Why BLK + GRN Is Moving to a More Sustainable, Direct-Shipping Model

When I first launched BLK + GRN, I was shipping products straight from my home office. I ordered in small batches to ensure we cleared inventory quickly, avoiding excess stock and making sure customers received fresh products. As we grew, we moved to a fulfillment center, allowing us to scale operations. However, with this growth came new challenges—many artisans had order minimums, which led to us holding more inventory than we could sell.

At the same time, we noticed a shift in customer behavior. Many people were using BLK + GRN as a catalog, discovering brands through our platform but then purchasing directly from the artisan. While we’re thrilled to connect customers with Black women-owned businesses, this pattern meant we were left holding onto unsold inventory, creating waste and inefficiencies.

A More Sustainable Approach

This shift to direct shipping isn’t just about inventory management—it’s also about sustainability. Previously, a single product would be shipped twice: once from the artisan to our fulfillment center and then again from our warehouse to the customer. By eliminating that middle step, we’re reducing carbon emissions and ensuring products arrive fresher and faster.

Another key factor? Over 50% of our orders come for just one artisan. This concentration of sales reinforced the need for a model that allows artisans to fulfill their own orders, rather than us holding onto stock that may or may not move.

What This Means for You

With this new model, BLK + GRN will:

• Run out of stock less often – Because artisans will ship directly, products won’t sit in our warehouse waiting to be replenished.

• Broaden our product selection – Without the constraints of storage space and minimum order quantities, we can offer even more Black-owned, non-toxic products for you to discover.

• Ensure fresher products – Many of our artisans create small-batch, handmade goods. This new system means you’ll receive products straight from the source, at peak freshness.

We’re excited about this transition and what it means for both our artisans and our community. By making this shift, we’re staying true to our mission—supporting Black women-owned brands, promoting sustainability, and making non-toxic living more accessible than ever.

Thank you for being part of this journey with us!