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

Kadidja Handmade Collection

Lip balms and hand salves

Rooted in Me Natural Products

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

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.

Makeda Bead Soul

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




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.