UI and web designer Dacia Petrie is behind an app that makes it easier for shoppers to buy from Black-owned businesses.
Black shoppers are looking for more ways to support some of their favorite brands beyond major retail. This comes after several companies, including Walmart and Target, announced plans to roll back their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) commitments.
In fact, entrepreneur and graphic designer Danielle Coke Balfour pulled her products from Target shelves and directed buyers to her online storefront, as AFROTECH™ previously reported.
“All products pictured are retired at this time except the Good Work Journal. My licensing agreement was with a vendor, not Target directly. Target has described their changes as ‘concluding’ specific DEI initiatives, which I’ve expressed my personal disappointment with. I stand by my message about the importance of supporting Black-owned brands and businesses,” Balfour wrote on Instagram.
In a follow-up video, Balfour reveals that many of the products have been sold out thanks to the influx of support for her online storefront.
Commentary from the Black community on DEI shifts has emphasized the importance of ownership and the aspiration for Black-owned equivalents to Amazon and Walmart. While building such enterprises will take time, individuals like Petrie offer hope by leveraging technology to drive progress.
Her app, called Black Nile, features over 3,000 Black-owned businesses.
“I saw somebody in the comments saying that they’re looking for a Black Amazon. Sista, I’m a hold your hand when I say this. This ain’t Amazon. It’s Black Nile,” she explained.
@daciapetrie Stitch ➤ @JusNene2.0 | got you sis! How to download app is at 2:00 min. mark. I designed an entire app & website with 3000+ black owned businesses in 40 categories. Click the link in my bio to download app! You can find the Black Nile on the Spaces by Wix App. Step by step instructions on exactly how to download & join is at the 2:04 minute mark of this video. Link to download ↓ https://www.mobileapp.app/to/mTNXpgf?ref=cl Steps: 1. Download the Spaces App 2. Open the App 3. Create an account 4. Click link in bio & the app will open. 5. You will see the Black Nile. Click Join! Tag #blacknile for us to easily find your brand & add your business to our directory. Follow us on Instagram @blacknile.co #jesusisking #blackownedbusiness #blackowned #blackownedgrocerystore #SmallBusiness #buyblack #blackownedsmallbusiness #blacknile #blackgirlluxury #blackhistorymonth #blackwomen
Black Nile offers a diverse selection across 40+ categories, including skincare, hair, nail, and feminine care. It also offers hotels and villas, restaurants, grocery stores, luxury wear, handbags, weddings, home and kitchen goods, baby and kids, swimwear, lingerie, plus-size clothing, and more.
The platform integrates Google Maps, allowing users to easily locate nearby businesses without a direct address. After visiting or experiencing a business, shoppers can leave reviews within the app, rating professionalism and customer satisfaction.
“I created this with the intention to make shopping with Black-owned businesses as easy as possible,” she expressed. “I am a UI designer and web designer, and I noticed that there are a lot of Black-owned directories, but many of them aren’t as user-friendly or optimized for our mobile devices. I saw someone in the comments saying that they were looking for something that’s a little bit more techy and something a little bit more user-friendly, and this is perfect.”
If you have a Black-owned business and are interested in being featured on Black Nile, you can visit its business tab for detailed instructions on how to join.
