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There are so many talented Black creatives and businesses in Ireland, and now you can find them all in one place, thanks to Irish Black Owned, a new platform spotlighting hundreds of black-owned businesses around the country.
Since its first post on June 6, the Instagram following of @Irishblackowned has risen to over 8,000 and while their aim is simple, the brand itself has big plans.
Set up by 12 individuals from different fields, they saw an absence of a Black and Irish union catering for the unique needs and representation of the ever-growing Black Irish community. Promoting a plethora of Black businesses in Ireland, the page aims to nurture the economic diversity of Ireland through amplifying businesses, providing education, and changing the culture.
Featuring posts on Black history, top tips on growing your brand, as well as businesses to follow in fields like fashion, beauty, food, technology and food its an excellent place to learn from and discover new Irish brands.
Now, IBO has launched the first part of its mission – an Irish Black-owned business directory. Featuring over 300 businesses around Ireland, including We Live Our Values, a Cork-based reusable menstrual product company, Dublin media company Kenny Ken Studios, Keva’s Food Co, and streetwear brand Kulture Klub to name just a few.
So whether you’re looking for a photographer, physiotherapist, event co-ordinator or new online shop, the IBO Directory will point you directly to their Instagram account or website, all you need to do is browse the categories.
And this is only the beginning of the Irish Black-Owned plan. Education is another element of its ethos. Not just about showing business owners how to grow their brand (although they do that too), IBO also tackle issues that affect the community, such as consent and sexual violence. IBO is currently fundraising to provide Black women who experience sexual violence with free therapy, you can donate here.
Next up is establishing a YouTube channel, where IBO plans to host interactive shows that put a spotlight on Irish black culture, creativity and talent.
If you’d like to register your business for the directory or volunteer your time, head on over to irishblackowned.com.
Featured image: @irishblackowned via Instagram
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