Buy From A Black Woman Founder Cuts Ties with H&M Over Exploitation Concerns

Get ready for this, guys. Picture this; a dynamic alliance between ‘Buy From a Black Woman’ and famed retail giant, H&M. But here’s the twist: after four incredible years, they’re parting ways. Started by the unstoppable Nikki Porcher back in 2016, ‘Buy From a Black Woman’ first locked arms with H&M for International Women’s Day in 2021 and they’ve been shaking up the business scene since.

Just take a peek at the astounding track record the partnership boasts. I mean, over 100 workshops and trainings, 45 business grants delivered with a plonk, and an awesome set of 20 relief fund packages given to Black female business leaders. What more could you ask for? The work didn’t stop there. They lifted 30 Black women up through accelerator programs and even guided 15 audacious founders to bag their Minority Business Enterprise certification, all within two impressive, power-packed years.

In 2023, these two organized The Inspire Tour, an innovative initiative that crossed barriers and time zones, heading to vibrant locales like Philadelphia, Charlotte, Houston, Los Angeles, and Atlanta, with a clear objective – to put the spotlight on Black women owned businesses. The tour didn’t just get stories heard, it spurred local networking and encouraged community members to invest in their own neighborhood businesses.

Bidding adieu to such a thriving alliance might seem a bit bitter, but remember, the legacy left behind and the powerful body of work is monumental. It speaks volumes of the efforts set in motion to advance underrepresented communities in business. Let’s pause for a sec, and just appreciate the deserved recognition and support poured out to Black women who dared to imagine, to defy, and to lead. Wow, right? And remember, always chase that light, just like these trail-blazing women.