5 Black-owned Seattle Apparel & Accessories Shops

Fashion is something that touches our daily life, and in the words of one of our founders Ava J. Holmes, “Whether you spend hours getting dressed in the morning or 30 seconds, we all wear clothes. All of us participate in the fashion industry.”

As a community, we have all gone to protests, donated to funds, and become more aware of the prejudices and challenges our Black community faces. This leaves us with the question; how do keep the momentum going and help push forward this important movement? How can we continue to support Black creators everyday, in our daily lives, for the rest of our lives? 

In the context of our founder, we can prioritize Black designers and boutique owners that continuously have to fight the system to break into the notoriously difficult world of fashion. In every city there will be Black designers to support, but here at Fashion for Conservation, we want to highlight 5 Black woman-owned shops right here in Seattle, Washington.

1. Fine jewelry boutique Valerie Madison

“In school I learned about the devastating effects of over-mining precious metals and diamonds. I couldn’t believe that such beautiful and sentimental jewelry objects could be tainted with such negativity but I learned that I could help reduce those effects by working with recycled metals and eco-friendly gem options…”- Owner Valerie Madison

Growing up, Madison wanted to be a marine biologist and by high school she knew she wanted to work in wildlife conservation. After getting started on her college degree in Environmental Science and Resource Management, she found out the destructive effects of over mining metals and diamonds, and now works to merge sustainability with elegant jewelry, very much in the spirit of Fashion for Conservation! Learn more at valeriemadison.com.

2. Women’s apparel boutique Lika Love

“It is important to me that your shopping experience is empowering. I offer collections for all shapes, sizes, and styles- there is something here for everyone.” – Owner Malika Siddiq

Siddiq drove her 20-foot  “fashion truck” from Portland and parked it in West Seattle to fulfill her dream of starting her own boutique. Lika Love offers subscription boxes, where they send each customer customized clothes to fit their body shape and style. They have also recently opened up a retail location in Queen Anne. Visit their website at likalove.com to learn more.

3. Handmade jewelry and stationary shop Adorned Abode

“Small businesses are the heartbeat of our neighborhoods, the spine of our local economy, and the spirit of our towns.” -Owner Benita

Adorned Abode has all kinds of trinkets, stationary, and jewelry in their homey store a little south of Seattle in Tacoma. Something all of their products have in common- they would make warm gifts to loved ones, which shows the spirit Benita wants to bring to our community. Their instagram (@adornedabode) emphasizes shopping small and supporting Black businesses. Learn more on their website adornedabode.net.

4. Inspiring clothing shop The Underdog Co.

  “Remember why you started.” -Owner Jessica Rycheal

The Underdog Co. is a well-suited name for this  brand that has motivational words all over their stylish apparel. “Grind Every Damn Day.” Or “Trust Your Struggle”, which was made to highlight the tense racial climate in America. Rycheal started with apparel, but she has turned her brand into a platform to get the bigger message out to the world. Learn more on their website theunderdogco.com.

5. Apparels and Shoe store Sugar’s Foot

“I would spend countless hours playing dress up trying on [my grandmother’s] big hats, her gaudy jewelry and every pair of shoes that she owned; even the brand new ones she explicitly told me not to touch!…So, even though it’s years later I am still playing dress up…just in a much bigger closet.” -Owner Viola Esdaille.

Esdaille founded her store, Sugar’s Foot, with the inspiration of her fashionista grandmother to guide her. Sugar’s Foot is a collection of shoes, accessories, apparel, and beauty products- a one stop shop for all your outer-care needs. Visit their website to learn more at shopsugarfoot.com.

All these owners don’t even touch the tip of the iceberg with other Black-owned businesses in Seattle! Let’s all continue to keep supporting them, and remember that this is a movement, not a moment.