Spotlight on Black-Owned Brands: Unique Vendors at Toronto's Black Market
This weekend, I had the pleasure of connecting with several inspiring Black-owned businesses at Toronto's Black Market. It was a celebration of Black entrepreneurship, culture, and creativity, showcasing a wide array of products ranging from skincare, beauty, and wellness to handcrafted goods. I wanted to share some of the most memorable vendors whose passion, dedication, and incredible products stood out to me. I wanted to share some of the most memorable vendors I had the pleasure of connecting with during my time there.
Anointed Glow
The first vendor that caught my attention was Anointed Glow, an inspiring mother-daughter duo, Shaunteé and her mother Alice. Their brand, recently launched in September after two years of product development, stood out to me not only for its dedication to skincare but also for its powerful story of resilience and self-love. Anointed Glow's Restorative Body Oil is a standout—crafted with the desire to heal stubborn cracked skin and achieve a glowing complexion. As I learned from Shaunteé, the oil is more than a product; it's a symbol of self-adornment and breaking away from negative self-beliefs. It was amazing to hear how the formulation came together, blending rich ingredients like jojoba, lanolin, and cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil. This multi-purpose oil speaks to their commitment to holistic well-being, healing, and embracing the heritage of Caribbean and African natural remedies. It felt like an invitation to honor oneself with every use—truly a reflection of their mission to promote self-love and empowerment.
Find them here: Anointed Glow Instagram
Telan Cosmetics
Next, I discovered Telan Cosmetics, founded by the visionary Tessy Tamuno-Wokama. Tessy's journey into makeup started during her university years, and her passion for beauty led her to create a makeup brand that speaks to the unique needs of dark-skinned women. Frustrated by the lack of suitable options during her pregnancy—with harsh chemicals and mismatched shades—Tessy decided to pioneer her own brand, eliminating these struggles and providing safe, effective products for women like her. Telan Cosmetics officially launched in 2022, and it was wonderful to see Tessy's dedication to ensuring each product was meticulously refined and suitable for dark skin tones. Produced in Canada, Telan Cosmetics offers a thoughtful range of makeup products that cater to every shade while celebrating the beauty of dark-skinned women globally. Hearing Tessy speak about her journey was both inspiring and empowering, as she embodies the spirit of creating solutions from personal experiences.
Explore more here: Telan Cosmetics Website
Fire & Desire Candle Company Co.
Another highlight of my visit was Fire & Desire Candle Company, a Black, family-owned business based in Nova Scotia. The company was started five years ago by Shantae, and I had the opportunity to meet the entire family at their booth—which was an absolute delight. Shantae's son took the time to explain the process and passion behind their hand-poured candles, and it's clear that Fire & Desire takes great pride in each product they make. Their candles are vegan, cruelty-free, and made in small batches with carefully chosen scents designed to bring joy and comfort to any space. One of my favorites was their "Issa Vibe" candle, an autumn must-have that blends pumpkin, caramel, and pecan with notes of butter, orange peel, and maple—a perfect cozy scent for the season. The love and effort behind each candle were palpable, making it more than just a product—it's a small piece of joy crafted to make your home smell amazing and brighten your day.
Find out more here: Fire & Desire Candle Co. Website