E&J is celebrating Black History Month with a curated list of Black-owned businesses that encapsulate the legacy, excellence, and smoothness we champion every day. Discover the eight entrepreneurs we’re raising a glass to all month—and year—long.

Kirsten Daniel created Ateaelle after years of traveling the world and running into people who shared their love for her city of Atlanta. The company specializes in Atlanta-themed merchandise and apparel, but it prides itself on being deeply rooted in the community; Daniels’ pulse is always on the city’s evolution, and she lets her experience as an Atlanta native guide her business. The brand is currently working on content and merchandise that will tell the stories of Atlanta’s rich culture—old and new.

“It’s my goal to never stop revering the Black-owned businesses that made this city so attractive to Black creatives and professionals,” Daniel said. “Ateaelle is all about celebrating hood decadence and Black excellence.”

Seven years ago, Butter Love founder La’Crassia Wilderness made a commitment to love herself more by nourishing her mind and body. This journey led to the creation of her company, Butter Love, and has enabled her to help thousands of people feel good about their skin. Wilderness keeps sustainability and inclusivity at the forefront of her business—and wants her customers to know that Butter Love is a brand that is for them, made by hand, with love.

“Black people create every day, we shine every day,” Wilderness said. “We show up every day. We make history and move mountains every day. We should be celebrated daily—we deserve our flowers.”

Sustainability, community, and agriculture education are at the core of EcoRo’s hand-poured soy candles and other eco-friendly products. Owner Roderica Worrell describes herself as a creative, “tree-hugging” introvert, who credits her Landscape Architecture degree from North Carolina A&T State University with helping her find her purpose. She hopes other introverts can tap into their creative sides to express themselves, their character, and their passion through their own “why.” It’s this empowerment, she says, that will foster the next generation of Black entrepreneurs.

“I honor my heritage by supporting and marketing other Black-owned businesses, especially locally,” Worrell said. “Community to me is more than just a ‘place,’ it’s an array of people from different backgrounds working together toward a common goal.”

Representation matters, everywhere from media to business to eyewear. Le Chi Founder and owner Kelechi Ohanaja is the son of an optometrist, and he realized after years of ill-fitting glasses that eyewear wasn’t designed by or for people that looked like him. He decided to tackle this issue head-on by creating an eyewear brand designed for what he calls “the forgotten faces.” He says he wants to uplift Black voices in every possible way, and is currently working on sunglasses for Black Greek university organizations.

“I want to leave the legacy that you can create a brand centered around Black people,” Ohanaja said. “We can do anything. Community means everything. Community is family.”’

Nappy Head Club was founded by two sisters who describe themselves as fed up with the lack of representation of authentic Blackness in mainstream media. The lifestyle brand has branched out into products from tees to scarves to swimwear to hats, but the goal is the same: to spark dialogue and encourage self-acceptance and love within the Black community. The brand dropped its newest capsule collection this month.

“Black history is American history,” Topping said. “ The very fabric of this country is built on the labor, ingenuity and creativity of the Black community. Black History Month can at times feel limiting; the education system will focus on a few key players and make it seem like all the work has been done, but the reality is that there are people in the community putting in the work right now, every day, creating a better world for not only Black people but for everyone.”

The world’s largest gourmet popcorn shop, which offers over 250 flavors of hand coated treats, is in Gary, IN. The shop was founded by two childhood friends of the current owner, LeBarron D. Burton Sr., who took over business in 2018. While the pandemic caused a halt in sales, the company pivoted; digital marketing helped gain popularity with the online tech and comedy communities, sending business booming. Burton, Sr. has his hands full—with steady demand, his role in the church, and two community-based projects designed to give back to the people of Gary.

“One thing I think more people should know about Black history is that it’s not something that should be left in the past,” Burton, Sr. said. “I think it’s important that we carry the torch of greatness and self sacrifice.”

Redefining luxury, elevating fragrance, and creating sense-defying products are at the heart of what Superb exemplifies. But founder Blake Hare knows that a Black-owned luxury fragrance brand stands for much more; it’s a reminder that Black excellence is present in any and every category. Hare—who mentors up-and-coming talent and is the co-founder of the non-profit Detroit Entrepreneurs—knows that it starts with a generation that sees themselves as history makers.

“I believe leaving a positive impact for future generations should be the foundation of entrepreneurship in the Black community,” Hare said. “We need to see our faces prospering across ALL industries.”

Wear Brims co-founder and CEO Archie Clay III knows that confidence starts at the top. The luxury hat company is the first Black-owned hat company sold at Nordstrom, is available at Neiman Marcus, and has been spotted on celebrities from Spice Adams to Mookie Betts to Stacey London. But success hasn’t slowed down the company’s focus on community; Clay focuses on non-profits in the cancer, mental health, income, and low-income family spaces. They’ve also collaborated with other Black-owned business, releasing the “A Moment In Time” collaboration with Black Men’s Wear—an experience Clay says was amazing.

“We work hard every single day, because we deserve to be at the top,” Clay said. “Our ancestors have worked so hard to get us where we are, and it’s up to us to continue that energy going forward.”

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