Besa's Guide to Holiday Shopping: Making it a Support Black Business Season
The holiday season is in full swing, and you know what that means—it’s time to celebrate culture, community, and the businesses that truly light up the Emerald City! For Besa Gordon, the holiday season isn't just about finding the perfect gift; it's about shopping with intention and investing directly in the excellence of Seattle’s Black community. Here is her comprehensive Seattle guide to making it a Support Black Business Season:
Give the Gift of Impact: The Buy Black Card
One of the best ways to encourage intentional spending is with Intentionalist’s Buy Black Card. This prepaid Mastercard debit card is an incredibly thoughtful gift because it can only be used at over 130 incredible Black-owned businesses, primarily across the Greater Seattle Area.
Why it works: It simplifies intentional spending, ensuring every dollar goes toward building generational wealth and supporting local entrepreneurs.
A Smart Purchase: You can often save 20% when purchasing a card thanks to partners like the Bernier McCaw Foundation, maximizing your generosity.
Where to use it: The card is accepted at a diverse range of establishments, from coffee shops and beauty supplies to restaurants and breweries. Click here to see all the businesses where the Buy Black Card can be used.
Gift with Style and Soul
Shopping for something specific? Here are a few outstanding Black-owned businesses you can support this season when consulting those wish lists:
MUVA
If you’re looking for a gift that screams originality, culture, and fashion, MUVA offers wearable art and unique pieces that stand out. As a business focused on high style, MUVA provides items that truly stand out, making it a great place to find gifts that are both unique and expressive of culture and individuality. Stop by the storefront on 701 5th Ave #303, Seattle, WA.
La-Cha Bliss Wines and WeRise Wines
The holidays can be busy and stressful, so remember to give yourself or your loved ones a moment of peace with delicious wines from La-Cha Bliss Wines in Seattle’s Capitol Hill and WeRise Wines downtown. These are great spots for a last-minute gift on your way to a dinner party or for your own special treat!
La-Cha Bliss is at 1412 12th Ave, Seattle, open from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays, and 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sundays. WeRise’s wine bar is located at 1913 2nd Ave, Seattle, and is open from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays, and 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
Zara Jo Beauty Supply
Shopping at Zara Jo Beauty Supply in Seattle’s Central District is a great way to support Black representation and community entrepreneurship this holiday season, while also picking up some products for your friends and family who are looking for that new product to take their self-care to the next level. The store stocks approximately 95% of its products from Black-owned and founded brands. As owner Jamal Wilson said, "supporting us is supporting yourself in the community," making it a purposeful and empowering place to buy beauty, hair, and beard care products.
Grab those beauty products at 1143 Martin Luther King Jr Way, Seattle, Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sankofa Boutique
Last but not least, stop by Sankofa Boutique, a Black women-owned crystal and metaphysical shop located in Seattle's Capitol Hill, for spiritually enriching gifts. It offers a selection of crystals, candles, incense, bath salts, and accessories, as well as artwork, making it a great source for thoughtful and personal presents and stocking stuffers.
Stop by the shop yourself at 219 Broadway E # 24, Seattle, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., and Fridays from 1:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Every dollar spent on a Black-owned business is an investment in excellence, our dreams, and our future. Keep that energy high, and make your holiday shopping count!
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