Remember Black Square Summer back in 2020? Endless lists of black-owned brands were shared globally, often pulled together by a staff writer who spent a day Googling “black-owned” and checking hashtags on Instagram before collating a list from whatever came up in search results.

A lot changes in four years, and unfortunately – due to capitalism, systematic disenfranchisement and the high cost of entrepreneurship for marginalised identities in particular – not all of those black-owned brands remain in business today.

But let that not discourage you, there are still plenty of brands that are still black-owned and still in operation, and lots of new ones have started since then too. We quizzed some of the Black Ballad community to find out the black-owned brands that have them fangirling and running to spending their hard-earned black pounds.

Tobi Oredein, Black Ballad's Founder and CEO

When Tobi was moving house a few years ago, she needed some artwork for the walls of her new home office. In her search, she came across Line & Honey, a black-owned homeware brand and illustration studio.

Line & Honey's ethos of mindfulness and minimalism dictates the brand's aesthetics, with each print aiming to share "slowness and softness" wherever it is displayed.

"I have an illustration of a black woman holding a water jug," Tobi says. "It is so calming and sensual and reminds me that black women birth life to so many wonderful things that exist in the world."

Jendella Benson, Black Ballad's Head of Editorial

Always keen to find new black-owned clothing brands, Jendella first came across Nigerian womenswear brand Wanni Fuga on Instagram and fell in love with one outfit in particular.

"As soon as I saw the black Lori draped mesh dress, I was obsessed, but it was sold out. I set my notifications and put my money aside and as soon as it was restocked, I immediately bought it and also a Benaya set."

Jendella appreciates the elegance and versatility of the contemporary brand, saying that you can feel like a "baddie" or a "rich auntie" depending on your mood.

"I love Nigerian designers. The silhouettes are interesting, the clothes are comfortable and their practices are much more sustainable, a lot of the time handcrafted from quality, custom fabrics."

Alisa Jordan Walker, Global Marketing Campaign Manager & Black Ballad's LinkedIn Specialist

Alisa tells us that she can't live without Ruka's Hold Me Down Edge Gel. "I have tried all the gels and nothing works as well as Ruka's Hold Me Down Edge Gel. [It's] a product I now can't live without!"

After years of buying from shops and brands that has not respected us, it's a joy to see so many black-owned haircare brands. Staying ahead of their competitors through innovation, Ruka is not bringing us your typical hair shop edge control. Hold Me Down Edge Gel features mongongo oil for hair growth and density as well as caesalpinia spinosa fruit extract which is more commonly found in skincare – meaning it's a product that's specifically formulated for both your hair and your skin. Who says we can't have everything?

Jamila Pereira, freelance writer and Black Ballad contributor

In a world full of hair stylist horror stories (and texts starting off with the dreaded 'Hey hun/babe...'), Jamila has only good things to say about Monodreadlocks salon.

"I discovered Monodreadlocks about five years ago, just before the pandemic. They’re a Leeds-based salon specialising in locs, and I’ve been loyal ever since I started my loc journey with them."

Like countless black women before her, Jamila has found a sanctuary in this black-owned hair salon.

"It’s a space where I feel safe and confident. I trust them completely with my hair, and honestly, they’re the only people I’d ever let touch my locs. The consistency, the care, and the community they offer are unbeatable."

Charlene, software engineer, content creator and O.G. Black Ballad member