Celebrating Black Business Month: Spotlight on Community, Culture & Collaboration 🌍
At Bôhten, our commitment has always been more than crafting beautiful eyewear—it’s about building bridges, celebrating heritage, and lifting voices from the African continent and across the diaspora.
This August, we recognize Black Business Month, a time dedicated to honoring and supporting Black-owned businesses worldwide. The observance was founded in 2004 by John William Templeton and Frederick E. Jordan Sr., two entrepreneurs who sought to address the challenges Black business owners face and create greater visibility for their contributions to the economy. Today, Black Business Month stands as a global movement that celebrates innovation, resilience, and cultural pride within the Black entrepreneurial community.
As part of this celebration, we’re honored to shine a light on some amazing Black-owned businesses within the Bôhten community who have not only inspired our journey but also strengthened our shared vision of empowerment, culture, and sustainability.
Allwood MRKT
Allwood MRKT is a Toronto-based Black-owned creative collective and marketplace founded by Kevin Allwood. With a mission to elevate Black artisans, Allwood curates sustainable lifestyle goods—from homewares and art to fashion—that reflect both contemporary design and deep cultural roots. Their dedication to representation, ethical sourcing, and community celebration resonates powerfully with Bôhten’s vision. We’re proud to partner with Allwood MRKT, connecting our handcrafted eyewear to a broader narrative of Black creativity and cultural pride across Canada.
Ofuri Brothers Wines
In the heart of New York City, Ofuri Brothers Wines brings the vibrancy of the African Diaspora to the wine world. Founded by two visionary brothers, their wines are crafted with narratives in mind—each bottle celebrating heritage, identity, and bold flavor. We’re grateful for their support and encouragement as Bôhten explores new expressions of culture through artisanal craft and storytelling.
Very Ghanaian
Very Ghanaian is more than just a lifestyle brand—it’s a cultural movement celebrating Ghanaian creativity in fashion, art, and food. Their vibrant designs and curated experiences resonate with our own passion for highlighting African identity. We admire Very Ghanaian's mission to amplify Ghana’s stories and artisans on a global stage.
Kaeme
Kaeme is a proudly Ghanaian personal care brand crafting luxury skin and body products with natural, ethically sourced ingredients. Known for their iconic shea butter blends and elegant packaging, Kaeme combines sustainability with sensory storytelling—every product is a celebration of African roots and wellness traditions. We’re inspired by Kaeme’s commitment to empowering local communities and preserving cultural authenticity, values that align closely with Bôhten’s ethos. Together, we champion beauty, heritage, and conscious living.
Why Supporting Black Businesses Matters
- Economic Equity: Amplifying Black-owned businesses ensures capital circulates within the community—building long-term wealth and opportunity.
- Cultural Representation: Each enterprise shares a unique story rooted in African and Black Diaspora heritage, reinforcing Bôhten’s mission to honor authentic narratives.
- Collaborative Creativity: Partnering with these founders enriches our design process and storytelling—driving intentional innovation through mutual encouragement.
- Sustainable Impact: We share community-oriented ethics and sustainable processes with these brands, promoting a business model that’s both purposeful and planet-positive.
How You Can Support
- Explore Their Offerings: Discover Allwood MRKT’s curated Black artisan goods, sip Ofuri Brothers’ African-inspired wines, embrace Ghanaian style with Very Ghanaian, and indulge in natural scents by Kaeme.
- Share the Love: Tag them in your social posts, leave thoughtful reviews, and tell friends about the incredible stories behind each brand.
- Join the Conversation: This month, follow Bôhten’s and their social feeds using #BlackBusinessMonth to stay updated on collaborations and cross-support opportunities.
We’re incredibly proud of our Bôhten community: creators, customers, and collaborators alike. Thank you for lifting Black-owned businesses and championing a future rooted in heritage, sustainability, and collaboration. Here’s to a powerful Black Business Month—may it inspire action, connection, and lasting impact.