There has been an increase in the number of businesses that are developing products for the African-American community in the U.S. Among them is BLK-ED, a startup launched by Renee Ashman and her daughter to make and sell handbags, wallets, and backpacks that are tailored to black people.
Renee came up with the idea while shopping for a school backpack for her daughter. Her daughter wanted a bag with black or brown girl art. Unfortunately, she could not find any and so she decided to make one to ease her daughter’s disappointment. She was later approached by other mothers while at the park and they wanted to know where she got the beautiful bag. It was then that she realized there was a niche for such products and this inspired the creation of BLK-ED.
Satisfying the niche market with sustainable resources
Renee focused on designing custom bags through her brand and she was particularly keen on the materials to use. The entrepreneur opted to use vegan leather to ensure that her products are environmentally sustainable and that they can be accessible to everyone. A smart choice considering that many vegans avoid leather products made from animal leather.
Empowering creativity
BLK-ED’s products are not just bags and wallets but they are also fashion and art statements. Renee’s initial bag that started all the hype featured art that she drew on her daughter’s bag. It was thus only logical to have art drawn on the bags and she hired black artists to achieve this. Doing so provided employment for young talented artists and so the brand was able to contribute to the community in that perspective.
Turning the idea into a successful business
Renee soon realized that the business had a lot of potential and so she created an e-commerce website where people could purchase the bags. She also ensured that there was a lot of variety and a preorder section so that people can customize their orders. The business currently has a variety of products available through the website. They include handbags for ladies, backpacks for kids, satchels, and all of them feature interesting art that appeals to the black community.
Empowering black pride
BLK-ED is one of the few businesses that are enforcing the narratives that the black community can make their own beautiful products that help to maintain a strong cultural heritage. Renee also looks at her business as an opportunity to empower young African-Americans to explore their creative capabilities regardless of their situation.
African-American children can now proudly connect with their culture and art through bags tailored for them. Ladies can also proudly accessorize with bags that align with their African roots and all that with eco-friendly materials. Renee hopes that the business will not just generate a lot of revenue but also empower many other African-American brands to focus on providing products that meet the tastes and preferences of African American customers.
