Support Black-owned Businesses in Italy (or about Italy)
One of my followers on instagram DMed me, asking me if I knew any black owned business in Italy. Besides being a really good question, I realized that I want it to be super easy for everyone to support Black-owned businesses, no matter where you are!
And while lists of Black-owned businesses have been popping up for cities around the world from New York to London, Italy is lagging behind. As a Black business owner myself, and author of a Guidebook about Milan, I realized I’m in the unique position of being able to support black-owned businesses in Italy (or about Italy) by sharing some of my favorites with you all. This is list is no means exhaustive, and in fact, I plan to update it every month so that we can create a comprehensive list of Italy’s Black-owned businesses.
SUPPORT BLACK-OWNED BUSINESSES IN ITALY
Black-Owned Food Businesses in Italy
Kristina Gill
Kristina Gill is a photographer based in Rome with a seriously impressive resume. She’s the former food & drinks editor at DesignSponge and is the co-author and photographer of a beautiful, award-winning recipe book, Tasting Rome. Kristina recently spoke up about the struggles she faced in being recognized throughout the process of developing and writing recipes, and photographing, Tasting Rome. She has since completed various events and created resources to support Black-owned bookstores. You can support Kristina Gill by buying Tasting Rome, sharing your purchase by tagging her as the (co)author, and letting the publishing house, Clarkson Potter, know that you bought this book because of Kristina.
EXAU Olive Oil
EXAU Olive Oil is an award-winning olive oil producer in Calabria, one of Italy’s most Southern regions, run by Skyler, a Black American woman from California, and her husband, Giuseppe, a 3rd generation olive oil producer. Skyler has spoken publicly about the difficulties of running a Black-owned olive oil business in Italy’s traditional south where she feels that they expect her to prove herself as an olive oil producer. Despite this, their extra virgin olive oil, cold-pressed using traditional methods, has been named one of the Best Olive Oils in the world and can be found in some of the world’s best restaurants.
Support one of the world’s only (if not the only) Black-owned EVOO producer by getting your hands on some EXAU Olive Oil today – Shop Here!
You can also read more about EXAU Olive Oil over at this article I recently shared about them for Doing Italy’s Thursday Takeover series!
https://exauoliveoil.com/ | @exauoliveoil
Corey’s Soul Chicken
Of course, you all know I’m beyond passionate about Italian food, but sometimes I crave something that reminds me of home. Corey’s Soul Chicken is run by Corey himself, who’s called Italy home for even longer than me!! Corey, originally from Kentucky, has brought soul food to Italy with his delicious fried chicken which is made from scratch using a family recipe and all-American ingredients. If you’re around Paolo Sarpi, or you’re just keen on something that reminds you of home, head over to his restaurant to enjoy Southern food and hospitality from one of Milan’s few Black-owned restaurants. Note: The original location is now closed, but he’s opening a new one. Check out Corey’s Facebook page up to date information.
https://www.coreysoulchicken.com/
Black-Owned Travel Businesses in Italy
Doing Italy
That’s me!! After coming to Italy for a university exchange, I just couldn’t stay away!
I quickly discovered that Italy is filled with secret spots and amazing destinations found off the beaten track. I didn’t just want to explore these myself, I also wanted to share them with everyone I know. Last year, I also used my insider knowledge of Milan to write a Milan Guidebook, Discover Milan (purchase it here!).
Most recently, I’ve created a masterclass for anyone who dreams of Moving to Italy! The inaugural class is currently underway after selling out!!! But we’ll be running it again soon. Sign up to be the first to find out when Move to Italy Masterclass will be available again.
https://www.doingitaly.com | @doingitaly
Black-Owned Fashion Designers in Italy
Stella Jean
Stella Jean is not only a phenomenal fashion designer, she’s a passionate voice for positive change. Stella Jean uses fashion to represent and narrate her cross-cultural heritage, being the daughter of a Haitian mother and an Italian father. These two cultures couldn’t be more different, yet she combines the two beautifully in her luxurious collections. Her clothes feature bold colors and elegant designs and are absolutely worth investing in – not just because you’ll be supporting a Black-owned business in Italy, but also because her clothes are made both sustainably and ethically!
https://www.stellajean.it | @stellajean_sj_
Esién
Esién is Milan’s newest fashion label, having launched in 2020. That’s right, you heard it here first (you can thank me later)!! Esiema Naomi Enetomhe, Esién’s founder, always dreamed of having her own label that focused on giving back to the community. Her clothes are inspired by generations, new and old, of empowered women who are fearlessly breaking down barriers. Esién’s designs are powerful, feminine, and unapologetic. Plus, 5% of each purchase is gifted to vulnerable demographics so that they can have access to education.
https://www.esienmilano.com | @esien.milano
Are you a Black Business owner in Italy or do you know a Black-owned business in Italy? I’d love to hear from you! Send me a message via my contact page.
If you know of an Italian, Black-owned business that should be on this list, let me know in the comments below! We’ll be updating it constantly as more businesses emerge so that we can continue to support Black-owned Businesses in Italy, and we’d love to hear from you.
