6 Unique Brands Owned by Black Women Over 40 You Should Know
How often do you think that your buying choices can make a difference? Sometimes, what you purchase isn’t just a product—it can be a celebration of resilience, creativity, and the fearless spirit of women over 40 who dared to believe in themselves. Among these late bloomers who have embraced their second chapter, proving that it’s never too late to chase a dream, build a brand, and achieve multiple goals, some truly shine.
That’s why, during Black History Month, we’re highlighting Black-owned businesses led by inspiring midlife women—trailblazers who have transformed their life experiences into thriving brands that empower and uplift others.
Why Black Owned Brands Make A Difference
Black women have long been at the heart of innovation, community-building, and cultural influence, yet they often face unique challenges when it comes to entrepreneurship. From overcoming systemic barriers to accessing funding and visibility, their journey requires unwavering perseverance.
And yet, despite the odds, they continue to break boundaries, build legacies, and inspire future generations.
Supporting Black-owned businesses isn’t just about buying a product—it’s about investing in the dreams, stories, and hard work of those who are often overlooked. It’s about honoring the resilience of women who, despite ageism and societal expectations, have carved out spaces for themselves in industries that weren’t always welcoming.
It’s about recognizing that Black history isn’t just about the past—it’s about celebrating the Black excellence happening now.
Black Owned Brands We Love The Most
From beauty to wellness to fashion and beyond, these women are proving that success has no expiration date. By supporting their brands, we are not just shopping—we are amplifying voices, strengthening communities, and ensuring that Black women entrepreneurs get the recognition they deserve.
Here are six standout brands, platforms, and business founded by women over 50 or focused on the silver market that are breaking barriers and making an impact.
Founded by Germaine Bolds-Leftridge, IKNOW Skincare is a brand that speaks directly to midlife women. Recognizing the lack of skincare products catering to mature Black skin, she created a line that prioritizes nourishment, hydration, and self-care. IKNOW Skincare isn’t just about beauty—it’s about empowering women to embrace aging with confidence and grace. By focusing on high-quality ingredients tailored to the unique needs of melanated skin, the brand is redefining skincare for the Black and Coloured community.
Sacred Vibes Apothecary, founded by Empress Karen Rose, is revolutionizing holistic wellness through herbal remedies and healing practices rooted in ancestral knowledge. As a master herbalist Karen has dedicated her life to educating and empowering the Black community on plant-based healing. Her work integrates spirituality, self-care, and traditional medicine, making wellness more accessible and culturally affirming for all. Don’t forget to visit her shop when in New York, it’s a feast for all your senses (we love her anointing oils!).
Founded by Dionne Mahaffey, it’s an innovative greeting card company dedicated to adding diversity to the traditional greeting card industry. Recognizing a significant lack of representation, Dionne created Culture Greetings to celebrate various cultures and experiences through customized cards. The company partners with Walgreens, allowing consumers to personalize cards that reflect their unique stories and backgrounds. Dionne’s vision stems from her own experiences as a Black woman entrepreneur, emphasizing the importance of representation in the market.
What sets Culture Greetings apart is its commitment to authenticity and community engagement, collaborating with diverse artists and writers to ensure that the cards truly reflect a wide range of cultural perspectives. Dionne’s dedication to fostering inclusivity makes Culture Greetings an essential brand for reshaping the greeting card landscape.
4. C-Lashes
C-Lashes, founded by Cody Gapare, is a pioneering beauty brand specializing in high-quality false eyelashes designed for individuals who have experienced lash loss due to medical conditions like cancer or alopecia. Cody created C-Lashes with a deep understanding of the emotional impact of losing lashes, aiming to empower those affected by helping them regain their confidence and feel beautiful again.
Her journey into the beauty industry is personal; after witnessing the struggles of loved ones facing hair loss, she sought to create products that foster self-expression. C-Lashes is significant for its commitment to inclusivity and representation, proudly operated by a Black woman entrepreneur reaching customers around the globe.
Cody’s dedication to quality and customer satisfaction has built a loyal following for C-Lashes, which stands out for its diverse styles and focus on enhancing natural beauty. What we love the most is how the brand challenges beauty norms and empowers individuals to embrace their unique beauty, making it an important player in the beauty landscape.
Good Girl Chocolate, founded by Dr. Tabatha Carr, is a rapidly growing, made-from-scratch chocolate brand making a significant impact in the industry. Set to expand into 150 Whole Foods Market stores across 20 states, this milestone advances Dr. Carr’s mission to create the largest Black-owned bean-to-bar chocolate factory in the U.S.
With a diverse range of products—including dairy-free milk chocolate, dark chocolate, and truffles—Good Girl Chocolate is reshaping the chocolate landscape. Originating in Oklahoma, the brand has gained recognition and is already featured in stores across Texas, Louisiana, and Arkansas.
Dr. Carr emphasizes that her journey, which began in her kitchen, is about more than just chocolate; it’s about building a legacy and creating jobs within the community. Launched as an e-commerce brand in 2018, Good Girl Chocolate has evolved into a celebrated name, showcasing the importance of representation in the food industry and inspiring future generations of Black entrepreneurs.
Talking about inspiration, of course, we can’t forget to include in this list our style expert, Lauren Simmonds. She is the visionary founder of The Fearless Fashionista, a boutique agency dedicated to redefining style at any age. She believes fashion should be accessible and enjoyable for everyone, empowering individuals to embrace their unique style journeys.
Through personalized styling services, workshops, and resources, Lauren helps clients cultivate their fashion identities, encouraging them to break free from societal norms and express their authentic selves. What sets her apart is her commitment to celebrating diversity and promoting self-acceptance, creating a supportive community where individuals can connect and inspire one another.
Women Supporting Women
When we support these women’s enterprises, we don’t just amplify their narratives—we become part of a movement transforming the business landscape. Their revolutionary work powers social change, builds stronger communities, and creates blueprints for future generations.
How will you help elevate these voices? Which Black-owned businesses will you discover and support this month—and beyond? Take action today: share their stories, purchase their products, and follow their journeys. Together, we can ensure these trailblazers receive the recognition and support they deserve, creating a more equitable marketplace where Black excellence flourishes without limits.
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