It’s no secret that Austin is a hotbed for tech start-ups and ambitious entrepreneurs. But many of Austin's black business-owners have established roots in the city with brands that offer high-quality products and inspire authenticity.
Whether you’re searching for all-natural bath and body care or you want to up your sneaker game, black businesses in Austin got you covered. Check out the six black-owned establishments that have chosen the 512 as home base — and add these destinations to your must-hit shopping spots.
Altatudes
A range of ensembles — and price points
As Austin's first African American-owned luxury boutique, Altatudes has become an east side haven for fashionistas since opening its doors in September 2017. The shop offers 25 coveted designers expertly curated by owner Alta Alexander. The boss lady designed her shop to showcase both on-trend and timeless pieces. Designers include Rebecca Taylor and Tracy Reese, as well as local designers like Nina Means. Prices range from $35 for a "Girl Power" T-shirt to $1,200 for unique dresses and outerwear. In addition to key closet staples, Altatudes offers a range of accessories.
Divine Luxury
Small batch body beauty
Austinite Nikitra Jackson-Sagirius created Divine Luxury Bath and Body to offer women and men luxury, high-quality products without the harmful chemicals found often in beauty and skincare products. Divine Luxury creates small-batch, made-to-order soaps, body butters, and lotion bars. Other decadent items, such as foot soaks, bath truffles, and bath and body oils, are ideal treats for yourself or someone you lovce. Browse the brand’s Etsy store and discover aromatic and cleansing soaps in flavors like black raspberry vanilla, lavender, and guava orange blossom. Mini lotion bar sets and storage tins ensure you can take indulge in Divine Luxury on-the-go.
Folie Apothecary
Go crazy for your skin
Entrepreneur, Instagram star, and all-around beauty queen, Nikisha Riley brings the luxury of a French apothecary to your door with her small-batch brand, Folie. Launched in 2015, the natural, handcrafted skincare line offers niche products for all skin types at a price that won’t break your budget. The French word for “madness,” Folie is guaranteed to make you go crazy for your skin — with or without makeup. Folie’s Palo Santo + Peru Balsam All Purpose Mist and Prickly Pear Hair Oil are among the brand’s best sellers that boast all-natural, organic ingredients with powerful protective and restorative powers. All products are made to order by Riley herself and ship within 3 to 5 business days.
Kicking It ATX
For the coolest kicks
While the newest, flyest footwear store in Austin has only been open since October 2018, the Domain Northside shop has already caught the attention — and wallets — of sneakerheads across the city. Owner Greg Grovey left Central Austin sneaker destination Nice Kicks to launch a new venture focused on the local sneaker community. Grovey refers to the shop as a “sneaker social,” and encourages visitors to stick around, admire the shoes, talk shop, and mingle with fellow kick aficionados in a fresh place. While the shop doesn’t have an online store, fans can always drop by or follow its Instagram account for real-time updates on coveted sneaker release dates, special inventory, and exclusive events happening in Austin’s new sneakerhead hub.
Oh TIFF! Professional Lacquer
Nail your nail game
If there's one thing we all love, it’s the quality pampering that comes with a mani-pedi. For Tiffany Lopez, launching a vegan, eco-friendly nail polish brand was the best way to blend her love of fashion and beauty with health, wellness, and conscious consumerism. The Austin native launched her brand, Oh TIFF! Professional Lacquer, in 2016 and has since churned out cute collections in a range of hues with equally cheeky names. Each bottle is free harmful chemicals and packed with organic, plant-based ingredients. In addition to a high shine and chip-resistant wear, Oh TIFF! polishes are an affordable and nail-healthy alternative to those other big-name brands. The online retailer also offers all-natural lip scrubs in delicious flavors including grapefruit and orange almond butter as well as nail treatment products for healthy hands in-between visits to your nail technician.
Vickmay Skin and Spa
Make spa days every day
According to the mononymous owner of this boutique spa, Vickmay believes maintaining beautiful skin is essential to any Austinite’s success. Two locations offer a mix of spa and massage services ensure patrons find a treatment that works. In addition to skin-loving facial peels, hot stone treatments, and body wraps, Vickmay also offers variety of professionally performed med-spa treatments, including Botox and liquid face lifts. A rotating offering of spa packages are the perfect way to try new treatments and serve as the ideal gift. Unwind with your sweetheart courtesy of the couple's Valentine's Day package or show mom how much she matters with an aromatic “I Love You” spa deal.
Treat yourself to a fresh coat of vegan, cruelty-free nail lacquer from Oh TIFF!
