Small Black Owned Businesses on Instagram

As mentioned in my previous blog post, I suffer from eczema. I typically don’t like to switch brands once I find a product that helps or improves my skin. However, after exploring an Instagram page dedicated to black history and entrepreneurship, I discovered a brand called BOMB’D Aesthetics dedicated to black skincare. Their products are vegan, handmade, and cruelty free. I decided to try the brand after reading the background story of their products which involved two brothers looking to cater to the sensitive skin of their children.

After seeing positive reviews and reading success stories, I decided to try a product called “Alkanet N Oats Eczema Relief Bar.” One woman even reported that she tried this product on her one-year old child and it did not irritate her eczema. This reassured me that if this soap was sensitive enough to cater to a young child, it would more than likely cater to my skin as well.

As you’re now aware, participating in social media is often a crucial part in interacting with potential customers who may not be aware of a brand. This is also one of the best ways to interact with current customers and can leave a lasting impression on how they view your customer service or level of engagement. As a result, you can create a loyal consumer base who will be more likely to spread brand awareness and leave positive reviews.

One of the best platforms to use for selling and promoting products is Instagram. Instagram is a vital tool in growing a business since it provides the platform of telling a story with a photo or video and caption. This app highlights the importance of visual imagery to make a first and lasting impression. Think of it almost like an official brand website, where your best work and collaborations are on display for followers and future consumers.

In this blog post I would like to uplift new and established small black owned companies based in the U.S. With these three companies listed below, you will be able to learn how you can successfully promote your brand via Instagram with a variety of techniques and styles. Feel free to also visit the company websites, which I will list at the end of my blog post!

BOMB’D Aesthetics

When you visit the BOMB’D Aesthetics Instagram page they utilize a simple layout with brief captions describing the product or describing the benefits of utilizing it. All photos on their page shine a spotlight on only their products. Though this may be described as dull or repetitive, there is little to no room for misunderstanding. Without scrolling past a few rows, it’s obvious that the products sold are bar soaps, body butters, and oils.

When potential customers ask questions, such as which product would most benefit a certain skin type such as, dry skin, eczema, or acne they tend to reply with a product that may be best suited for them. This interaction comes off as far more personable and informative rather than a general synopsis. It’s easy to misdiagnose what you skin needs, however, when you have help from a direct and educated source it can save many people time and money.

Taliah Waajid

In the late 90s, when it was still popular to have relaxed hair, a woman named Taliah Waajid proceeded to create a hair care line that caters to black natural hair. Currently, she has one of the most well-known natural hair care companies in the market. Though Waajid’s company was established in the late 90s she didn’t let that stop her from expanding her company and joined social media outlets such as Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

Her Instagram page features social media influencer collaborations, new products, and hair styling videos dedicated to promoting natural hair. A variety of age groups are often featured, especially since she also has a hair care line catered to children. The company replies to questions, concerns, or comments left in the comments section of each post. Some of their comments even include slang, which in certain instances be unprofessional, however, works for this platform because it feels more community based. This also creates a feeling of reliability as well as accessibility to the company.

Plain Jane Beauty

This makeup company provides a healthier skin alternative to traditional makeup for a variety of skin tones. Many makeup brands utilize toxic or skin clogging ingredients that damage the skin once makeup is taken off. In addition, the company partakes in sustainable practices for the environment.

When you visit the Plain Jane Beauty makeup page, they incorporate pop culture with their products. For example, they will often post photos of celebrity magazine shoots, or trending topics such as prom. Ultimately, they advertise their company in these posts with hashtags which relays to their audience that they can achieve a celebrity look or utilize Plain Jane Beauty products to spruce up their style. Most posts are also motivational and showcase a variety of skin complexions, heights, and sizes.

Obviously, this brand, like the previous two mentioned, cater to a specific target audience. However, these brands can all be highly successful in a niche market. Regardless of what brand you must promote, you can find an audience! It’s important that you cater to something you are willing to invest in as a company and individual. An example of a company that ethically disappointed many consumers is Burt’s Bees after they sold their company to Clorox, which wildly differs from their all organic roots. Many were concerned that this decision would result in non-organic ingredients being incorporated into their beloved products. As I always say, change can be good, however, it’s important that you don’t differ too strongly from the ethics that you embodied at the beginning. These three companies, while growing, have maintained a consistent image that has ultimately gained them notoriety.

*Want to visit the companies mentioned in this article? Click the link beside each of the names below!*

BOMB’D Aesthetics: https://www.lovebombd.com/

Taliah Waajid: https://www.naturalhair.org/

Plain Jane Beauty: https://plainjanebeauty.net/