Spotlight on Black-Owned Brands: Voices and Makers at Toronto’s Black Market

This weekend I spent time at Toronto’s Black Market, and the room felt alive. You could feel the creativity in the air. You could feel the care that Black makers pour into their work. Every table held something rooted in skill and story. I left feeling energized, and I wanted to share a few of the brands that stayed with me long after I walked out.

Anointed Glow

One of the first booths I visited was Anointed Glow, led by a mother and daughter team, Shaunteé and Alice. They spent two years developing their products before officially launching, and you can feel that intention in every bottle. Their story is one of resilience and self belief, and it comes through in the way they talk about their work.

Their Restorative Body Oil stood out right away. It was created to help heal persistent dry and cracked skin and to bring back a natural glow. It is blended with jojoba, lanolin and cold pressed extra virgin olive oil, but what stayed with me was the meaning behind it. Shaunteé described it as an act of self adornment, a way of rewriting the beliefs we carry about our bodies. A reminder that healing can be a ritual.

Find them here: Anointed Glow Instagram

Telan Cosmetics

I also connected with Telan Cosmetics, founded by Tessy Tamuno Wokama. Her journey started years ago when she struggled to find makeup that matched and felt safe for her skin. During her pregnancy, the lack of inclusive and reliable options pushed her to begin creating her own formulas.

Telan launched in 2022, and every product is made in Canada. Tessy speaks with such clarity about her vision. She is building makeup that honours dark skinned women and reflects the beauty that the industry often ignores. Standing at her booth felt like witnessing a mission in motion. It is rooted in lived experience and a desire to make room for all of us.

Explore more here: Telan Cosmetics Website

Fire & Desire Candle Company Co.

Another brand that touched me was Fire and Desire Candle Company, a Black family owned business from Nova Scotia. The warmth at their booth was immediate. Shantae, the founder, built the company five years ago, and her whole family takes part in the work. Her son walked me through how each candle is made. Everything is hand poured in small batches, vegan and cruelty free.

The scents are rich and comforting. My favorite was Issa Vibe, a blend of pumpkin, caramel, pecan, butter, orange peel, and maple. It feels like fall wrapped in warmth. What made it special was not just the scent, but the energy behind it. You can feel the family’s care in every detail.

Find out more here: Fire & Desire Candle Co. Website