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