As a hub for artistry, Etsy has always appealed to entrepreneurs looking to turn their passion into a real, thriving business—and Black-owned Etsy shops deserve your utmost attention. Take for example the women quilters of Gee’s Bend, Alabama, most of whom are descendants of former enslaved persons that were forced to work on the Gee family’s cotton plantation. When their shops first launched on Etsy in 2021, their handcrafted color-blocked quilts sold out overnight. This shouldn’t come as a surprise: The patchwork designs, often completed on a large scale, are historical works of art hanging in museums across the country.
Although the women’s collective hadn’t been able to monetize their art for years, the Etsy partnership—made possible through efforts from Souls Grown Deep, a foundation dedicated to promoting the work of Black artists from the South, and Nest, a nonprofit for craftspeople—changed everything. It was a prime example of how Black creators can thrive in not just an online marketplace, but any marketplace when given the opportunity. In this specific instance, Etsy trend expert Dayna Isom Johnson told Glamour, access to the platform enables the women quilters of Gee’s Bend to sell their goods independently to a global audience while also preserving the history and cultural value of the community.
And the women quilters of Gee’s Bend are just a few among many talented Black creators enriching the site right now. “Etsy’s community of Black sellers specialize in a wide range of art forms and creative mediums, from jewelry making to painting to woodworking,” Isom Johson says. “It’s so exciting to see what these makers create, especially with items that are influenced by our history and highlight the beauty of Black culture.”
If you want to shop small and support Black-owned businesses, there are countless Black-owned Etsy shops worth bookmarking. You’ll find artwork that depicts the importance of familial bonds, clothing that incorporates wax print fabrics, pretty jewelry, and feed-worthy ceramics—among many other gems. Here’s a sampling of some of the site’s most noteworthy sellers.
Emma Make Studio
Lisbon-based artist Emma Make designs is a great source for colorful home decor—she designs all kinds of whimsical, geometric prints, planners, and wall hangings.
Candice Luter
It’s hard not to fall in love with Candice Luter’s macrame-inspired wall art. The artist uses natural cotton rope to create abstract hanging designs that add texture to blank walls (or to unexpected furnishings like mirrors). Each piece is handmade, and Luter works closely with customers to customize each design for the space it’s meant for: You can choose the size and whether you want it dip-dyed, along with the staining of any wood pieces involved.
Omi Woods
For Insta-worthy jewelry, look no further than Omi Woods. Founder Ashley Alexis McFarlane says her designs are inspired by her African heritage and the African diaspora. Her gold coin chains are bestsellers on Etsy, with each piece handcrafted from sustainable materials using traditional lost-wax casting techniques.
TW Aromatics & Co.
Virginia-based Trenace Williams started selling handmade scented goods within the last few years and has already gained a loyal following for her creative candle blends. Whether you’re into moody notes of plum and black cherry or prefer the freshness of tropical fruit and sage, “each scent has a purpose to bring about balance, peace, and motivation,” she writes on her website.
Made by Rheal
Made by Rheal’s handcrafted pieces are a total win among home decor enthusiasts. You can find everything from painted throws to marbled coasters and crystal-filled hands to add a bit of intrigue to your space. They also make great gifts for women, just saying.
Kindred Essence
If you take self-care seriously, you’ll want someof Kindred Essence’s luxurious products in your life. The brand—run by sisters Sandra and Jennifer Mapp—makes soap bars, body butters, and soy candles in yummy scents like patchouli rose and lavender oatmeal. Whether you’re enjoying a relaxing bath or rushing to get ready in the morning, these skin care finds never fail to calm you down.
Secondhand Shawty
Vintage lovers, rejoice! From colorful sweater vests that would be right at home on Clueless to slinky slip dresses, Carmen Jones’s Black-owned shop is like a time capsule for ’80s and ’90s fashion that feels equally on-trend today.
Suakoko Betty
Suakoko Betty founder Charlene Bendu Dunbar is currently based in Atlanta, but it’s her roots as a Liberian refugee that formed the inspiration for her modern designs featuring splashy African prints. Drawing on her background in fashion design, Dunbar’s pieces are beautifully tailored, whether she’s putting together a batik jumpsuit or a flowy skirt. Even though it’s a small business, the brand offers extended sizes, with most pieces sizing up to 3XL.
Natalie Gaynor
There are so many interesting embroidery designs on Etsy, and Natalie Blamire offers tons of them. Her hoops often feature pretty florals and inspirational messages (like “This too shall pass” or “You’ve got this”). If you want to pick up a new hobby, Blamire also curates DIY kits that reviewers say are super easy to start with.
Alliyah and Things
Minimalist home decor doesn’t have to be sharp lines and monochrome color palettes—Alliyah and Things is proof. The brand specializes in handmade ceramics, linens, and candles in soothing, natural hues and textures—and plants a tree with One Tree Planted for every sale.
Gee’s Bend Quilters
The Gee’s Bend Quilters continue to share and sell their work on Etsy, and all of their shops are marked with an official logo. To facilitate the partnership, which launched in 2021—and ensure the quilters continue to have access to the resources they need to maintain and grow their own Etsy shops—Souls Grown Deep helped established the Gee’s Bend Resource Center, offering the first free public internet access and laptop computers for the community.
Gullah Basket Weavers
Similar to the story of the Gee’s Bend Quilters, the basket weavers of the Gullah region in South Carolina come from a strong Black community of artisans who have been weaving sweetgrass since the 1700s. Etsy now hosts official shops for Gullah weavers selling high-quality, intricately woven heirlooms for the home (based on traditional West African weaving techniques) like baskets, wall hangings, and bowls.
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Dorcas Creates
Dorcas Magbadelo is a UK-based artist who says she’s “passionate about representing and uplifting Black people—specifically Black women—through illustration.” Her designs (printed on totes, T-shirts, notebooks, art prints, and greeting cards) feature lots of bold colors and references to her Nigerian heritage.
Gilded Cage Atelier
If you’re a vintage fiend who lives for the thrill of a good find, Gilded Cage Atelier is one corner of Etsy that’s worth spending a little time in. It’s a treasure trove of vintage knickknacks, from small houseware items like jewelry boxes and drinking glasses to unique accessories. One of its specialties is handbags and wallets, if you’re hunting for Etsy gifts with extra character.
CanDid Art Accessories
CanDid Art Accessories of Oakland, California, offers a variety of modern statement earrings in elegant hammered metal for everyday, with some other fun surprises up its sleeve. Don’t sleep on its selection of adorable printed kid’s clothing (like reversible quilted jackets!), face masks, and greeting cards too.
Lovely Earthlings
If you like to shop for unique gifts, Lovely Earthlings is a great place to find colorful prints, notecards, and tote bags. Karina Daniel Parris uses female caricatures—plant moms, dog lovers, and beyond—to celebrate diverse hair textures, shapes, and skin tones in all their many forms.
Osagie Designs
Tina Donath—the Germany-based shop owner behind Osagie Designs—creates vibrant accessories like headbands, headwraps, and satin sleep bonnets that feel like a love letter to Black women everywhere. They’re sourced primarily from lively batik fabrics, but you’ll also find some delightful silky scrunchies in the mix too.
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Bespoke Binny
Look to Natalie Manima for vibrant African-inspired homewares—think pillows, throws, aprons, and oven mittens. Manima’s graphic wax-print lampshades also earned her a spot as a 2020 Etsy Design Awards finalist.
Tal & Bert
You can certainly enjoy your crystals and plants separately, but Tal & Bert likes to imagine the best of both worlds with its geode planters. These small vessels are perfect for housing air plants, succulents, candles, or just sitting pretty on your desk. Husband-and-wife duo Ray and Val Talbert launched their business in February 2020 and impressively expanded during the pandemic into a two-studio company with a brick-and-mortar storefront.
