Over the past few years, Instagram has slowly developed into an online marketplace for designers and entrepreneurs alike to propel their online businesses.
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The platform has most recently redesigned its home screen to create a shop tab for users to easily navigate the brands they often browse.
This new design not only helps fashion business-owners at large, but also the Black women entrepreneurs leading the way for online boutique shops to thrive on such an interactive social platform.
Black women figured out the formula to launching successful online fashion brands way before Instagram shop features were invented, and they continue to set the standard for many.
Check out the below online brands from some of the top Black women designers in the digital fashion space.
Draya Michele – Owner of Mint Swim
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Founded by actress and entrepreneur Draya Howard in 2011, LA-based brand Mint Swim is an independent swimwear line created with the intention to cater to “the woman that wants to feel sexy and enhance all the right curves while staying fashionable,” as stated by PopSugar.
Milan Harris – Owner of Milano Di Rouge
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Milano di Rouge is a Philly-based luxury streetwear brand that was created by fashion designer and entrepreneur Milan Harris. According to Haute Living, Harris is recognized as the first woman to break into the male-dominated streetwear scene, joining the likes of Black designers like Jerry Lorenzo, Virgil Abloh, and others. Her clothing line has been worn by notable celebrities like Meek Mill, Cardi B, Saweetie, and more.
Briana Wilson – Owner of MATTE Brand
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MATTE Brand is a minimalist clothing line that was launched by fashion designer Briana Shaneè Wilson in August of 2014. At just 21-years-old, Wilson set out to create a fashion brand meant for women of all shapes and sizes. MATTE Brand has grown to be a powerhouse brand fueled by a strong social media presence through consistent marketing all led by a one-woman entrepreneurial force.
Heather Sanders – Owner of Sorella Boutique
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Heather Sanders and her partner Brittney Turner founded Sorella Boutique in 2012 with a mission to provide girl bosses and hustlers with stylish clothes to feel fierce in. Sanders’ brand is most known for its wildly popular #GirlsTour campaign created to promote body-positivity and further Sorella’s women empowerment narrative. Sorella has grown an organic following in the digital space and managed to maintain a strong social media presence by staying ahead of the curve.
Anaya Roderick – Owner of NayaVista
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Style maven, brand ambassador, and fashion influencer Anaya Roderick is the founder of NayaVista — a boutique shop that offers jewelry, handbags, sunglasses, and hair extensions for consumers. Roderick got her start in the fashion world by posting pictures of different outfits on Tumblr. After receiving many inquires from her followers, she decided to create a brand based on her own personal style.
Mina Bentley – Owner of Minaa Monroe
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Miami-based style influencer and boutique owner Mina Bentley founded her own online shop, Minaa Monroe. Bentley embodies the mindset of a modern-day businesswomen and incorporates her personal style into her shop’s offerings. Minaa Monroe sells everything from vintage tops and distressed jeans to matching sets, jumpsuits, and dresses.
Shayla Janel – Owner of Random & Chic
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Fashion activist, freelance stylist, and blogger Shayla Janel founded her own vintage boutique shop based on a unique style aesthetic to shop off her curated outfits only. Her brand is comparable to an online thrift shop that showcases bold styles of clothing, shoes, and accessories.
Samantha Smikle – Owner of Nroda
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Bronx-native entrepreneur and designer Samantha Smikle is recognized for her innovative designs for her eyewear line, Nroda. With 10 years of corporate jewelry industry experience, Smikle invested that knowledge into her brand to create luxury eyewear pieces for people like Rick Ross, Snoop Dogg, Keke Palmer and Hollywood stylists. Smikle has used her expertise in the magazine and jewelry industries to work with brands such as Fader, Essence, InStyle, and Urban Outfitters.
