February 12, 2023 | By
Noise 13
In honor of Black History Month we’re recognizing and elevating 13 Black designers, artists and businesses we respect and admire. This month, and all year, let’s support these talented creators and their wonderful contributions to our community.
Dava’s Picks: Founder and Chief Creative Officer
- Rize Up Bakery began as a home-based quarantine sourdough project in 2020 and founder Azikiwee Anderson continues to grow the business with a new facility. Highly recommend their very purple Ube loaf or the K-Pop, but they are all delicious.
IG: @rizeupbakery
- I discovered the delicious sourdough from Rize at Hey Neighbor Coffee Shop when I moved to Portola last year. Co-founders Dee and Natasha took over the space after Four Barrel closed. I love this little gem at the end of the block. Grab a coffee and then take a stroll through the Portola gardens.
IG: @heyneighborcafe
Andre’s Picks: Associate Creative Director
- I will always “stan” for the work of Vocal Type. Founder Tré Seals, is increasing diversity and empathy in the design industry with their catalog of typefaces. Inspired by American historical events such as the 1963 March on Washington and 1969 Stonewall Inn Riots, Seals’ work brings the voice of minorities in our industry to typography.
IG: @vocaltype.co
Haley’s Picks: Creative Project Manager
- Be A Good Person is a local retail store in Denver, CO with a mission to share the power of positivity and that change starts with us all, one good person at a time. They strive to put their community first and have grown globally over the last few years. Check them out and grab some amazing collabs they have with artists all over the world!
IG: @beagoodperson
- Valerie Madison Jewelry is the gift that keeps on giving! This jewelry company located in Seattle’s Central District, founded by Valerie Madison, creates sustainable, low carbon footprint and unique pieces that you will wear for a lifetime.
IG: @valeriemadisonjewelry
Caity’s Picks: Creative Project Manager
- I’ve followed Les on IG over the last several years. She’s a relatable and fun to watch content creator whose topics range from dating to finance to wellness and everything in between. She also is the founder and host of her podcast Balanced Black Girl which was recently featured on Apple Podcasts for Black History Month. I encourage my fellow millennials to check her out!
IG: @balancedles / @balancedblackgirlpodcast
Suzanne’s Picks: Operations Leader
- SFBATCO is a wonderful San Francisco theater company whose mission is equitable representation among a multitude of cultural experiences. Their artists are sparking societal change creating vibrant live theater accessible to all. Go check out their 2023 calendar and grab your tickets, I already got mine!
IG: @sfbatco
Elaine’s Picks: Designer
- Founded by designers Byron and Dexter Peart, GOODEE is a sustainable marketplace offering essential homewares and lifestyle products for better living. Striving to make a good impact in the world, they believe “less, but better can only lead to a kinder, smarter, more beautiful world.”
IG: @goodeeworld
Meb’s Picks: Designer
Zili’s Picks: Designer
- Anne’s Apothecary — Anne’s journey began as a therapeutic outlet following the loss of her mother to cancer. With a passion for naturopathy and wellness, she purveyed the market for clean skincare and realized that prices were high and in turn inaccessible to many. So she created a line of skincare products using cold-pressed herb infused oils, clays, and other natural ingredients to fill this gap of clean budget friendly skincare.
IG: @annesapothecary
Xiaoxiao’s Picks: Junior Designer
- Tyler Mitchell is an artist, photographer, and filmmaker based in Brooklyn. At age 23 he was the first Black photographer to ever shoot a cover for Vogue. Mitchell’s work is characterized by a visual representation of Black life that emphasizes empowerment, play, and self determination.
IG: @tylersphotos
Sol’s Picks: Junior Designer
- If you’re looking for a unique gift or a new piece to add to your wardrobe, go visit ReLove resale boutique. With locations in San Francisco and Oakland, ReLove offers a well-curated mix of vintage, designer, and independent labels. Their motto is “more style, less waste” and they seek to inspire creativity while reducing consumer waste.
IG: @shoprelove
As always, if you’d like to collaborate with us, we would love to hear from you! Please reach out to info@noise13.com to connect.
