2021 Holiday Gift Guide of Black-Owned Businesses by thesophisticatedlife

Will Drink For Travel and The Sophisticated Life Present our...

2021 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE FEATURING OVER 60 BLACK-OWNED BUSINESSES WITH WINE & SPIRIT GIFTS, MIXERS, BOOKS, DECOR, GLASSWARE, APPAREL, FOOD, AND MORE!

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Table of Contents A Note From The Creators About Ashlee & Nadeen Apparel & Accessories Barware & Glassware Books Events & Experiences Food & Drink Home & Decor Mixers Wine & Spirit Gifts

Table of

CONTENTS

A Note From

THE CREATORS Thank you for viewing our 2021 Black-Owned Holiday Gift Guide! After the popular success of last year's edition, we are so excited to collaborate once again on this guide to highlight Black-owned businesses out of our shared love for wine and spirits. For Will Drink For Travel, Ashlee has compiled the most comprehensive list of over 160 Black-owned spirits available online. On The Sophisticated Life, Nadeen has an extensive list of Black-owned wine brands and holds a Wine & Spirits Education Trust (WSET) Level 2 wine certification. We couldn't think of a better reason to join forces than to highlight Blackowned businesses that offer accompanying items to use with your Black-owned wines and spirits. This guide contains over 60 businesses that provide tableware, glassware, coasters, candles, spices, apparel, and many other products that can be used to entertain in your home. We hope you enjoy this guide and choose one business - or all - to support during this holiday season. Cheers,

Ashlee & Nadeen

About

ASHLEE & NADEEN Ashlee Tuck - Will Drink For Travel Ashlee is the founder and editor-in-chief of Will Drink For Travel, a website dedicated to all things travel and mixology. Her goal is to show her audience that traveling the world through food and drink is a way to immerse themselves into cultures other than their own. Ashlee considers herself a cocktail enthusiast and self-taught mixologist with a heart for highlighting Black-owned spirits. On Will Drink For Travel TV, Ashlee interviews Black spirit owners about their journeys, what motivates them, and the future of their brands.

ist of l 's e e l sh A t ou k c e Ch it ir p S d e n w O k c a l 160+ B Brands to Support! Nadeen White - The Sophisticated Life Meet Dr. Nadeen White. “Blogger by Day, Physician by Night”. She is the creator & editor for the award-winning blog-The Sophisticated Life. She strives to inspire others to travel around the world by sharing personal travel experiences and providing detailed travel guides. Over the years, Nadeen has written about and supported Black-owned winemakers and wineries on her blog. She is also an Amazon best-selling author for her travel, food, and wine e-book series.

of t is l 's n e e d a N t ou Check ies r e in W d e n w O k c a l 45+ B port! p u S to s e ss e n si u B and

APPAREL & ACCESSORIES En Voyage Boutique - @envoyageboutique En Voyage is an online travel inspired boho luxe boutique based in NYC where we curate unique women's fashion pieces from US designers and artisans from around the world. We offer unique pieces with great quality fabrics allowing you to stand out from the crowd; striving to provide both comfort and affordability, giving you that travel feeling whether you're at home or away on vacation.

Connoisseurs Club @wine_connoisseurs_club Connoisseurs Club is a wine apparel boutique for the Wine Connoisseur, Enthusiast, and Spirit Savant. These statement tees pair well with your local wine festivals, wine bar outings, winery, vineyard & distillery tours, and wine country weekend trips!

Noite Rose - @noite.rose Noite Rose is a luxe loungewear brand made to express all love languages. It's the answer for those who want to be comfortable and inviting without being too forward. It’s for those of us who want to lounge in the house but still think “oh girl, you still got it” when passing a hallway mirror. You deserve to elevate your self-care time.

APPAREL & ACCESSORIES Pretty Girl Wine - @prettygirlwine Check out Pretty Girl Wine (P.G.W) for wine apparel, face mask, and water bottles.

Dreamy Eats Worldwide @dreamyeatsworldwide Dreamy Eats Worldwide offers apparel, accessories, and gifts for foodies.

GODLIKE APPAREL

GODLIKE APPAREL IS A BRAND THAT BELIEVES OUR COMMUNITIES CAN BE ENRICHED WITH POSITIVITY. THROUGH APPAREL, WE UPLIFT AND MOTIVATE OUR CUSTOMERS WITH THE KNOWLEDGE THAT HISTORICALLY OUR ANCESTORS AND WE OURSELVES HAVE GREATNESS WITHIN. SUPPORT THE MOVEMENT!

Instagram: @godlike_apparel1b8m Facebook: @godlikeapparel1b8m TikTok: @godlikeapparel1b8m

BARWARE & GLASSWARE The Cocktailery - @thecocktailery The Cocktailery is a cocktail supply and beverage lifestyle shop designed for the craft cocktail enthusiast. We carry an assortment of quality barware and accessories that blend functionality and presentation. In addition to the products that we sell in-person and online we conduct virtual and in-studio hands on cocktail classes for the enthusiast who is passionate and curious about the art of mixology.

Sister.ly Drinkware - @sister.lydrinkware Sister.ly Drinkware provides elegant, luxury, high-quality drinkware, barware, and wine accessories with a feminine flair.

Estelle Colored Glass - @estellecolredglass Estelle Colored Glass is a luxury brand of hand-blown colored glass cake stands and stemware in a mix of jewel tones and soft pastels. The Estelle Colored Glass collection is comprised of original commissioned pieces made by glass artisans in Poland at a glass making company with a rich 100-plus-yearold history. Estelle Colored Glass pieces are best described as "jewels for your table."

BARWARE & GLASSWARE Serenity staples - @serenitystaples.ke Serenity Staples provides exquisite, hand-selected limited tabletop collections along with ideal home staples that will transform your dining and cooking experiences into an oasis of serenity.

BE BOSSY/MYERS LAW GROUP Krystle I. Myers Esquire is on a mission to empower entrepreneurs to protect their most valuable assets with a legal strategy that works. Whether you are thinking about starting a business, set to launch, or a small or midsize business, legalize your business with Be Bossy legal strategy templates and courses taught by a qualified business attorney with the expertise you need to succeed. If you need knowledge, support, or trademark assistance, Krystle is here to make it happen through her boutique law firm - Myers Law Group, where she provides 1:1 legal services. Assess your strengths, identify your weaknesses, and get the legal protection you need. Why hesitate? Join Krystle at Myers Law Group, LLC or Be Bossy LLC, where we are changing the world, one legal strategy at a time. Follow us @bebossyllc, or visit thebossyapproach.com or myerslawgroup.co.

BOOKS Staples + 5 - @tanorriastable A well-stocked pantry is the key to success in the kitchen. Join Tanorria Askew, chef, social justice activist and now author of Staples + 5, as she demonstrates how to transform the most fundamental ingredients into effortlessly delicious dishes, a skill passed down from her mother and grandmother. Every recipe in Staples + 5 can be made from 35 simple pantry staples—like flour, beans, and rice—plus up to five additional ingredients.

JayMedia Publishing - @jaymedia_publishing We provide affordable hybrid and self publishing consulting services to new and aspiring authors and all books are on sale through JayMedia Marketplace

SEPHINA SPIRITS

IN 1937, A BARTENDER IN HAVANA, CUBA CREATED A COCKTAIL NAMED AFTER THE LEGENDARY ENTERTAINER JOSEPHINE BAKER. WITH VSOP COGNAC AS THE MAIN INGREDIENT, THIS COCKTAIL WAS HOMAGE TO A GREAT WOMAN WHO WAS THE TOAST OF EUROPE, A DECORATED CITIZEN OF FRANCE WHO SPIED ON THE GERMANS, A PHILANTHROPIST AND CIVIL RIGHTS ACTIVIST. IMPORTED FROM FRANCE, SEPHINA IS A CRAFT SPIRIT BLEND OF V.S.O.P. COGNAC AND FORTIFIED WINE. THE COMBINATION DELIVERS WARMTH AND RICHNESS FOR A LUXURIOUS TASTE CONCEIVED AROUND THE INSPIRATIONAL LIFE OF ONE OF THE GREATEST WOMEN IN THE 20TH CENTURY. SEPHINA IS AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE ONLINE AT HTTPS://WWW.CASKERS.COM/SEPHINA/ AND HTTPS://FLAVIAR.COM/SEPHINA-SPIRITS/SEPHINA/

EVENTS & EXPERIENCES Pop Up Picnics ATL - @pop_up_picnics_atl At Pop-Up Picnics ATL we create the perfect ambiance for those magical, memorable moments. From rustic bohemian chic to elegant luxury dining, we specialize in crafting the ultimate picturesque experience.

S.s.shucking Mobile Raw Bar @s.s.shucking Are you looking for a little something extra for your next party or family gathering and especially weddings? S.s.shucking is the perfect way to add a special touch to your next event. We provide a raw bar experience like no other. The oysters are freshly shucked on the half shell with tasty condiments to go along with them. Delivery of pre shucked oysters on the half shell is also available.

So Mixxy Inc. - @somixxy SoMixxy is a boutique mixology company based out of Atlanta, GA. We specialize in curating mixology experiences as well as customized signature cocktails featuring our SoMixxy Infused Cocktail Syrups.

EVENTS & EXPERIENCES Authentically You Events @authenticallyouevents Authentically You Events is a full-service Event Planner based in the Baltimore Metropolitan area. Whether planning your next Wedding, Corporate Event, Fundraising Gala, or Intimate Dinner I’m here to make sure that each and every event I’m involved with is inspiring, extraordinary, and unforgettable.

The Bourbon Bohemian @thebourbonbohemian The Bourbon Bohemian is spirits edutainment for the cocktail curious and home bar enthusiast. Be it global spirits and liqueurs, travel inspired cocktails or garnish kits, we supply the journey. We offer in person and virtual Cocktail Experiences, seasonal custom cocktail subscription kits and beverage consulting.

Solis Travels - @solistravels Solis Travels provides short term vacation stays in the US Virgin Islands- no passport required! This will be a great holiday getaway on a warm and sunny island. Located in downtown Christiansted these stays are located just ten minutes walking distance from the beach, shops and restaurants. Come relax and unwind.

EVENTS & EXPERIENCES Smokin Melvins - @smokin_melvins_ We offer personal, business, and party catering.

Epulae Kitchen - @collective_unlimited The Collective Unlimited, LLC is a hospitality company that is comprised of a collection of various entities used to better help the consumer discover the numerous lanes within the food and beverage industry. We provide fine dining, chef services through Epulae Kitchen. With Epulae Kitchen, we focus on providing beautifully, executed intimate gatherings, through food, decor, and beverage.

WHOLISTIC HOME CARE WE ARE COMMITTED TO PROVIDING HIGH QUALITY, CLIENT-CENTERED AND AFFORDABLE HOME CARE SERVICES TO OUR PATIENTS. WE ASSIST THEM TO LEAD DIGNIFIED AND INDEPENDENT LIVES IN THE COMFORT AND SAFETY OF THEIR OWN HOMES.

LICENSED IN MARYLAND, WHOLISTIC HOME CARE, LLC IS A COMPANY THAT PROVIDES A VARIETY OF HOME CARE SERVICES TO HELP INDIVIDUALS NEEDING EXTRA ASSISTANCE IN THEIR DAILY ROUTINE. THESE SERVICES ARE RESPONSIVE TO THE DISTINCT NEEDS OF THE INDIVIDUALS AND ARE DELIVERED BY QUALIFIED HOME CARE WORKERS. CHECK US OUT AT WWW.WHOLISTICHOMECARES.COM.

FOOD & DRINK KYVAN Foods - @kyvan82 KYVAN Foods is a line of specialty products created by Former NFL Player, Reggie Kelly and his wife Sheila. We have products that can cater to your breakfast, lunch and dinner needs. Products such as Honey Apple Salsa, Honey Apple Butter, Various Wing Sauces and Seasonings. Our products are unique, full of flavor and made with LOVE. "One taste and you will Appreciate the Goodness!"

Trade Street Jam Co. - @tradestjamco Spoonable low sugar jams and sauces for cooking, baking, cocktails and more.

Sweet Eden Bakeshop @sweetedenbakeshop Retail bakery specializing in Custom Cakes, Cupcakes,Wedding Desserts, French Macarons, Cookies, Cheesecakes, Tarts, with Vegan and Gluten Free options available daily and for pre-order.

FOOD & DRINK Avean’s Tea Room - @aveanstearoom Avean’s Tea Room specializes in tea, infused honey, and tea ware and accessories for the tea lover.

MochaBox Coffee Company @mochaboxcoffee MochaBox is a specialty coffee company whose products and services represent Coffee & Culture.

Blue Lotus Spice Company @bluelotusspice Bespoke Spice Blends with an emphasis on afro Creole flavors and recipes.

FOOD & DRINK R&L Crab Co - @randlcrabco We are a live or steamed crab and seafood delivery service. We offer pickup and delivery only in DC and Maryland.

Drunken Fruit - @drunkenfruit Drunken Fruit® is certified organic fruit aged in a proprietary blend of alcohol. Exquisitely versatile for the distinct palate it is a dessert, a cocktail, a garnish, an aphrodisiac, a bottle appetizer, a chef's dream, the perfect gift, or whatever you desire!

Capital City Co. - @capitalcityco Established in 2011, Capital City, LLC, is a specialty foods manufacturer, based in Arnold, Maryland, and produces a regional cult-like chicken wing condiment called mambo sauce. The company’s flagship product, Mild Mambo Sauce, is the first commercially bottled alternative for those who love the taste of mambo sauce, but no longer have access to it or simply prefer to eat their meals at home.

FOOD & DRINK Essie Spice - @essiespice Essie Spice sauces and spice blends have been crafted in small batches using traditional West-African spices and cooking methods with influences from Asia, the Caribbean, South America and Europe. They draw on the uniqueness of each place, but also the seamless fusion of the different spices that complement each other.

Camella's Kitchen - @camellaskitchen Founded by a mother and daughter duo from Trinidad and Tobago, Camella’s Kitchen helps you to elevate your meals at home and on-the-go with their bold Caribbean flavors. Rooted in tradition, all of their flavors are handcrafted in small batches. They make hot sauce, marinade, spices, cakes and more. Camella's Kitchen believes in high quality ingredients and tries to source from local farms as much as possible.

HOME & DECOR Wax by Wills - @@waxbywills Wax by Wills is a small candle business that hand pours and curates every candle. Candles are environmentally conscious and are poured with coconut soy wax. Each candle is highly fragrant with essential oils and decorated with dried rose petals. We have a wide range of fragrances perfect for any type of candle lover.

Shay Pierre Luxury Candles @shaypierrecandles Shay Pierre Luxury Candles is a soy candle brand company whose mission is to promote the creation of peace in ones home. Owners Jeff and Shay have personally curated scents that remind them of some of the best memories and stored them in quality, luxurious packaging to compliment the decor of your home.

Sol Ascension - @shop.solascension Artisan based shop, crafting goods with elements of the Earth that include herbal blends, hand dipped beeswax tapers, hand poured candles, and more!

HOME & DECOR The Lampley - @thelampleystyle The Lampley is a team of artists with a passion for Home Décor, love for our community, and a desire to respond to the underrepresented demographic where its culture and ideas are not reflected in the marketplace. We offer handcrafted soy candles, handmade pillows from African cloth, table linen, kente placemats, and so much more!

LR² Luxe Candles - @lr2luxecandles LR² Luxe is a small-batch candle company located in Dallas, Texas. Sharing our love for beautiful scents and chic home décor through our luxurious, hand-poured candles is our number one mission! We pride ourselves on high-quality candles that look as good as they smell!

Scented Little Moments @scented_little_moments Scented Little Moments is a home fragrance company that specializes in creating custom blended scents to fill your home with a scent catered to you. Candles, linen & room sprays, reed diffusers and many more to come.

HOME & DECOR PerfectScents - @perfectscentslady We offer a holistic approach to medicine by way of aromatherapy and essential oil infused products such as candles, jewelry, and spa products. All items are handmade and natural.

ko-che - @mykoche Handmade all-natural products for the body, hair & skin.

myShai' Bath & Body Treats, LLC @myshaibathandbodytreats We make handcrafted luxury artisan/natural soaps, body butters/oils, sugar scrubs, bath truffles, lip balms and more. Our goal is to provide a healthy alternative to skincare while also encouraging Self Care & a Daily Escape, by strategically creating products with premium ingredients, that are beneficial to the skin and over all well being.

HOME & DECOR D & S Craftworks - @dandscraftworks D&S Craftworks has devoted themselves to the singular goal of designing and creating outstanding items that bring your ideas to life with precision and detail. They have a variety of creative coasters, cups, cutting boards, and more.

Rain Sky Home - @rainskyhome Rain+Sky Home Decor was founded in 2018, St. Louis, MO. Now located in Atlanta, Georgia, Owner and Designer Asia Clayborne is committed to curating pieces that celebrate culture and partnering with retailers worldwide that share a passion for community. Their Africa Coasters Collection, is an original collection, hand sculpted and designed in their inhouse studio. They consider this collection functional art...pieces designed to function as both, art and decor.

The 125 Collection - @the125collection The 125 Collection is an urban luxury candle brand based in Harlem, NY. Constantly inspired by New York City and pop culture, their candles are designed to empower, inspire, and entertain.

MIXERS threeSPICE Fruit Shrubs - @three_spice threeSPICE Fruit Shrubs, a Baltimore-based business, produces the historic sweet-and-sour, fruit-sugar-vinegarbased drink mixer or culinary sauce known as shrubs. Each shrub is a 50-50 mix of handmade fruit syrups (pome, stone, ribes, berries, et.al.) and vinegars (unpasteurized Champagne, Corinthian, Banyuls, Sherry, et.al), complemented by whole spice, fresh herb, and high-quality tea infusions. threeSPICE is shelf-stable and a welcome addition to your cup of hot tea, kitchen concoctions, and homebar chemistry!

Mocktail Club - @mocktailclub Mocktail Club, which is a line of ready-to-drink premium crafted non alcoholic cocktails made with all-natural ingredients. We use better-for-you ingredients such as superfruits and prebiotics.

Cork Hill Sorrel - @corkhillsorrel Cork Hill Sorrel uses our family's traditional recipe as its base then added flavor options while also making it healthier. We are your new signature drink of choice for celebrating the joy in everyday. Rich tart full bodied flavor is easily enjoyed as an alcohol free wine option, straight up over ice, warm in a mug or as a mixer for delicious mocktails or cocktails.

MIXERS Avec Drinks - @avecdrinks Launched in June 2020 by WOC Dee Charlemagne and her cofounder Alex Doman, AVEC is on a mission to help you drink better. Their line of premium better for you mixers are made in Brooklyn with all-natural ingredients — real juices, botanicals, and spices— to create delicious, naturally low-sugar/lowcalorie replacements for existing alternatives. Think of an updated version of a ginger beer but with 80-90% less sugar or an updated margarita with Tequila AVEC Jalapeno and Blood Orange. AVEC's sampler box is an amazing way to try all 5 flavors and a great gift for that wannabe-mixologist in your life.

Cane Collective - @cane_collective Based in Baltimore, Cane Collective produces non-alcoholic mixers made with fresh ingredients.

Charismatic Creations @charismaticcreations Charismatic Creations offers natural cocktail mixes made with fresh fruit and herbs grown in Washington, D.C. and Southern Maryland. These mixes pair well with all spirits or can be simply enjoyed on ice with soda water or ginger-ale. Imagine enjoying an Apple CinnaMint Margarita or Blackberry Lemonbalm Martini!

WINE & SPIRIT GIFTS Palatini’s Wine Shop - @palatinisofficial Palatini’s Wine Shop is a small wine boutique in Graham,NC! We offer the perfect wine gifts & accessories for wine lovers. We believe in quality, so we offer Black-owned, Womenowned, & International owned wines. We also offer accessories to benefit your wine lifestyle, whether that be wine stoppers, glassware & minority-owned cookbooks. Currently, we ship to NC, DC, and Florida. We also deliver.

Uncomplicated Lush - @uncomplicatedlush Uncomplicated Lush offers alcohol infusion kits that allow you to create lighter, refreshing versions of your favorite craft cocktails. You simply add alcohol to our curated blends of dried fruit, herbs and sugar and allow it to infuse for 3 days. The infused alcohol can be enjoyed over ice or topped with sparkling water, club soda or juice for an elevated happy hour experience at home.

InBooze - @inboozekits InBooze is a handmade line of alcohol infusion kits made from dehydrated fruits, spices and herbs. Founded in 2018 by Ashleigh Evans, InBooze took off in 2020 with everyone drinking at home with features by Oprah Magazine, Buzzfeed and more! Each kit infuses 2+ cups of alcohol to make 8-10 drinks. Perfect for a party or sipping at home.

WINE & SPIRIT GIFTS Pour Pairings - @pour_pairings "Pour Pairings" is a subscription box curated for the wine curious, wine lovers and wine enthusiasts. Our mission is to make wine education less pretentious and more inclusive by making it fun and accessible. Each month, we create a new box based on a particular wine, filled with delicious snacks, unique wine gadgets, wine-adjacent products and informative "fun facts" about the wine of the month.

PO' UP! Card Game - @poupcards PO’ UP! Card Game is the first Black collegiate drinking card game that will give you nostalgia and make you PO’ UP! (i.e "drink."). We are a proud card game created for Black alumni by Black alumni. Each deck features 100 cards with questions and prompts that will give you nostalgia in the form of a drinking game. Categories include “BLK School Pride,” “The Great Debate,” “College Broke” and more. PO’ UP! to Black Excellence!

The Adventurous Bartender @theadventurousbartender The Adventurous Bartender is a functional novelty gift created to take the guesswork out of mixing cocktails at home.

WINE & SPIRIT GIFTS Sip+Tipple - @sipandtippleclub Launching in December 2021, Sip+Tipple is a membership club offering curated shopping, experiences and exclusive benefits featuring Black-owned spirit brands. We deliver a hand-picked curation every 3 months, maintain a fully stocked online store, and hold an infinite space for content and community.

A Taste of The Culture @atasteoftheculture Cocktail boxes that exclusively feature black-owned Wine, Spirits & accessories.

Uncorked and Cultured @uncorkedandcultured Uncorked & Cultured is a Harlem-based media company connecting communities through wine, wellness, culture and adventure. Check out our Sip Consciously Black-owned wine directory!

WINE & SPIRIT GIFTS Mixi Maid - @miximaid A Luxury Cocktail Company in Atlanta, Georgia that specializes in crafting premium cocktails with fresh fruit juice and low calorie sweeteners. Our goal is to promote a lifestyle that’s both healthy and enjoyable; one person, one drink and one experience at a time.

1966: Artisanal Rum Punch @drink1966official 1966: Artisanal Rum Punch is a carefully crafted, premium, ready-to-drink cocktail that combines the complex flavors of rum with sweet citrus and an abundance of spices. Entirely produced and bottled in South Africa and founded by a BajanAmerican entrepreneur, 1966 blends South African lightly aged rum with cane sugar, citrus, bitters, and spices to produce our unique spin on a Caribbean classic.

The Wine Concierge @thewineconciergeclub The Wine Concierge is an online wine store featuring women and minority winemakers, vintners and labels. Every bottle of wine has a story and we believe every good story starts with a bottle of wine. This holiday season we are offering hostess gift boxes, Shades of Vino Club Memberships, as well as sale wines to toast the season.

WINE & SPIRIT GIFTS Flipped Narrative - @flippednarrarive Flipped Narrative is an online boutique winery created by myself and my husband. We harvest and produce our wines in Sonoma County. Our 2020 vintage includes our Rosé, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir. We are a husband and wife team who decided to “retire” from our careers in our midtwenties to make our dream as wine owners a reality. We realized we didn’t love our story so we flipped it. Flipped Narrative is all about changing narratives and sharing stories over a nice glass of wine.

Taste Select Repeat - @tasteselectrepeat E-commerce retailer specializing in whiskey and tequila barrel picks and other spirits adjacent food and gifts.

Hux Spirits - @huxspirits Hux Spirits offers Cuban-inspired rum and bourbon infused sangria. They are smooth in taste, rich in flavor, and strong enough to satisfy an experienced palate.

WINE & SPIRIT GIFTS Wondry Wine - @wondrywine Wondry Wine is a fruit-infused wine & sangria collection with heightened alcohol content. Our fruit-forward, semi-sweet wines infuse organic berry, citrus & exotic fruit extracts for a succulently smooth & juicy finish. At WONDRY® we believe great-tasting wine should be enjoyed by all. But far too often, curious wine consumers are met by a stifling sense of pretentiousness. Intimidated and at times overlooked, many feel excluded from the premium wine experience - an unfortunately common problem this husband and wife duo (a thinker and a dreamer) designed WONDRY® to solve.