Zerina Akers Talks New Project Black Owned Everything I think that the uproar of last year has created a certain accountability for many companies to actually put their money where their mouth is, Akers tells ESSENCE. Photo: Photo by Bennett Raglin/Getty Images for ESSENCE Fashion House)
Earlier this month, wardrobe maven Zerina Akers officially launched Black Owned Everything. Last year, Akers started an Instagram page with the same name, providing a social directory and immediate exposure to Black-owned brands. After encompassing a successful run on social media, the curator has launched a platform that is both a marketplace and media culture hub built to amplify a diverse community of creators.
Halle Bailey. Having established herself as a force to be reckoned with in the world of fashion, Akers is expanding another venture outside the world of fashion. The famed stylist has launched an entire e-commerce site dedicated to highlighting Black-owned brands and businesses. The newly launched site features brands such as Cise, Actively Black, 3rd Eye View and Amany Z.
“I [soon] recognized the need for a luxury retail space for Black-owned businesses to have [a] global reach. It was a natural [next step] for us,” Akers said during a recent interview with Refinery29.
“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. We will also spotlight brands and stories from Black-owned businesses utilizing editorial features and with original content.”
How Zerina Akers Launched Shopping Destination Black Owned Everything in 6 Short Months So wait a second, how long did it take you to create this shopping site from start to finish? I asked costume designer, wardrobe curator, and businesswoman Zerina Akers over the phone. She was out on a walk, just one day before she pushed Black Owned Everything live. You know what s crazy? It feels like forever, but it s only been about six months, Sarah, Zerina said with a laugh. People take five years developing things like this. She isn t wrong.
I had talked to Zerina back in September 2020 when her idea was slowly coming to fruition. The industry powerhouse who has worked with the likes of Beyoncé (perhaps you remember the incredible fashion in