BCBusiness

BCBusiness April 2021

With a mission to inform, empower, celebrate and advocate for British Columbia's current and aspiring business leaders, BCBusiness go behind the headlines and bring readers face to face with the key issues and people driving business in B.C.

Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/1351663

Contents of this Issue

Navigation

Page 44 of 47

APRIL 2021 BCBUSINESS 45 I N V E N T OR Y Buy Black-Owned Trends change, but mindful shopping is always in—and these B.C. businesses run by Black entrepreneurs are walking the walk by Alyssa Hirose ( quality time ) BASIC BUBBLES # When Ken Okondo founded Karibu Soaps in May 2020, he was determined to make suds simply–with basic ingredients and creating as little waste as possible. Okondo creates moulds from everyday waste like milk car- tons and Pringles containers. His New Westminster micro- business stirs up small-batch soap and shampoo, all in bar form, so there's no plastic bottle waste, either. Online • BCBUSINESS.CA HEAD ON Q Victoire Lyele, who grew up in Vancouver, began making earrings as a way to embrace her Congolese and Gabonese roots. Using an African print fabric called kitenge, Lyele crafts vibrant jewelry, clothing and head- wraps (great for bad hair days, she says). She founded Khimia Designs in 2018 and still makes every product herself. Online IN THE BAG Q Inspired by artisans from her tribe, Lois Okello started selling handwo- ven baskets as a side hustle in 2018. But Vancouver-based Boostani isn't your average wholesale operation– much of the work that Okello offers is made by members of her own family in Kenya. She's learned how to weave herself, too, and will release a Made in Canada line this year. Online RING ON IT Q Devi Arts Collective was launched in 2013 by Bayoush Mengesha. The women-led Vancouver brand sells dainty, minimalist jewelry ideal for everyday wear. Each of their pieces is handmade using recycled or refined metals and ethically sourced gem- stones, and their design is mindful. (For example, the Duality Asymmetrical Disc Studs reflect the complementary nature of opposite forces.) Coming this spring: a one-of-a-kind collection fea- turing recycled 14-karat gold. Online BLANKET STATEMENT @ After moving to Canada, Irène Shema and her family had a tough time finding African décor that made their home feel more like, well, home. She established Uchi Collections in Victoria in 2019 to provide income for artisans in East Africa–many of them single mothers–and to bring traditional African style to the Island (and the rest of the country). Her blankets, clothing and accessories are all handmade. Online

Articles in this issue

Links on this page

Archives of this issue

view archives of BCBusiness - BCBusiness April 2021