If you don't know Zerina Akers by name, you certainly know her work. She has worked as a stylist for the likes of Beyoncé Knowles, Chloe Bailey and Halle Bailey. Having established herself as a force to be reckoned with in the world of fashion, Akers is expanding another venture outside the world of fashion. The famed stylist has launched an entire e-commerce site dedicated to highlighting Black-owned brands and businesses. The newly launched site features brands such as Cise, Actively Black, 3rd Eye View and Amany Z.
“I [soon] recognized the need for a luxury retail space for Black-owned businesses to have [a] global reach. It was a natural [next step] for us,” Akers said during a recent interview with Refinery29.
“Black Owned Everything’s goal is to amplify and empower a community of brands to reach diverse and engaged audiences and encourage them to shop inclusively. We will also spotlight brands and stories from Black-owned businesses utilizing editorial features and with original content.”
Akers is not only looking to work with established entrepreneurs. She's also looking to expand and work with emerging designers. Not to mention, her website also provides resources for those looking to start their own business.
"We are always hoping to invite more Black-owned businesses to our marketplace. Black Owned Everything uses Shopify to create a multi-branded, easily-discoverable, and vendor-friendly online marketplace. Whether you’re already on Shopify, interested in switching to Shopify, or considering a brand new business idea, please visit the relevant link below to get started," the website states.
With more than 200,000 followers across social media platforms and dozens of brands applying to appear on the website, Akers is well on her way to creating the hub for Black commerce that she wished for.
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