At BLK + GRN, we never bring in junk—only joy.
If it’s not sustainably made, plant based, or cruelty free, we don’t put it in our homes, on our melanin or otherwise allow it to clog our self care.
There are currently over 1,500 harmful chemicals banned—or highly restricted—by the European Union (EU). Yet, in the U.S., the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) has only banned 11 toxins in our personal care products and cosmetics. We’ve compiled a list of the most harmful offenders backed up by most leading regulating agencies and the Environmental Working Group.
As part of our commitment to help you achieve a holistic lifestyle, we thoughtfully select the most nourishing, cruelty-free products from Black artisans around the world.
You will never find the following ingredients in any products on BLK + GRN.
“I LIKE MY PRODUCTS HOW I LIKE MY PEOPLE, NON-TOXIC”
What Buying Black and Living Green Means
When buying Black, you possess the gift of influence. After purchasing at BLK + GRN, you use it to showcase Black women-owned products and support Black women collectively. When you live green, you possess the power to lead a happier and prioritize healthier life.
THE MOTIVATION
THE BOOK THAT STARTED IT ALL
OUR STORY
The idea of BLK + GRN came from a similar discomfort many people feel when they reach a point in their lives where they are ready to transition to a healthier lifestyle with high-quality products but are unsure of where to start.
On her wellness journey, founder Dr. Kristian Edwards had similar concerns. After reading Our Black Year by Maggie Anderson, she understood the economic importance of buying Black and the barriers that made buying Black difficult. Determined to create an easier way for conscious consumers to vote with their dollars, she started BLK + GRN to empower our Black Artisans. The latter share their passion for inspiring Black women to make healthier choices, no matter where they are in their wellness journeys.
Buying Black and living green as a non-compromising choice is what connects Dr. Edward's journey to the community of women who also want to craft and consume products consciously. BLK + GRN provides an inclusive experience by normalizing access to non-toxic products targeted at Black women while cultivating a lifestyle that promotes self-love and wellness. As a company that cares for Black women, The Team at BLK+GRN are all women who come together with compassion and collaboration to make change happen.
THE MISSION
One, to challenge the marketplace to normalize access to non-toxic products targeted to Black women and two, to fund Black women entrepreneurs’ who create non-toxic personal care products.
THE Purpose
Products marketed to Black women and are filled with synthetic and toxic chemicals, causing a profound negative impact on their health. Black women spend $7.5 billion annually on beauty products which is 80% more on cosmetics and twice as much on skincare than their white counterparts. We educate consumers about the importance of investing their dollars in healthy, sustainable products created by Black women.
OUR ETHOS
At BLK + GRN, our all Black artisans are carefully chosen by Black health experts who know what an all-natural product truly looks like. We've seen firsthand the damaging effects harmful ingredients and practices have had on our community.
Our marketplace connects Black people with natural lifestyles to high-quality, toxic-free brands that share in our mission of health, wellness and community cultivation.
We promise to maintain that connection by curating, crafting and consuming consciously for you.
CULTIVATE YOUR OWN
Like plants, we soak up the sun, yet blossom even in the shade.We flourish with or without space.Our soil is rooted in something unshakeable.Our leaves spread like seeds. Each sprout tells the story of a better way to be.
We're Black, yes, but we live Green.
Our bodies, nurtured by the earth, grow strong like coconut palm trees.Our lips, candied with fruit-tinged sticks.Our skin, nourished with raw butter-filled creams.Our children, sun-kissed with melanin, soaped in honey and lemon beads.Our homes, cleaned with all-natural derivatives and plant-based astringents.
We're Black, yes, but we live Green.
We craft and consume consciously,with ingredients mother earth has bestowed.Oh, what strength one woman firmly rooted can behold,when she plants, waters, and cultivates her own!
Welcome to our all-natural marketplace.