Black business owners are often greatly under-represented, and many of them exist in our own community here in Nottingham. The NTSU is committed to empowering and supporting our local black community and have created the black-owned Business Marketplace as part of Black Futures – a continuation of the work that goes into Black History Month.
Sunu Ker
Founded by British/Senegalese artist Aïcha Daffé, Sunu Ker (meaning Our Home in Wolof) offers homemade, hand-blended products for women of black origin, inspired by the natural beauty practices and raw ingredients of Africa.
Like many young women of black origin, Aicha has spent years building a hair and beauty routine that could work for her back home in the UK. However, after working in Senegal, West Africa in 2015, she found that the natural, raw ingredients she used there provided results she didn’t even know were possible for her skin and hair.
With products starting at £3, Sunu Ker offers healthy, cruelty-free, and safe personal care alternative to people everywhere.
Top Notch Proofreading
Are grammar and spelling not your strong suit? Top Notch Proofreading relieves some of the pressure by making sure that the work you submit is entirely error-free.
Heather Tourle is a first-class social sciences graduate who now offers distanced tutoring and has recently received an IAO Level 3 Award in Education and Training this year.
No 91 Juice Bar
Boasting the motto ‘boosting the immunity of the community’, their wish is to make healthy living accessible to everyone in Nottingham and create an inclusive space for all.
Using eco-friendly packaging, this juice bar serves plant-based smoothies, Acai bowls, and cold-press juices to help you focus on your studies and feel your best.
Ras Gardens
No-nonsense vegan shortbread fingers are Ras Garden’s speciality. Alongside these they also sell a range of organic CBD-infused olive oils which research has shown can help to fight acne and anxiety.
Their Instagram page is a vision board full of positive quotes and creative plant-based food which is created with inclusivity in mind to cater from anyone from meat eaters to vegans.
Cherish Me
Cherish me is a family run business which sells a variety of gifts from t-shirts and self-love boxes to ‘afro-mation’ cards. The owner and her two daughters create the items – her youngest daughter has a passion for empowering all girls, and 10% of all t-shirt sales go towards Children of the Sun Saturday School Birmingham.
Destiny’s Desserts
Destiny’s selection of tarts, cheesecakes, cookies, and brownies can be delivered straight to your front door and are guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Royalnatty
Artistic Rasta clothing and jewellery is Royal Natty’s forte. They specialise in African/Caribbean apparel and offer an on-site natural hair maintenance service.
LCPT
With six years’ worth of experience in the fitness industry as a coach, and another eight as an athlete, Lance Cresswell is an established personal trainer who specialises in training females to improve body composition. Lance offers programmes that are designed around the client and are created to challenge them physically but also mentally.
His mission statement is clear: “To guide women to reach a level of fitness and vitality they thought was unrealistic. Teaching them how to train and recover, while inspiring them to make that change a permanent part of their identity.”
Asolah
Meaning A Signature of Love and Hope, Asolah creates hand-painted earrings, candles and stationery that are carefully selected by owner Caroline to help black women feel empowered and beautiful.
Asolah offers NTSU members a 10% discount with the code: NTUBHM20
Chef’s Hut
If authentic, fresh, home-style Jamaican cuisine is your thing, then Chef’s Hat should be your go-to. Created by a chef with over 24 years’ experience, the restaurant also offers services such as catering for weddings, parties, funerals and other occasions.
Delivery starts from 1 pm till 8 pm.
The Big Bad Brownie Company
The name says it all with this one. The Big Bad Brownie Company can deliver anywhere in the UK and have even caught the attention of a few celebrity customers. Dairy and gluten-free options are available, and prices start at just £5 for four brownies.
Abenzi
Abenzi is a modern lifestyle brand which fuses urban culture, music, and high fashion. After launching in 2015, their focus has been on creating and cultivating communities through the power of clothing – “Clothing builds confidence, creates character, and defines who we are and what we can be.”
They are currently involved in several community-based projects, providing technical partnerships with local football training groups such as Pelican Colts FC and Pass Move Grin Football Coaching. Their long-term goal is to continue to invest in local communities as well as on a national and international scale.
Written by Sarah Ward
Feature image credit: NTSU