We all know Black Friday to be our country’s very own Hunger Games, a true display of the American people at their absolute f*cking worst. But instead of fighting for our lives like Katniss and Peeta, we’re out here throwing elbows for a discounted flat screen? Honestly, it’s embarrassing.
However, just like everything else in 2020, Black Friday is going to look a hell of a lot different this year. Due to the pandemic, Karens won’t have their chance to stampede a Walmart at midnight (I hope they’re okay). Without the normal rush, the big-name retailers will likely take a hit, but these aren’t the businesses we should be concerned about right now. Small businesses around the country are fighting to stay afloat amid new shutdowns and restrictions, and many of them are at major risk of survival if they don’t produce some cash flow ASAP this holiday season.
So since you can’t go body-slam anyone who stands in the way of you getting your half-priced Samsung this year, put your dollars where they truly matter and support small businesses instead! Most small businesses are running their own Black Friday deals, so you can save some coin while feeling good about your purchases. Here are some of the small businesses having great Black Friday sales that we’ll be supporting, and you should check them out too.
1. Denim Rush
This brand has become popular thanks to its incredible tie-dye sweats—a style that has become a quarantine staple for many of us. But even beyond just their cozy sweats, the brand has now expanded into other fashion categories, creating more stylish pieces like tie-dye slip dresses and oversized button downs. You can try Denim Rush out for yourself during their Black Friday sale, where they’ll be offering 30% off site wide from November 25th through December 1st. Plus, they’re even offering a free beanie to match your purchase if you spend over $150. Personally, I’m a sucker for a head-to-toe matching set, so count me in.
2. Coal N Terry
Sure, we’re all living in our sweats right now, but let’s maybe try to make it at least somewhat cute? Or rather, we actually all owe it to ourselves right now to make it even better than cute— think Kim K lounging around the house in her beige sweats with a full beat type-of-vibe. I mean, that’s just the kind of energy I know I want from my loungewear and, if you do too, then shop Black-owned street style brand Coal N Terry this Black Friday. They’ll be doing a 50% off site wide sale that you definitely won’t want to miss.
3. aReverie Studio
ZAHRIA Beige Cutout Super Cropped Sweater, $55.98
I found this brand on Etsy and can’t say enough good things…but I’ll try. Not only do they have the best stuff, but they’re also offering 50% off everything during their Black Friday sale! They sell trendy vintage-style pieces with a more current feel, making them the ideal place to shop for all your Insta-worthy #OOTDs this holiday season.
4. BFFS&BABES
Dustdye Rose Robe Full Length, $99
If you need a gift for that person who has everything, I suggest you check out BFF&BABES this Black Friday. They have the cutest gifts like bags, sweatshirts, and robes, and will be offering a rare discount of 10% off site wide. They also offer personalization on their products, so you can make your gift that much more special.
5. Gigi C
If you need to step up your workout ~lewks~ then head to Gigi C for 25% off their site from November 27th through December 1st. They have fashionable workout clothes that will motivate you to actually want to work out, plus incredible swimsuits with unique styles that are unlike those sold anywhere else.
6. Soraya Hennessy
Another great place to shop for that person who has everything is Soraya Hennessy, a brand founded on female empowerment and artisanal craft. The brand celebrates the founder’s Venezuelan heritage by working closely with the Wayuu women to create the brand’s gorgeous and unique pieces. As if that wasn’t enough to make you want to shop their site right now, they’ll be offering 30% off your entire purchase for Black Friday.
7. OnKarri
Tina White Print Mini Ruched Dress, $170
Why waste your money this Black Friday buying the same fast-fashion piece that everyone is already wearing, and that you know will disintegrate the first time you put it in the wash? Honestly, that’s just poor investment skills—clearly you didn’t get a B+ in Finance 100 like myself. Celebrate small business and invest in a standout piece you’ll love by shopping OnKarri’s online site during their Black Friday sale, where all of the brand’s stunning pieces will be on sale for 20% off.
8. Elise Paige
Another great place to shop for gifts, whether for someone else or, you know, just for yourself (hey, you deserve this) is jewelry brand Elise Paige. They specialize in everyday pieces that are trendy and personalized. This Black Friday, the brand is offering 25% off site wide, and you can also get 20% off their custom charm bangles.
9. Thirty20
This brand is one of my newest obsessions, and I’m here to make you just as obsessed as me by letting you know they’re offering 30% off everything from Black Friday through Cyber Monday. I discovered this brand over quarantine and have been so impressed with all the new styles they are constantly churning out. The brand will even continue to release new styles every day during Black Friday weekend, all of which are eligible for their sale of 30% off!
10. I Dream For You
The all around aesthetics of this brand make me want to jump into a retro romance movie and meet a cute boy at my local diner. You know, one who I don’t have to worry about ghosting me since this was a simpler time before iPhones. Inspired by vintage fashion yet made modern, this brand makes long-lasting sustainable pieces you NEED in your closet. Plus, the brand is offering 30% off site wide starting November 26th and going on through December 1st!
11. Neu Apparel
Muted Mocha Ribbed Seamless Sport Crop, $34
Not only does Neu Apparel make the cutest sh*t, this brand is also using its voice socially and is partnering all month long with Bloody Good Period, a charity which helps create a sustainable flow of menstrual products for those who can’t afford them. This is a charity that is certainly more important than ever, given so many women are forced into financial hardship due to the pandemic. And to make the whole deal even better, the site is also offering 20% off site wide for Black Friday.
12. Hutch Design
This contemporary brand prides itself on timelessness and sexy sophistication, making it the ideal small business to spend your money at this Black Friday. During their Black Friday sale, you can get one of their beautiful and stylish pieces for 40% off site wide.
13. LA Collective
You may be familiar with this brand thanks to their collabs with some of our favorite influencers, such as Morgan Stewart, Alexis Ren, and, most recently, Lauren Elizabeth. But with a company attached to such big names you may not have realized that they’re still a small operation sold only online. The brand’s lines are designed and created in LA, with a focus on making high-quality pieces with the best fabrics.
14. Kristina’s Closet
I found this brand on Instagram and can’t stop obsessing over their perfectly curated fashion assortment. There isn’t a piece on this site that I don’t love, and I love it all even more now that it’s on sale for Black Friday at 25% off. Plus, it’s women-owned and operated so, unlike Bethenny, I’m a woman who supports other women and will definitely be shopping their site this weekend.
15. Kindred Collective
Another brand with the most perfectly curated assortment of product is Kindred Collective, a brand founded by a mother-daughter duo who clearly know a thing or two about fashion. They carry all the top brands like Free People, Show Me Your Mumu, and For Love & Lemons, just to name a few. You can shop their curated assortment online for their Black Friday sale which is 20% off site wide this Saturday through Monday.
So whether shopping for yourself or for someone else, choose to support small businesses this Black Friday and put your money where it matters. Which, shouldn’t even be that hard to do with all these incredible sales from the aforementioned amazing brands. Personally, I’ll be putting my whole paycheck towards all these amazing pieces and won’t feel even slightly guilty about it because like, I’m stimulating our economy and supporting small businesses! I mean, who could argue with that?!
Images: @christiannkoepke/Unsplash; Denim Rush; Coal N Terry; aReverie Studio; BFFS&BABES; Gigi C; Soraya Hennessy; OnKarri; Elise Paige; Thirty20; I Dream For You; Neu Apparel; Hutch Design; LA Collective; Kristina’s Closet; Kindred Collective
Similarly to how every company you’ve ever shopped with has taken it upon themselves to email you a generic message about how “they’re here for you during these unprecedented times,” every company that has ever existed also seems to now be getting in on the retail mask game. That being said, as easy as it is to just bulk order some trendy masks from Amazon right now, you should instead consider putting your dollar where it actually matters and support a small businesses in need. I mean, I’m pretty sure Jeff Bezos will still be okay without your $20 mask purchase. Plus, many small businesses have their own unique mask designs, which means they’re going to be higher quality crafted than your mass-produced option (plus you can be original, if that matters to you). So with that in mind, here are some really cool small businesses that you can support and buy your masks from right now. This whole mask thing isn’t going away any time soon (especially since only half of you seem to be following the guidelines of wearing them) so you might as well stock up and buy several, and even do some additional good while you’re at it by supporting small businesses.
1. Thirty20
I came across this company on Instagram and was immediately obsessed. Thirty20 was born within the last year, started by a woman named Julie Gruttadauro who, after working in the fashion and retail industry for over 10 years, decided to start her own online boutique. Given the inventory implications resulting from COVID, Grattadauro is currently specializing her product assortment in custom tie-dye pieces, like the above tie-dye masks.
2. Righteous & Rich
‘Aura’ Washable Face Mask, $19.99
This sustainable fashion company, Righteous & Rich, is a Black-owned company offering unique pieces with cool designs, like their bright masks made with Ankara prints. The masks also have a filter pocket and wire at the nose which, as we’ve discussed, is crucial.
3. United by Blue
Salvaged Hemp Blend Face Mask (3 pack), $20
This Philly-based small business is doing good in more ways than one. To start, the company’s mission is rooted in the belief that business should be a part of environmental solutions, not a hindrance towards it. They believe that businesses can operate in a sustainable, minimal-waste way, and are doing their part to prove it. They host cleanups, remove trash from the oceans, and now donate one mask to benefit Philadelphia residents experiencing homelessness for every three-pack sold. Amazing.
4. Flayr
In response to COVID-19, Flayr was founded in Santa Barbara by three friends whose mission was to create stylish and fun masks to help keep people safe. They use high-quality materials and fashionable prints to create masks you’ll be excited to wear. Plus, making us love them even more, for every mask that they make they also will donate one.
5. CAAB Customs
Face Fashion Triple Layered Mask, $15
Founded in 2012 by Tiffany James, CAAB Customs makes some wild face masks that you’re going to need to get you through this year (and that also make incredibly hilarious gifts.) Black woman-owned, this is a company you’ll feel good about supporting, with masks featuring slogans ranging from the more conservative “gimme my 6 feet” to the more provocative “sh*t is gettin’ real.”
6. NIGHT
100% Silk Face Mask + (7) Disposable Filters, $55
NIGHT is a company that specializes in high-quality sleep accessories, and they’re on a mission to ensure you get the most out of every night’s sleep. They’ve taken their philosophy now into the daytime mask game, offering silk masks that come with filters. Silk is known for its inherently antibacterial properties, which is obviously helpful when we’re talking protective face masks. Not to mention, the softness of the material makes these masks comfortable enough to wear for long periods of time without any irritation.
7. Baliawear
Give Back Face Cover Animal Print, $25
Founder of Baliawear, Alvina Lam, founded her company with a focus on fit, allowing women of all shapes and sizes to wear her pieces. But that’s not where the mission of Baliawear stopped. Lam’s mission is also rooted in ensuring sustainable practices along with a desire to give back. She’s now putting her mission into action, selling masks as part of an initiative to “buy one, give one” to donate back to shelters where social distancing isn’t necessarily possible.
8. Frank and Myrhh Shop
Frank and Myrhh is an Etsy shop specializing in handmade African artisan goods geared towards millennials. Owner Baiyinah grew up with that entrepreneurial spirit in her blood, having parents that opened an African Arts Boutique 30 years ago in Pittsburgh, PA. Baiyinah has since channeled her own energy into creating her shop, Frank and Myrhh, selling her own curation of artisan wares. She sells tons of cool stuff, including masks ranging from more subtle plain ones to ones with abstract prints.
9. Zelda Boutique
Clear Skies Tie Dye Fashion Face Covering, $10
Zelda Boutique is a mother/daughter-owned boutique that is located in New Hope, PA. They sell an assortment of trendy cool clothes with the promise that everything is under $100. Since COVID, they’ve expanded their already incredible product assortment to now also include face masks, like this cool tie-dye one.
10. Hackwith Design House
I was introduced to this company by a friend who ordered their masks and was raving about them. Hackwith Design House is a sustainable, low-waste brand that makes versatile and long-lasting clothing. Recognizing the implications quarantine has had on domestic abuse victims, the company is giving back 10% of sales to the Domestic Abuse Project. Their masks are lightweight with simple prints, and, like I said, my friend raves about them.
11. SACHI
Japanese Cotton Pleated Mask, $26
This cute LA coffee shop (that also sells other goodies as well) is now personally hand-making masks that are double-layered and made with high-quality cotton. Their masks feature a Japanese block print design and, for every mask sold, they sew one for an essential worker. You can shop their products all currently available on their site.
12. Reuse Masks
Reuse ‘Berries’ Limited Edition Mask, $12
With a focus on comfortability and good fit, Reuse Masks designs and manufactures their masks in LA. Their goal is to add some personality to this new normal to help make these hard times a little bit better while keeping the community safe. Most of their masks are currently sold out, but stay posted for the next drop so you can support this incredible small business.
13. KASH Queen
KASH Queen is a women’s online boutique that’s all about manifesting your dreams in style, which I can definitely get behind. In addition to stylish and trendy clothes that empower women, KASH Queen sells masks with inspiring and cheeky messages, like the one above reminding us to keep the vibes strong even during these ~unprecedented times~ months ahead.
14. SACHIKA
SACHIKA ‘Tease’ Iridescent Transparent Mask, $22
This company is led by twin fashion designers To-Tam and To-Nya Sachika, who are selling fashionable transparent masks that will keep you safe while also allowing people to actually see you smile. But remember, if you’re not smiling, people will also be able to see that too. Anyway, through their sales SACHIKA is also currently giving back to the Los Angeles Downtown Women’s Center which makes them an even better small business that you’ll want to support.
Given what’s going on in our world right now, anything we each can do to help out the little man is going to be much appreciated. Whether it’s an existing small business that’s just currently struggling or a totally new business born as a means of income during these Corona times, it’s important that we put our dollars where they actually matter. And plus, if you’re anything like me, you need a bunch of different masks to match all your different outfits, so it’s worth supporting a few of the small businesses from this list.
Images: @like1style / UNSPLASH; Thirty20; Righteous and Rich; United by Blue; Jaydee Studios; Flayr; CAAB Customs; NIGHT; Baliawear; Frank and Myrhh Shop; Zelda Boutique; Hackwith Design House; Sachi; Reuse Masks; KASH Queen; SACHIKA
