is central to JEHU - CAL’s online presence as they provide an outlook into the brand’s development through their product focus’. They are constantly improving their products and design, with a focus on sustainability. Most importantly, JEUH - CAL ‘is for the culture, from the culture’ with the Black Lives Matter movement prominent in many of their collections.
Affandjam
Stemming from their roots: Africa and Jamaica ‘aff&jam’, this London-based sustainable brand makes hand-painted wearable art. It was started by two London grown artists on a journey of “exploration through art, clothing and identity”.
Each of their pieces are from recycled items which are recreated individually and carefully hand-printed and painted. Their aim is to grow consciously and continue to promote empowerment and body positivity.
KAI COLLECTIVE
Kai Collective is a London-based womenswear brand of “attainable clothing with luxury aesthetics”. It was founded by fashion and travel blogger, Fisayo Longe, who has a passion for making women feel powerful.
Kai seeks to create clothing for women to embrace their femininity in all forms, and give women an extra dose of confidence.
CHALK JEWELLERY
Chalk is a London-based design studio run by designer Malaika, who has a passion for beautifully crafted design in all its forms.
Chalk's collections are influenced by architectural elements, everyday objects and bold, colourful cultural patterns.
Ashanti Swimwear
Ashanti Swimwear is an African swimwear line that tells the story of the Ashanti Kingdom of Ghana. The brand aims to be welcoming and inclusive; embracing those who want to learn about Ghanaian culture.
All pieces in the Ashanti Swimwear line are given a traditional name and customers are told of the meaning behind the traditional prints in each piece.
BROKE AND BEAUTIFUL
Inspired by catwalk trends, celebrities and street style, Broke and Beautiful is a global accessories brand that aims to be at the forefront of trends and fashion styles. From jewellery to hair accessories & handbags, they provide you with the latest trends and classic pieces!
WE ARE KIN
WE ARE KIN is an emerging sustainable label founded by Ngoni Chikwenengere with a focus on creating an “understated sense of sartorial refinement, aided by strong silhouettes, clean lines and statement pieces that will elevate any closet”.
They believe in sustainable and responsible practices which are achieved by working with end of line fabrics, sustainable fabrics and their local factory.
