25 Brands That'll Make You Say, "Why Am I Just Now Finding Out About Them?"

Founder: Brittney Winbush

Location: Brooklyn, New York

What they sell: Candles that will make your nose tingle and teas to cleanse the soul.

*Actors Issa Rae and Keke Palmer are big fans of their candles.

Founder: Raven Nichole

Location: Phoenix, Arizona

What they sell: Apparel for women, men, and children; accessories; art prints; home decor; and digital planners with bold affirmations and graphics.

*Their designs have been featured on HBO and OWN.

Founder: Kiyanna Stewart and Jannah Handy

Location: Brooklyn, New York

What they sell: Nostalgic vintage pieces, including but not limited to: vinyl records, literature, apparel, home decor, prints, magazines, comics, furniture, fashion accessories, and more.

*Some of their excellently curated pieces are featured in the Brooklyn Museum and Schomburg Center for Research. They've also been featured in Vogue, Conde Nast Traveler, NY Mag, Man Repeller, Refinery29, and more.

Founder: Jacque Aye

Location: Dallas, Texas

What they sell: Apparel, original comic books and mangas, accessories, and household products for women and children who love anime and fun animated graphics.

*You can also find select unisex items.

Founder: Lani Nesbit

Location: New York

What they sell: Eco-friendly and sustainable jewelry including rings, necklaces, anklets, bracelets, earrings, and personalized accessories for both men and women.

*Their jewelry has been worn by celebs like Beyoncé, Naomi Campbell, Ciara, Angela Bassett, Blake Lively, Halsey, and more. It has also been featured in campaigns for Adidas and Maybelline.

Founder: Jamilah Knight

Location: Brooklyn, New York

What they sell: Women's apparel, accessories, and art prints that celebrate blackness unapologetically through statement pieces, fun slogans, and unique graphics.

*Empire star Grace Byers is a big fan of the "Sisterhood Is a Form of Therapy" sweatshirt.

Founder: Essence Hayes

Location: New York

What they sell: Fashionable pins and patches for the culture that speak to the Black experience and the entertainment world.

*Some of their most popular pins include BBQ Becky, Deadass MetroCard, and Black Daria.

Founder: Uzo Ejikeme and Stoney Michelli

Location: Los Angeles, California

What they sell: Gender-free and thought-provoking apparel, accessories, mugs, and face masks for those who don't conform to the status quo.

*Their designs have been frequently worn by Emmy Award winner Lena Waithe, Academy Award winner Spike Lee, and actress Ruby Rose.

Founder: Tara James

Location: Los Angeles, California

What they sell: Relatable, hilarious, and sentimental greeting cards, wall art, prints, and limited apparel that taps into nostalgic and current images of Black culture.

*From topics of social injustice to unique Valentine's Day cards, they have products for just about every occasion.

Founder: Kara Hinson

Location: Delaware

What they sell: Beautiful, vivid watercolor portraits, as well as ink and digital drawings, that are bound to make any space pop, big or small.

*Blending in alluring images of nature and astrology with women of enticing shades of brown sets these pieces apart from the rest.

Founder: Marcia Smith

Location: Las Vegas, Nevada

What they sell: Apparel, accessories, and face masks for both men and women with bold statements on Black culture and the Black experience.

*They are the creators of the iconic "Black By Popular Demand" design.

Founder: KJ Miller and Amanda E. Johnson

Location: New York

What they sell: Specializing in the perfect nude lipstick for women of all shades, they also offer lip gloss, liners (both eye and lip), eye shadow, nail polish, setting powder, makeup utensils, and more.

*They have been featured in several publications, including Allure, Marie Claire, InStyle, Glamour, Harper's Bazaar, Essence, Who What Wear, and more. They're also sold at Macy's and on HSN.

Founder: Maryam Pugh and Ruth Perez

Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

What they sell: Unisex sweatshirts, shirts, hoodies, zines, books, art prints, patches, and tote bags that pay homage to the history of social justice in the Black community.

*If "activism, but make it fashion" was a brand, this would be it.

Founder: Anita Grant

Location: England, UK

What they sell: Natural skincare and haircare products ranging from raw cocoa butter and body oils to conditioners and clay masks.

*What's special about these vegan-friendly products is that there is one for every specific skin and hair type, and their website helps shoppers easily navigate their way to the product that fits them best.

Founder: Rita Bunatal

Location: Brooklyn, New York

What they sell: Apparel, headscarves, and accessories for both men and women that celebrate the "revolutionary beauty of the pan-African diaspora."

*And yes, that is Academy Award winner Jharrel Jerome rocking their "Fist of Solidarity" crewneck!

Founder: Denequa Williams

Location: Brooklyn, New York

What they sell: Handcrafted candles that have the power to put your mind and body at ease on even the most stressful of days.

*The company has been featured in Essence, Yahoo! Beauty, Fader, CRWN, Man Repeller, and more.

Founder: Imani Johnson

Location: Brooklyn, New York

What they sell: Apparel for both women and men, leggings, swimsuits, accessories, jewelry, headwraps, and face masks with eye-catching designs made to provoke conversations.

*The products you'll see are inspired by "'90s culture, New York living, and self-awareness."

Founder: Sheldon Jackson

Location: New Jersey

What they sell: Unisex handcrafted origami bowties that you can dress up or down, in a variety of colors.

*These are not your average bowties! Whether you pair it with a suit or high-waisted jeans, there's no doubt you'll make people do a double take.

Founder: Mbali Ndlovu

Location: New York, New York

What they sell: Activewear specifically designed for women with curves.

*The apparel is "squat proof," which means you won't have to worry about any accidental peekaboo moments between your activewear and your underwear.

Founder: Nicole Mebane

Location: Brooklyn, New York

What they sell: Handcrafted jewelry with distinctive crystals ranging from rings, earrings, and necklaces. They also sell face masks, home goods, chokers, and crystal kits.

*Each piece is made with care with hopes of bringing good energy with every purchase.

Founder: Olatiwa Karade

Location: Orange, New Jersey

What they sell: Apparel, mugs, and postcards for the "modern-day activist" with slogans that demand your attention and honor Black culture.

*These aren't for the faint-hearted, so if you're okay with all eyes on you, you'll love these designs.

Founder: Alim Smith

Location: Delaware

What they sell: Surrealist stimulating art inspired by pop culture, women, comedy, and Black culture.

*Some of their most popular works include distorted and exaggerated images of prominent celebrities and popular meme figures.

Founder: Charissa and Dale Grant

Location: Detroit, Michigan

What they sell: Apparel, mugs, pillows, and hats for women, men, and children that "celebrate our culture and make life more fun."

*It's a family-owned business that also specializes in matching outfits for you and your significant other, you and your child, as well as ugly Christmas sweaters that are perfect for any party.

Founder: Nigeria Ealey, Esaie Jean-Simon, and Victor James

Location: Brooklyn, New York

What they sell: Unisex hoodies, sweatpants, jackets, shirts, shorts, hats, and socks.

*Their pieces have been sported by celebs like NBA stars Carmelo Anthony and Chris Paul, model Winnie Harlow, and rapper Rick Ross.

Founder: Krystle Collins

Location: Brooklyn, New York

What they sell: Trendsetting spin on modern-day embroidery featuring Black icons, inspiring slogans and graphics, and a celebration of Black hair placed on pillows, apparel, hats, totes, and more.

*These unique creations have been highlighted on MTV, Vice, Essence, Design Sponge, and more. They also offer DIY embroidery kits for you to put your own personal spin on their original products.