At FEED, we are proud to celebrate Black History Month, honoring the contributions, resilience, and achievements of Black communities.
One way to be an advocate is to purposefully seek out and shop from Black-owned businesses. FEED supports The Fifteen Percent Pledge, a movement created to address the lack of representation and support for Black-owned businesses in the retail space. Founded by designer and activist Aurora James in 2020, the pledge encourages retailers to commit to dedicating 15% of their shelf space to Black-owned brands, proportional to the Black population in the U.S. Here are a few businesses we love and shop from often:
Partake Cookies - Another FEED favorite, Partake Cookies, offers a delicious range of allergy-friendly treats that everyone, regardless of food restrictions, can enjoy. Founded by CEO Denise Woodard after her daughter was diagnosed with multiple food allergies, Partake is driven by Woodard’s mission to provide safe, accessible food for all, especially food-insecure families. Through partnerships with organizations like No Kid Hungry, Woodard ensures these families have access to nutritious food, education, and advocacy. All Partake products are certified gluten-free, non-GMO, vegan, and free from the top 9 allergens, including wheat, peanuts, dairy, and more.
Butter & Lye - Created by Monique Kofsky, Butter & Lye offers clean, non-toxic skincare options for people looking to cut down on chemicals. The brand focuses on clean beauty, sustainability, and science-backed ingredients. They also give back with every purchase through their bar-for-bar program, donating a bar of soap to someone in need. It’s not just about skincare; it’s about living healthier and making a positive impact, one bar at a time.
Style In Seams - Robyn Andrea Burgess, the creative force behind Styles InSeams, started her fashion design journey to tackle the struggle of finding stylish clothes that fit her 6'2" frame. As a tall woman who’s always embraced her height, Robyn used her passion for design to create high-quality garments that complement her bold style and proportions. Through Styles InSeams, she inspires others to express their unique fashion sense and teaches that fashion is all about feeling fabulous in your own skin.
Dream Big, Little One - "features eighteen trailblazing Black women in American history, including heroes, role models, and everyday women who did extraordinary things—bold women whose actions and beliefs contributed to making the world better for generations to come. Whether they were putting pen to paper, soaring through the air, or speaking up for the rights of others, the women profiled in these pages took a stand against a world that didn't always accept them.”
Peacesake Candles & Co. - Founded by husband and wife duo Valencia and Eli Morr, Peacesake Candles & Co. aims to create high-quality products with clean ingredients, all while reducing waste and adding a natural touch to homes. Their candles are hand-poured in small batches to ensure quality, and all products are cruelty-free. They use blends of natural essential oils and phthalate-free fragrances, and their packaging is fully recyclable, with compostable boxes. Peacesake’s inspiration comes from nature, travel, and cherished memories.