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Black History
Month

Last October, Gap was proud to celebrate Black History Month with a campaign supporting black owned businesses. Partnering with Black Pound Day, we gave over our social channels, interviewed five female independent business owners, and ran a competition for one entrepreneur to win a £2,000 business grant.

MORE ABOUT BLACK POUND DAY

First up, we met Chloe from Chloe Ainsley Creative, a modern design studio based in Kent who specialise in art prints, and eco-friendly stationery for events and special life moments.
“We're passionate about meaningful design and reducing waste."

Check out chloeainsleycreative.co.uk or watch the video on our Instagram @ukgap

Next, we met with the founder of Imagine Me Stories, a monthly subscription box and an online bookshop.

“I make it easy for parents and schools to discover amazing children's books which celebrate black main characters, and to learn about important trailblazers in the black community.” Keisha Ehigie, Founder

Find out more at imaginemestories.com

The third independent business we spotlighted was Copper Dust, an Interior Design Studio specialising in interior styling, luxury African inspired home décor, and renovation.

"My heritage is from Ghana and I’m born and raised in London. I wanted to create a business that could bring the two together."

Visit copperdustinteriors.com or copperdustlondon.com

The Afro Hair & Skin Co. produces beauty products that are all organic, natural and vegan friendly.
“We pride ourselves on using locally sourced British grown ingredients and encourage black women to be mindful about what we use on our hair and skin.” Ibi Meier-Oruitemeka, Founder & Creative Director

Find out more at theafrohairandskincompany.co.uk

Founder & Creative Director, Malaika Carr, has run her handmade jewellery business Chalk for 10 years, alongside being an architect.
“I design and make eclectic wearable forms of jewellery, inspired by architecture, bold bright cultural patterns and sculptures. Through my collections I try to take my audience on a journey.”

Visit thechalkhouse.com to check them out.

OUR COMPETITION WINNER

The winner of the £2,000 business grant was Mindwalk Yoga - a virtual well-being studio and social enterprise on a mission to make yoga accessible, inclusive and affordable for everyone.
Founder Zakiya Bishton, told us, "This grant will enable us to produce empowering video practices to treat anxiety, stress and enhance general well-being, supporting our members and our wider community with their mental health.”

For more info, visit mindwalkyoga.org and check out @mindwalkyoga on Instagram.