For the Love of You: After a Year in Lockdown, These Black-Owned Brands Have the Gift of Self-Care on Lock

After over a year of isolation, largely indoor living and ever-blurring boundaries between home and work (what is this “work-life balance” you speak of?), you’re likely in need of a little care right now. And while things may be looking brighter, warmer, and hopefully a little bit healthier, you may not know where to begin…

After over a year of isolation, largely indoor living and ever-blurring boundaries between home and work (what is this “work-life balance” you speak of?), you’re likely in need of a little care right now. And while things may be looking brighter, warmer, and hopefully a little bit healthier, you may not know where to begin to recenter yourself after such an extended period of uncertainty. If the concept of self-care currently sounds as foreign as one of those countries you’re longing to visit, say no more, fam. We’ve got some suggestions on how to adjust your own oxygen mask, and treat yourself the way you want to be treated—all with help from Black-owned brands. After all, it’s #WellnessWednesday—and Mental Health Awareness Month. The best gifts come from the heart, so why not give yourself the gift of self-care?

Video will return here when scrolled back into view
Trump’s Tariffs Might Stick Around. What Should We Buy Now?
Trump’s Tariffs Might Stick Around. What Should We Buy Now?

Paper & Stylo

“The grass is greener where you water it,” Paper & Stylo founder Vanessa Demosthene reminds us in an Instagram post. If all of this so-called “downtime” has felt like anything but, perhaps it’s time to put pen to paper, and commit your feelings to a page in one of Paper & Stylo’s elegantly simple twill journals—and treat yourself to a color-coordinating pen. The simple act of journaling isn’t just a great creative outlet (there might even be a book in you); it can be cathartic.

Peak + Valley

Anxiety got you feeling out of balance? Peak + Valley’s ashwagandha-infused Balance My Stress blend may be exactly what you need—and this writer can vouch for its stress-leveling effects. But don’t stop there; the mushroom and adaptation-based brand can help nourish your brain and restore your sleep, too. In fact, you can snag $10 off for choosing all three as a Wellness Collection—and isn’t wellness what we’re all hoping to maintain these days?

You Are Your Best Thing

If no one else has told you lately, you’re doing amazing, sweetie—yes, in spite of everything. So please, don’t let shame and trauma keep you from recognizing your own worth. You Are Your Best Thing: Vulnerability, Shame Resilience and the Black Experience is an anthology of gorgeous and empathetic essays that will hopefully help you do just that. With writing from Marc Lamont Hill, Kiese Laymon, Laverne Cox, Keah Brown and more, this instant bestseller edited by Tarana Burke and shame and vulnerability expert Brené Brown might help you get to the heart of your own matter.

Chocolate Therapy

It’s all there in the name, but chocolate really can have therapeutic benefits, including reducing stress and improving brain function (in moderation, of course). So, why not indulge in a little Chocolate Therapy by browsing through this Black couple-owned brand’s truffle gallery? With treats that taste as good as they look (gold dust, anyone?), you’ll also feel like you’re treating yourself.

True Heart Intuitive Tarot

It’s no secret that tarot had a major moment during quarantine, as many of us sought new methods of insight during an incredibly difficult time. But did you know tarot can help you cope with anxiety, too? This beautifully illustrated deck by Rachel Trueyes, that Rachel True—isn’t just a pleasure to behold; her accompanying guidebook is also a memoir reflecting revelations True found through using the tarot, before and after she hit it in Hollywood. If you’re looking for a way to help you ride the inevitable waves of life, True Heart Tarot might be a welcome companion in card form.

McBride Sisters Wine

Let’s face it, sometimes the ideal way to unwind is with, well, wine. If you’ve been feeling out of touch with your “Black Girl Magic” (or could use some in your life) this Black women-owned brand’s varietals may help spark some joy. Join one of this vintner’s wine clubs—or better yet, their wine and book club, where you can indulge in buzzy new reads while enjoying a mellow buzz of your own.

Black Imagination

“Seeing ourselves as whole and healthy is an act of pure rebellion in a world so titillated by our constant subjugation,” writes author-artist-activist Natasha Marin on the dust jacket of Black Imagination: Black Voices on Black Futures. Marin curated anthology of writing, quotes and ideas as a mechanism for her own healing after an onslaught of online abuse following her viral and aptly named online experiment, Reparations. Ideal for use as a daily devotional or much-needed but brief respite from the relentless grind, Black Imagination just might refuel yours.

Human Nation

This year proved to be a big one for reconsidering what comfort feels like, and considering compassion and sustainability. Russell and Ciara Wilson’s unisex label encompasses all three principles, and you can feel as good about supporting them as you do wearing their separates; 100 percent of Human Nation’s proceeds go to the couple’s Why Not You Foundation, which empowers today’s youth to be tomorrow’s leaders.

Sankofa Athletics

Yes, we may be fighting the “quarantine 15"—but if you’re also looking to fight anxiety and depression, exercise is the most organic remedy. Need more than a little fitspo to keep you going? How about gearing up in some vibrant designs from Sankofa Athletic Apparel? As the brand reminds us, the future is now—and while the Akan word “Sankofa” is typically used to remind us to return to the source, this label is all about future movement, building collaborations with queer African activists and clean water projects for the revered Maasai.

Brown Girl Jane

In case you’ve hiding under a leaf somewhere, CBD is more than just a passing trend. Brown Girl Jane’s premium, broad-spectrum CBD-based products are non-intoxicating and “formulated with no binders, fillers, excipients, dyes or unknown substances.” They’re also vegan, meaning you can enjoy your stress-relieving gummies, tinctures and more while maintaining a plant-based life.

Straight From The Root

Sign up for our free daily newsletter.

Latest from The Root

The Best, Black TV Shows, Movies to Stream on AppleTV+

The Best, Black TV Shows, Movies to Stream on AppleTV+

From Brian Tyree Henry getting down and dirty to David Oyelowo searching for a fresh start: we've got what you need to watch! ...
Have You Heard of The Tragic Story of Phyllis Hyman, a Beautiful, Soulful Singer Derailed By Her Own Demons?

Have You Heard of The Tragic Story of Phyllis Hyman, a Beautiful, Soulful Singer Derailed By Her Own Demons?

The soulful singer, known for hits like "Living All Alone and "You Know How to Love Me" died just days before her 46th birthday ...

'Sinners' Releases in Black American Sign Language. Here's What That Means

‘Sinners’ Releases in Black American Sign Language. Here’s What That Means

The deaf community was plagued by racial segregation, so Black Americans decided to create their own rendition of the language to serve their communities ...
A Burger King Employee Throws a Drink on a Child in Viral Video, and Black TikTok Goes Nuts

A Burger King Employee Throws a Drink on a Child in Viral Video, and Black TikTok Goes Nuts

The video of the volatile incident is making rounds on the internet and has everyone talking ...
Why NYC Mayoral Candidate Zohran Mamdani Tried To Play The Black Card...Literally

Why NYC Mayoral Candidate Zohran Mamdani Tried To Play The Black Card…Literally

Mamdani appears to have an interesting past when it comes to how he identifies racially, but what's it really all about? ...
If Poor Black, White People Unite, They'd Be An Unstoppable Force, But Here's Why The Powers That Be Won't Let Them

If Poor Black, White People Unite, They’d Be An Unstoppable Force, But Here’s Why The Powers That Be Won’t Let Them

We need to understand that America's current racial political divisions did not happen naturally. People in power did not want Black and white people to work together ...
What Diddy Will Eating and Doing In Prison This Fourth Of July

What Diddy Will Eating and Doing In Prison This Fourth Of July

Wondering what Diddy will be eating and Doing this holiday? Here's all the tea ...
A White Male TikToker Decided To Use Black Hair Relaxer... The Results Will Surprise You

A White Male TikToker Decided To Use Black Hair Relaxer… The Results Will Surprise You

A white TikTok Creator decided to use relaxer on his hair and... it worked? ...
Diddy's Best Friend Charlie Liucci is Being <i>Loud</i> About His Next Moves Will Be Following Acquittal

Diddy’s Best Friend Charlie Liucci is Being Loud About His Next Moves Will Be Following Acquittal

He's been spotted wearing "FREE PUFF" merch, now, Charlie Liucci has an inside scoop on what Diddy will do once released ...
How Baltimore Beat 'The Wire' Homicide Curse Under This Black Mayor

How Baltimore Beat ‘The Wire’ Homicide Curse Under This Black Mayor

Violent crime has plagued Baltimore for generations, and "The Wire's" depiction of drug and gang life surely hasn't helped... but there's hope ...
Best Self-Help Reads for Black Resilience in Uncertain Times

Best Self-Help Reads for Black Resilience in Uncertain Times

In these challenging times, these books can give you the hope you need ...
'Hey Google' and Other Voice Assistants Are Terrifying Children and Confusing Bemused Parents

‘Hey Google’ and Other Voice Assistants Are Terrifying Children and Confusing Bemused Parents

Social media is buzzing about the strange reaction kids are having to smart speakers in their homes ...
Internet Believes Eerie Photo Predicted Black Fort Worth Family's Tragedy

Internet Believes Eerie Photo Predicted Black Fort Worth Family’s Tragedy

A big rig driver admitted he fell asleep at the wheel in Kaufman County before he collided with stopped traffic ...
Why Philadelphia is Going Viral For Streets That Look Like a Landfill

Why Philadelphia is Going Viral For Streets That Look Like a Landfill

Libraries are closed, the medical examiner's office has a backlog of bodies, and trash is piling up everywhere ...
How Bakari Sellers Just Got the Ultimate Revenge on His MAGA CNN Colleague

How Bakari Sellers Just Got the Ultimate Revenge on His MAGA CNN Colleague

Sellers and Jennings often go back and forth on the CNN show, and this was only amplified when Jennings asked Sellers not to touch him during one viral interaction from December ...
The Scary Reason 'American Idol' Winner Jamal Roberts Declined a Key to This Southern Town

The Scary Reason ‘American Idol’ Winner Jamal Roberts Declined a Key to This Southern Town

While Roberts' reasoning is understandable, it's a shame he had to make the decision in the first place ...
A Black Mom Posted Video of a Terrifying Exchange She had with Police in Delaware

A Black Mom Posted Video of a Terrifying Exchange She had with Police in Delaware

Black Mom Says Cops Approached Her and Her Children With Guns Drawn ...
Why Are There Still Black People Listening To R. Kelly At The Summer Cookouts -- And What Does That Say About Us?

Why Are There Still Black People Listening To R. Kelly At The Summer Cookouts — And What Does That Say About Us?

Despite convictions and backlash, his music continues to collect streams. Why is the "Pied Piper" still on the cookout playlist? ...
How Diddy Could Still End Up With a Long Sentence, Despite The Acquittals

How Diddy Could Still End Up With a Long Sentence, Despite The Acquittals

Even with credit for time served, Diddy, 55, wouldn’t be free to break out the baby oil until 2031 ...
Why the Internet is Convinced Stephen A. Smith's And His Daughter Samantha Are Twins

Why the Internet is Convinced Stephen A. Smith’s And His Daughter Samantha Are Twins

Samantha Smith is the spitting image of her controversial sports commentator dad ...