February 14 (Valentine’s Day) is around the corner and this year, New Voices is focusing on empowering you to celebrate types of love that are typically ignored during this holiday season. While Valentine’s Day usually focuses on mainstream ideas of romantic love, the New Voices Foundation is encouraging you to center yourself and your version of Black love. The best part is that you can do so by supporting Black-owned brands that spread love throughout our communities all year long.
Here are 14 products by Black-owned brands that promote and celebrate the importance of self-love/self-care – whether you’re attached or unattached – as well as the beauty, intimacy, and strength of Black love. From small tokens to edible treats and meaningful retreats, both inside and outside of your home, there is something for every budget.
Instill self-love in the little girls in your life by helping them to celebrate themselves and their strength with Greentop Gifts’ Girl Power Sticker Sheet. Each sticker sheet has a bright pink background and 8 girl stickers in multicolored designs reflecting our multicultural society. (1) Sticker sheet with 11 stickers featuring Greentop Gifts’ Celebration Crew.
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What happens when a bouquet of roses and a box of chocolates combine for one luxurious, ultra-gentle bathing experience? Your body gets a chance to BREATHE. Treat your skin or your loved ones’ skin to the perfect Valentine’s Day indulgence with this rose and chamomile infusion and rich cocoa butter base. The herbal-infused bar soap, Breathe, from Gently Soap uses all-natural, organic ingredients – making it the perfect match for all sensitive skin types.
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Baking together is an act of intimacy that always has a happy ending with The Pink Bakery’s premium baking mixes. Not So Plain Jane® premium sugar cookies are subtly sweet and tender with a hint of vanilla essence. The mix makes 30-60 cookies. Whether you’re celebrating solo or with your love, treat yourself by whipping up these vegan, top 14 allergen-free, certified gluten-free, and mouth-watering cookies.
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Take yourself on a mini-vacation in your bathroom with Itiba Beauty’s Mango Body Polish. Scrub away the stress of the day and awaken your senses as you wrap your body with a gently churned mango butter-infused with coconut oil, avocado oil, and cornmeal exfoliant that gently lifts away the dead skin without stripping its natural moisture.
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Are you spending the night in? Treat yourself to the ultimate self-love escape with RVL Wellness Co.’s Protect Your Peace puzzle. This artwork is the perfect reminder to relax and indulge in a nice warm bubble bath. Renew your energy with this handmade puzzle, available in 48, 120, or 300 pieces. The puzzle is made out of a sturdy puzzle board with a gloss finish. When you’re finished, grab one of RVL Wellness’ matching frames and turn your puzzle into effortless home decor.
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Soothe your skin and reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation caused by acne, eczema-triggered inflammation, and sun damage from overexposure. After one use of The Exfoliating Mask by Live Good Live Well, skin is visibly brighter, pore size is minimized, and acne-causing bacteria are cleared away.
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Recommitting to exercise and want to feel connected to culture while doing it? Gift yourself RuvaAfricWear’s The Culture Box. A monthly box with exclusive RuvaAfricWear gear and accessories in their signature African-inspired patterns, worth $125 in value for only $85. This box has the RuvaAfricWear unisex sneakers and accessories. It is the gift that keeps on giving!
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The Akoma Robe was named to represent the deeper meaning of love–the Akoma symbol. Originating from the Asante of present-day Ghana, it is a symbol of endurance and understanding. It is easily recognized as the modern-day heart. Abeille Creations intends for the wearer of this robe to emanate love, unity, endurance, patience, and faithfulness. Featuring a classic kimono cut, this kimono robe is the perfect addition to your wardrobe; it can be worn as both a kimono and a dress.
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If what you need is a getaway, look no further than Harlem Cycle’s Cardio Glamping Wellness Retreat. This is a four-day/three-night wanderlust adventure that will leave you feeling connected, recharged, and inspired to be your BEST SELF! Enjoy fitness sessions with NYC’s top fitness experts, five-star meals, meditation, and the breathtaking views of Governor Island’s sprawling green spaces and the Statue of Liberty from a hammock during your downtime.
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