Shop Small, Support Big Dreams

Center the Culture Holiday Shopping Guide



At The Center, we’re committed to economic justice. We aim to strengthen the personal economies of LGBTQ+ people most impacted by inequity. This Small Business Saturday, we’re making it easier to support Black LGBTQ+ owned businesses so that you can make a difference while spreading holiday cheer. 

In celebration of Small Business Saturday and in anticipation of our Center the Culture Black Holiday Market, we’ve compiled our first-ever holiday shopping guide! So take a look at this list of amazing vendors below and shop small and center the culture this holiday season.

Gifts that Tell a Story

2 Girls & a Cookshop - Jamaican Tacos™

Jamaican Tacos

Alexander Q Health

Fitness Programs and Coaching, Gym gear

Cecile's Bath & Body

Cecile's creates unique bathing luxuries and skin nutrition for dry, sensitive, and melanin-rich skin. Our products range from bath bombs, soaps, and scrubs, to our best-selling skincare.

For The Gworls

Black, trans-led collective that curates parties and sells merchandise to fundraise money to help Black transgender people pay for their rent, gender-affirming surgeries, smaller co-pays for medicines/doctor’s visits, and travel assistance.

His and Her Pieces

Accessories and sunglasses

Kadidja Handmade Collection

Lip balms and hand salves

King'sProj3ct

Global cuisine




Lios Adornments

Handcrafted Jewelry and Decor pieces based on their original Poetry

LitCreations Brooklyn

y2k accessories, dessert candles, and organic skin care products

Özemi Beauty

Hand-poured candles, ethically sourced Palo Santo, and creating versatile, handmade ceramic holders.

Rooted in Me Natural Products

Essential Body Products, Beard Serums, Body Butters, and Facial Scrubs

Set in Clay

Set in Clay is a business that sells unique, handmade ceramic pots and jewelry and such.




Shiyenzefashion

Shiyenze is an authentic streetwear brand designed for a global audience. It is richly African, genuinely inspired, and the pinnacle of excellent design. Shiyenze fashion line is bent on leading the way in creative storytelling through the much celebrated and steeply beloved modes of excellent dressing or attire.

Totallynotcrochet

Pouches/bags designed for carrying all your trinkets and help add some fantastical flair to your outfits.

Quirky Queer

Totes/Bags, Stickers, Pins, Magnets, a few select T-Shirts

Center Selects, The Black-owned brands we love

Big Black Wic™

@bigblackwic

Gay and family owned candle company

When ‌Elijah, founder of Big Black Wic, went on a date with his husband, he was mesmerized by the candle-making process. Sharing the same love for these accessories with his sister, Jessica, they decided to roll their sleeves up and start making their own iconic candles. Their candles are carefully crafted from wax to wick to vessel. Dancing flames, divine fragrances, and witty names perfectly describe the Big Black Wick™ candles.

Activist Eats

@activisteats

Delicious treats

Born from the desire to create more than just delicious treats, Activist Eats bakery is a catalyst for change. With each cookie and cake, we’re on a journey to advance the cause of Black communities in America. Every dollar spent reverberates in support, reaching disenfranchised communities, amplifying voices, and fostering empowerment. At the Holiday Market on 12/9, expect to feast on delicious treats from their brown butter chocolate chunk chip cookies, botanical pound cakes, and snickerdoodles.

Cecile's Bath & Body

@cecilesbathandbody

Luxurious skincare

Cecile’s was formed in 2014 in honor of her aunt, who was a lover of all things beautiful and prioritized self-care. They use the highest quality ingredients for luxurious skincare staples that pamper every day. Their line embraces living a cleaner, more authentic life every day through small easy choices.

Gifts for the Mind, Body, & Soul

Cheetahrama

business card holders, cigarette and wallet cases, pill boxes, jewelry boxes, mirror compacts, necklaces, earrings, bracelets, brooches, flasks, and hair accessories.

Cosmic Flame

Handcrafted spiritual candles made with 100% natural soy wax




FREQUENCI

Herbal medicines, magickal oils, divination via mediumship and tarot, funky jewelry

Geniece LA 'Boutique

Women's Clothing

Makeda Bead Soul

Handcrafted crystal bracelets, crystal waist beads, Florida water, crystal loc jewelry, and crystal anklets




spaceGEMS

Gems and crystal-infused products

Stacey Smith Art

Unique art pieces

Tammy’s Star Clothing

New and Used clothing and shoes

On Small Business Saturday and every day, shopping small and supporting Black-owned LGBTQ+ businesses are great ways to build lasting connections in your community and showcase your support. Be sure to share this guide with your friends and family and join us on Saturday, December 9, at the Center the Culture Black Holiday Market to shop select brands in person.