Written by Jillian Holness
The holidays can be stressful, but shopping for your loved ones doesn’t have to be. Here are 5 Black-owned wellness brands that cover everyone on your list and remind them that it’s ok to stop and have some me time.
TPH by Taraji
Celebrity Taraji P Henson has been building her empire (no pun intended) for the past five years. The Hidden Figures star is not just an award-winning actress. She’s also an author, mental health advocate, and most recently, beauty entrepreneur. Her line TPH features hair care products that emphasize the importance of scalp health. Henson told Instyle magazine that her DIY scalp remedies inspired her collection. “During [COVID-19] shutdown, I was teaching other people how to do their hair at home, and now it’s like, let’s turn that Sunday chore into a ritual.”
TPH also features a line of unisex body care products to upgrade your shower routine. “While you have your hair mask on, you can indulge in a nice deep, relaxing bath with a relaxing candle. Or you can get your energy the next morning from the mandarine and ginger in the body cleansing line,” Henson said referring to the Cleanse + Condition Coalition, The Skin Stylers, and Restoration Situals collection within her line. Henson is also a firm believer that self-care should be accessible. All of the items in TPH are under $15 and available at Walmart and Target.
Healthy Root Dolls
Representation for young Back girls and other avid Black doll collectors has gone a long way. Starting in 1980, when Matell released their first black Barbie to 2017 when American Girl made Gabriela Mcbride the second girl of color since 2005. The options for young Black girls have definitely expanded. However, the founder of Healthy Root Dolls, Yelitsa Jeans Charles isn’t just looking to diversify children’s playtime options, her dolls create an educational experience through hair care. Each healthy root doll has a variety of kinks and coils to make wash day extra special for girls. Healthy Roots also recognizes that self-care also starts from within. In a 2016 study done by Dove, only 4 out of 10 girls like their curly hair. Toys impact how we think, act, and perceive ourselves. When girls can’t find dolls that accurately represent them, it negatively impacts their self-esteem. The Healthy Roots Dolls come in various melanin-rich shades and have cute button noses and full lips that celebrate our girls’ unique features. They’re available on the company’s website and online at Target.
Harlem Candle Co.
Candles make a great gift for any adult on your list. They can add new life to your grandmother’s home where laughs, hugs, and sometimes tears have been shared across different generations. A simple light can upgrade your brother’s struggling bachelor pad to an aesthetic apartment. Candles can also earn you brownie points with your rich auntie who loves anything bougie and fancy. Harlem Candle Co. has a variety of scents that range from fruity and citrusy to opulent and warm, making it easy to find a favorite scent for everyone on your holiday list. The luxury candle company was founded by travel and lifestyle expert, Teri Johnson. Johnson says the company is the manifestation of her love affair with fragrance, jazz, and Harlem. Try gifting your jazz enthusiast friend, The Speakeasy, Josephine, and Langston bundle. They include gourmand fragrances with hints of vanilla, dark chocolate, and amber that will transform your space into a swanky night lounge.
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Aya Paper Co.
Journaling is therapeutic and has been proven to help alleviate stress, decrease symptoms of depression, and promote self-discovery. Aya Paper Co. is a sustainable stationery brand that creates greeting cards and gifts to celebrate the people who matter the most. The company also prides itself on reducing its carbon footprint. They produce their items locally to decrease carbon emissions associated with freight shipping. They also donate of portion of their procedures to further the development of carbon removal technologies. This holiday season connect with your distant relatives by sending them a festive holiday card. Aya’s cool, contemporary designs will be sure to delight everyone on your list.
Just Add Honey Tea Company
As the temperatures drop, cozy up with a cup of warm tea. Just Add Honey Tea company offers over 20 different types of loose-leaf tea options that are not only great for unwinding but also aiding in overall health. In fact, this is what inspired the founder, Brandi Shelton to start the company. Shelton grew up with a grandmother who had a concoction for every alignment. If you’re ever in ATL, hit up the retail cafe. They offer hot and iced options, iced teas on tap, along with light treats, and a tea of the month.
