Power in the Purchase: Celebrating Black Women-Owned Businesses This Juneteenth
Juneteenth isn’t just a historic milestone—it’s a living movement. It marks the day in 1865 when freedom finally reached the last enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation. It was a delayed deliverance. And it’s why, in 2021, President Biden signing Juneteenth into federal law meant more than a holiday. It meant recognition. It meant visibility. It meant a renewed invitation to do better.
At Prequal, we believe freedom and sales are deeply connected. Economic power is a pathway to personal freedom, and every dollar you spend has direction. This Juneteenth, we’re choosing to direct our attention—and our investment—toward Black-owned, women-led businesses who are creating with purpose and leading with excellence.
PROGRESS IN NUMBERS
Since Juneteenth became a federal holiday:
Black-owned businesses have seen significant visibility gains. Searches and sales during Juneteenth week have seen noticeable spikes.
Data from platforms like Yelp and Shopify show increased consumer interest, particularly in lifestyle, wellness, and community-rooted categories.
There’s been a 30% post-pandemic resurgence in Black-owned business formation, signaling strength, resilience, and a new era of growth.
Visibility matters. So does intentional support.
SIX BLACK + WOMEN-LED BRANDS WORTH YOUR ATTENTION
These are not “nice to support” brands. These are exceptional, relevant, and revenue-worthy businesses redefining what it means to serve, create, and lead.
Justice of the Pies (Food & Community, Chicago)
Founded in Chicago by Maya‑Camille Broussard, this bakery-catering business fuses indulgent pies with devotion to community uplift, from feeding frontline workers to teaching teens baking skills.
Lexington Betty’s Smokehouse (Food, Chicago)
Dominique Leach—a Chicago pitmaster carving space for Black women in barbecue—leads with soulful flavors and a storytelling mission, building community with every brisket.
Nobody’s Darling (Hospitality & Community, Chicago)
A Black queer women‑owned bar in Andersonville that champions inclusivity—from craft cocktails to pop‑ups spotlighting Black‑owned liquor and food.
Carmel Soap Company (Wellness)
Crafted by hand and backed by a story of healing, this body care brand delivers clean, effective solutions. Think small-batch soaps, salves, and skincare that love on your body, naturally.
Manna Reign Chocolates (Lifestyle + Food)
Montina Cleveland turned a dietary need into a dreamy chocolate experience—gluten-free, inclusive, and indulgent. This is joy you can taste.
Kai-Simone Winery (Experience + Celebration, Spring Branch, TX)
One of the few Black-woman-owned wineries in the country. Founder Dr. Sheila Adams invites us to toast to legacy, leisure, and liberation.
How to Honor Juneteenth with Purpose
Juneteenth is not just a commemoration—it’s a call to action. Here's how to move from awareness to aligned action:
01. Support Black Businesses—Not Just Today, But Always.
Not just on Juneteenth. Support Black-owned, women-led brands that reflect your values every day of the year.
02. Amplify What You Love.
Your voice is a tool. Share the businesses, products, and people that move you—because visibility builds momentum.
03. Invest in the Ecosystem.
True support goes beyond spending. Fund their growth, mentor their teams, and create partnerships. Freedom scales when we do it together.
WHERE WE STAND
We’re in the business of economic empowerment. Sales is the tool. Confidence is the outcome. And for women of color—especially Black women—sales means freedom.
This Juneteenth, we’re not just remembering freedom delayed. We’re creating freedom now.
Because when you support a Black woman-owned business, you're not just making a purchase. You're making a statement.
Let’s keep saying it—clearly, consistently, and collectively.