When we last spoke to Zerina Akers, the stylist and creative entrepreneur had just recently launched a Black Owned Everything Instagram account to great success, providing a platform to amplify Black-owned business in the fashion, beauty, and lifestyle space. The audience was there – the platform quickly developed a community of more than 14,000 registered businesses and over 200,000 followers. Now, just a few months after launching last June, Akers is taking her idea to the next level – officially adding an e-commerce platform.

With the formal launch of e-commerce, consumers will have the opportunity to shop among a globally-sourced offering of both established and emerging Black-owned businesses. The marketplace opens with exclusive offers from Sergio Hudson, Glemaud, Blackwood NYC, William Okpo, among a vast range of others.

“After seeing the overwhelming response from the @blackownedeverything Instagram page, I recognized the need for a luxury retail space for Black-owned businesses to have global reach,” Akers said. “It was a natural progression for us.”

Alongside e-commerce, Black Owned Everything will also serve as a content hub for creators to virtually connect with designers through immersive storytelling and activated experiences.

The platform offers a much needed space for Black-owned businesses that have historically faced exclusion from traditional fashion establishments, and now face even greater challenges as the COVID-19 pandemic puts added financial strain on designers. With Black Owned Everything, Akers is establishing a permanent place to support Black talent for generations to come.

“Black Owned Everything’s goal is to amplify and empower a community of brands to reach diverse and engaged audiences and encourage them to shop inclusively. In due time BOE will evolve into a full-fledged one-stop space for all things Black.”

Visit blackownedeverything.co to discover the participating brands featured in the launch, with more categories, content features, and information to be announced throughout 2021 and beyond.