20 Significantly Talented Black Creators We Found out

Etsy, a vibrant platform for artistic expression, has always been a go-to destination for aspiring entrepreneurs seeking to turn their creative passions into thriving businesses. However, it is crucial to highlight the Black-owned Etsy shops that truly deserve our utmost attention. For instance, let’s consider the talented women quilters from Gee’s Bend, Alabama. Most of them are descendants of former enslaved individuals who were forced to work on the Gee family’s cotton plantation. In 2021, when these artisans first presented their handcrafted, color-blocked quilts on Etsy, they sold out in a single day. This should not come as a surprise, given that their patchwork designs, often completed on a grand scale, are historical works of art that are displayed in museums across the country.

For years, the women’s collective had been unable to monetize their artwork, but the partnership with Etsy – made possible through the efforts of Souls Grown Deep, a foundation committed to promoting the artwork of Black artists from the South, and Nest, a nonprofit for craftspeople – changed everything. This was a significant example of how Black creators can thrive not only in an online marketplace but any marketplace when given the opportunity. In this particular case, according to Etsy’s trend expert Dayna Isom Johnson, access to the platform allows the women quilters of Gee’s Bend to promote their pieces independently to a global audience while also preserving the history and cultural value of the group.

The women quilters of Gee’s Bend are just a few examples of the many talented Black creators who are enriching Etsy today. “Etsy’s community of Black sellers encompasses a wide range of art forms and creative mediums, from jewelry-making to painting to woodworking,” says Isom Johnson. “It’s so exciting to see what these makers create, especially with items that are influenced by our history and highlight the beauty of Black culture.”

If you want to support small businesses and Black-owned companies, there are plenty of Black-owned Etsy shops worth bookmarking. You’ll find artwork that depicts the importance of familial bonds, clothing made with wax print fabrics, stunning jewelry, and Instagram-worthy ceramics – among many other gems. Here’s a sampling of some of the most noteworthy sellers on the platform.

Emma Make Designs, a Lisbon-based artist, is an excellent source for vibrant home decor. She creates a variety of whimsical, geometric prints, planners, and wall hangings.

Candice Luter’s macrame-inspired wall art is simply mesmerizing. Using natural cotton rope, the artist produces abstract designs that add texture to plain walls or unexpected pieces of furniture like mirrors. Each piece is handmade, and Luter collaborates carefully with clients to customize every design to fit the intended space. You can choose the size, whether you want it dip-dyed, and even the staining of any wooden pieces involved.

For jewelry that is Insta-worthy, Omi Woods is a must-see. Founder Ashley Alexis McFarlane says her designs are influenced by her African heritage and the African diaspora. Her gold coin chains are popular bestsellers on Etsy, with each piece handcrafted from sustainable materials using traditional lost-wax casting techniques.

Trenace Williams, based in Virginia, started selling handmade scented items a few years ago and has quickly gained a devoted following for her creative candle blends. Whether you prefer moody notes of plum and black cherry or the freshness of tropical fruit and sage, “each scent has a purpose to bring balance, peace, and motivation,” she writes on her website.

Made by Rheal’s handcrafted pieces are a complete hit among home decor enthusiasts. You can find everything from painted throws to marbled coasters and crystal-filled hands that add a touch of intrigue to your home. They also make great gifts for women, to say the least.

If you take self-care seriously, you may want to check out Kindred Essence’s luxurious products. The brand, run by sister duo Sandra and Jennifer Mapp, makes soap bars, body butters, and soy candles in delicious scents like patchouli rose and lavender oatmeal. Whether you’re enjoying a relaxing bath or rushing to get ready in the morning, these skincare finds never fail to calm you down.

Vintage enthusiasts, get ready to indulge! Carmen Jones’s Black-owned store offers a time capsule of ’80s and ’90s fashion, from vibrant sweater vests that would fit right into Clueless to slinky slip dresses, all of which feel equally on-trend today.

Charlene Bendu Dunbar, the founder of Suakoko Betty, is based in Atlanta but draws inspiration from her roots as a Liberian refugee. Her stylish designs incorporate bold African prints and are beautifully tailored, whether she’s creating a batik jumpsuit or a flowy skirt. Despite being a small business, the brand also offers extended sizes, with most pieces going up to 3XL.

Etsy is home to many eye-catching embroidery designers, and Natalie Blamire is one of the best. Her embroidery hoops often feature beautiful florals and inspirational messages such as “This too shall pass” or “You’ve got this.” If you’re interested in picking up a new hobby, Blamire also curates DIY kits that reviewers say are super easy to get started with.

Minimalist home decor doesn’t have to mean just clean lines and monochromatic color schemes – Alliyah and Problems proves it. This brand specializes in handmade ceramics, linens, and candles in calming, natural hues and textures. Plus, for every sale made, the brand plants a tree through the One Tree Planted organization.

The Gee’s Bend Quilters continue to showcase and sell their beautiful artwork on Etsy, with all their stores marked with an official logo. In 2021, Souls Grown Deep partnered with the quilters to establish the Gee’s Bend Resource Center, providing them with free public internet access and computer systems to ensure they have the resources they need to maintain and grow their own Etsy stores.

Like the Gee’s Bend Quilters, the basket weavers of the Gullah community in South Carolina come from a rich history of Black artisans who have been weaving sweetgrass since the 1700s. Etsy now hosts official stores for Gullah weavers, selling high-quality, intricately woven heirlooms for the home, such as baskets, wall hangings, and bowls using traditional West African weaving techniques.

Dorcas Magbadelo, a UK-based artist, is passionate about representing and uplifting Black people, especially Black women, through her illustrations. Her designs, which feature bold colors and nods to her Nigerian heritage, are printed on totes, T-shirts, notebooks, art prints, and greeting cards.

For vintage enthusiasts who love a good find, Gilded Cage Atelier is a corner of Etsy worth exploring. It’s a treasure trove of vintage knick-knacks, including small home decor items like jewelry boxes and drinking glasses, as well as unique accessories. The shop also specializes in handbags and wallets, making it a great place to find personalized Etsy gifts.

CanDid Artwork Studio in Oakland, California, offers a range of stylish statement earrings in elegant hammered metal designs for everyday wear, as well as other fun surprises. Don’t miss its collection of adorable printed children’s clothing (like reversible quilted jackets!), face masks, and greeting cards.

If you’re looking for unique gifts, Beautiful Earthlings is a great place to find vibrant prints, notecards, and tote bags. Karina Daniel Parris creates feminine caricatures, celebrating different hair textures, shapes, and skin tones in all their diverse forms, including plant moms, dog lovers, and elders.

Tina Donath is the proprietor of Osagie Designs, a retailer based in Germany that specializes in creating vibrant accessories such as headbands, headwraps, and satin sleep bonnets that are a tribute to Black women everywhere. These items are primarily crafted from lively batik fabrics, though you can also find some charming silky scrunchies in the mix.

For colorful African-inspired home decor items such as pillows, throws, aprons, and oven mitts, look no further than Natalie Manima. Manima’s graphic wax-print lampshades even earned her a finalist spot in the 2020 Etsy Design Awards.

If you’re a fan of both crystals and plants, Tal & Bert has the perfect solution for you with their geode planters. These small vessels are ideal for displaying air plants, succulents, candles, or simply adding beauty to your desk. Despite launching their business in February 2020 amidst the pandemic, husband-and-wife duo Ray and Val Talbert impressively expanded their two-studio company to include a brick-and-mortar storefront.