With February just weeks away, love will soon be in the air, and there are a number of Black-owned businesses you can patronize for the Valentine’s Day season.

If you haven’t already, it might be time to brainstorm some potential gifts to show that special somebody how much you care. The gift might be something tangible, or an experience that your significant other will surely cherish for years to come. Valentine’s Day tends to be couples- centered, but there’s no rule that says you can’t show yourself some well-deserved appreciation and love.

Here are some Black-owned businesses offering products and services you can purchase for the holiday of romance.

1. Black-Owned Travel Agencies

Of course, we’ll promote travel as much as we can, and there are several Black-owned travel agencies who will be happy to plan your romantic escape.

Surreal Journeys Travel is a full service travel agency founded by Iris Martin, and run by a team of Black women. We’ve featured Iris and her business before, which you can read here.

If you’re looking for luxury travel, Villas & Apartments Abroad is one of the veterans in the industry, getting its start in the late 1970s.

This agency rents elite properties mostly in Europe and the Caribbean. A villa on a beach in Barbados would be fabulous right now, wouldn’t it?

Based in Georgia, there’s Changing Pace Travel, founded by Steve and Nasha Pace. Their experience as event planners and travel enthusiasts allows them to tailor domestic and international itineraries. You can read more about the founders here. 

The Wind Collective is a group of young travel lovers who plan excursions for other travel lovers. They arrange adventures in  Europe, the Caribbean and Asia, and coined the hashtag #livelikethewind

Black Girls Travel Too was established by Dianelle Rivers-Mitchell. This year, there are tours planned for Barbados, Thailand, India and South Africa, so be sure to secure your space.

 

 

 

 

 

 

2. Overkink

Photo by Gwen Mamanoleas

If you’re looking to turn up the heat in your bedroom, whether with a partner or while flying solo, check out Overkink.

This online novelty shop was founded by Jaycee Chester, who wanted to create a safe space for the Black community to discuss and celebrate sexuality. She’s a proponent of getting in touch with your body in more than one respect.

“As we know in the Black community, we are the first ones to be sexualized,” she said, and it’s often in a fetishistic way. “I wanted to provide a place where we can discuss sex, body safe toys, and the importance of self-love.”

This online store has it all, from vibrators to books, fetish wear to lubricants. Shipping is fast and free for orders over $89, and for those less than that, there is a flat rate shipping fee of $6.99 within the US.

All orders are packaged with discretion in mind.

 

 

3. Harlem Candle Company

There’s nothing like candles to set a sexy or peaceful mood.

The Harlem Candle Company offers a full line of scented candles inspired by the Harlem Renaissance. Teri Johnson, who is also a travel expert, started it in 2014.

You can buy the candles individually, or if you can’t decide, you can purchase sets of four.

You can also check out our list of other Black-owned candle companies here.

4. Black-Owned Chocolate Companies

Maybe your honey would enjoy something sweet?

Harlem Chocolate Factory in New York has got you covered. They have in-store pickup or you can order online.

The Banana Pudding and Sweet Potato Pie truffles are part of the Sunday Soul Collection, while Afterschool Snack and Bodega Dreams are two delicious bonbon varieties.

In Tennessee, there’s Phillip Ashley Chocolates, founded in 2012.  Phillip is both a chocolatier and chef, and was referred to by Forbes as “the real life Willy Wonka.”

Box sets connected to the culture include Taste of Wakanda, Lovecraft and Issa Chocolate. 

5. Roots And Blooms

Why not treat your honey to a lovely floral arrangement?

Roots and Blooms operates out of Georgia, and Ednita Tingle creates customized floral arrangements out of her studio.

The company offers floral arrangements not only for holidays, but special occasions and corporate events.

 

 

6. Black-Owned Wine And Spirits

Make a toast to love with the help of these alcohol brands.

Black Momma Vodka was founded by master distiller, Vanessa Braxton. The company’s slogan is “made by a woman for women and still strong enough for a man.” The handcrafted vodka is made in small batches with no chemicals or additives.

Available vodka flavors include green tea, sour sop and pomegranate.

Chrishon Lampley used her passion for wine to create Love Cork Screw to add some much-needed melanin to an industry that has very little.

If you’re a tequila fan, consider supporting Anteel Tequila, co-founded by Nayana Ferguson.

Having survived two different kinds of cancer, Nayana aims to “educate people on the benefits of tequila, which is naturally low in carbs, sugar and calories.”

They ship nationwide.

 

 

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