Celebrate Fall with these 5 Black-Owned Home and Beauty Brands

Fall is officially here! And although it may not completely feel like it in my neck of the woods (hello, sunny Southern California heat waves), I can’t help but celebrate the change in seasons. Today, I am sharing five products that make me excited about fall—and also support Black-owned businesses.

Pumpkin Spice Candle: I love the way a pumpkin spice candle can instantly make the house feel more festive, so it’s something I always buy this time of year. The candle I am burning now is by Mecca Candle Co., a 100% natural soy-based candle company located in Los Angeles. Created by Tomeka Hayes, the brand features more than 51 products. So if pumpkin spice isn’t your thing, she makes a ton of other great options like apple cinnamon vanilla, orange dream, and star jasmine. Her candles are produced in small batches using a mix of essential oils and natural, paraben-free fragrances. 

Herbal Supplement: When the leaves begin to change color, I love a warm and cozy drink. My go-to has been a matcha (green tea) latte made with Peak and Valley Nourish My Brain Blend. The company was co-founded by wellness entrepreneur Nadine Joseph to help folks stress less. The company carries three different blends made with healing adaptogen herbs like maca, ashwagandha, and cocoa that support overall skin, mind, and body health. With the holidays around the corner, we could all use a little time to decompress. 

Body Oil: This time of year calls for a luxe moisturizer, and Willow & Oak’s In the Raw Body Oil is just that. This blend of jojoba, avocado, rosehip, and tamanu oils is infused with vanilla (my favorite scent on the planet) frankincense, and myrrh to help refresh dehydrated skin. The brand’s founder, Nikki Mitchell, also makes out-of-this-world body butters with beautiful scents like cardamom and rose, and palo santo and vanilla that I will be stocking up on soon!

Body Scrub: I use a body scrub all year round because, TBH, my skin could always use some extra TLC. During this time of year though, I like to switch things up and use a fall-inspired scent, so The London Grant Co. Chai Spiced Latte Body Polish is perfect. Made in Atlanta by Tiffany Staten, this body scrub contains a blend of organic skin-loving ingredients like cinnamon, clove, black pepper, and ginger, as well as moisturizing coconut oil and organic sugar to exfoliate. My skin feels super smooth and hydrated after every use. Plus, it leaves my bathroom smelling like a bakery. YUM! 

Soap: I am always on the hunt for products with turmeric in them because it’s such a beneficial skincare ingredient. It’s packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe dry, irritated, or acne-prone skin. So naturally, I was really excited when I learned that my favorite market, Larayia’s Bodega, makes a handmade turmeric soap. For all of the readers outside of L.A., Larayia’s Bodega is a grocery store that is all about accessibility to organic food, so most things, from homemade meals to organic snacks, costs $5 or less. I love that when you buy something from the bodega, whether it’s the turmeric soap or one of its many delicious vegan elixirs, you are helping to support the market’s Lunch on Me Initiative, which provides free organic meals to the underserved, veteran, and homeless communities in L.A., Hawaii, and N.Y. Doing a little self-care this season just feels that much better when you’re also supporting Black-owned businesses—and the community.  

These are just a few of my autumn staples. I’d love to know what brings you joy this season! -Amanda

Credits // Author and Photography: Amanda Lopez. Photos edited with A Color Story Desktop.