2.3% (2.3%!!!). That’s the number of health and wellness businesses, with more than one employee, in the US that’s Black-owned. And let’s not even get into how many of those are Black-woman-owned because the statistics are depressing.
The limited presence of Black-owned businesses not only exacerbates the racial wealth gap seen in the US (recent data shows that it’d take 228 years for Black families to amass wealth equal to that of their white counterparts) but also highlights a poignant challenge in meeting the distinctive health needs of Black women.
Recognizing this void, Black Girl Vitamins (BGV) emerges as a beacon of hope and change.
As your wellness bestie, the Black-woman-focused health brand’s mission goes beyond profit; it’s about bridging the gap in health disparities and empowering Black women to prioritize their well-being.
So, below, we take a deep dive into what BGV is all about, its mission and values, and what we can expect from the Black women’s health-championing firm in the near future.
What’s Black Girl Vitamins and Who Founded It
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Black Girl Vitamins (BGV) is a Black-woman-owned company dedicated to providing high-quality solutions that cater to the needs of Black women.
It was founded by Maxine in 2021 to address the scientifically proven nutritional deficiencies common among the Black community.
She witnessed firsthand the lack of Black-women-focused health products and created a platform that shed light on the under-addressed healthcare disparities and one where every Black woman feels empowered and supported in her health/wellness journey.
And that’s why when an opportunity to chat with one of Black Girl Vitamins’ esteemed members presented itself, we couldn’t pass it up.
Ahead, Jessica Nosike, the Head of Events and Socials at Black Girl Vitamins, shares insight into the brand’s effort in advocating for Black women’s health and wellness. She also unveils their vision board for the upcoming years, hinting at exciting projects on the horizon.
Can you tell us about the founding story of your company and what motivated you to focus on addressing the nutritional needs of underserved Black women?
Nosike: Uumm…as you know, Black Girl Vitamins was founded by Maxine. She saw the need for Black-women-focused health and wellness products, and in 2021, she and a team of nutritionists introduced the first product, the BGV Vitamin D3.
The aim was to create a resource for Black women who have/had a ton of deficiencies, including vitamins, especially vitamin D. There’s a major connection between the lack of vitamin D and PCOS and even breast cancer, but that’s a story for another day.
As a company, BGV wanted to create an environment for information and then provide solutions.
There is an old saying, ‘Health is wealth.’ What is your message of empowerment for Black women?
Nosike: In a world where wealth is often measured in monetary terms, it’s crucial to recognize that true richness lies in our health. Many may amass considerable wealth, but if that wealth isn’t invested in our well-being, it becomes a hollow gain.
It’s about prioritizing ourselves, not as an afterthought, but as a primary focus. In the relentless pursuit of giving our all to work, family, and other responsibilities, allocating 100% to ourselves might seem daunting. However, this self-investment is the key to unlocking the lifestyle we genuinely desire and love.
How has Black Girl Vitamins (BGV) been involved in the community since its inception, and what initiatives have you implemented to support underserved Black women?
Nosike: When Black Girl Vitamins started out, our focus was on raising awareness about health, emphasizing the importance of supplementation, and introducing people to our products. As we progressed, we dedicated efforts to establish a community specifically for and with Black women. The essence lies in becoming a trusted source—your wellness bestie.
We recognized the need to understand our audience or clientele, if you may, and partnered with other Black-woman-founded brands to sponsor events such as Black Girls Squat Too, Art Therapy In Chicago, The Color Purple Movie Viewing and others, all in the hope of creating spaces where Black women come to connect and thrive.
From bestie meetups to providing nourishing food and sharing valuable information, BGV is committed to actively participating in the community’s journey toward advancement. Our brand not only seeks to offer products but also to genuinely become a partner in the uplifting journey of the communities we serve.
Black Girl Vitamins offers monthly scholarships to deserving women across the United States. Can you walk us through the process of selecting scholarship recipients and how it aligns with your company’s mission and values?
Nosike: Our scholarships are specifically designed to support Black women pursuing studies within the health profession, with a particular focus on encouraging their involvement in the field of medicine for advocacy purposes.
This actually reminds me of my physician. As a Black woman, there’s nothing more refreshing and soul-soothing than having a doctor who understands and actively listens to your needs and makes you feel safe and comfortable. Mine even goes a mile further by inviting my family and me to events happening in the community. That’s the kind of professionals we need in our community.
So, as Black Girl Vitamins, our mission revolves around creating a space where Black women feel served and safe. We firmly believe that having professionals in the field who mirror our community is vital.
The scholarship program plays a pivotal role in supporting students on their journey, providing a valuable boost as they progress further down the road of their academic and professional pursuits.
Tell us about Black Girl Vitamins’ products and what your best-sellers are. If we had no clue what to purchase first, what would your recommendations be?
Nosike: First things first…as a Black woman of any age, you need to be serious about taking your vitamins. It’s basically like your SPF 30s and 50s – it’s the rule of leading an anti-aging life, meaning it’s non-negotiable.
As for our products, we have multivitamins, vitamin B6, B12, CDE, Iron Gummies, Folate, and Zinc.
Our best sellers are the Once-A-Day Multivitamins (which keep you living your best life). There’s also the Look-Good Feel-Good Bundle, the Complete Wellness Essentials, and the Organic Sea Moss (this is everything for the skincare girlies and anyone looking to shed some pounds).
If you have specific needs like hair retention, the Hair, Skin & Nails Gummies (which have a little bit more biotin than other brands) are your bestie.
And D3? Vitamin D3 is That Girl! She is a non-negotiable supplement for Black women and always gets those blood levels in check!
We also offer collagen, ‘age-defying’ gummies for the beauty buffs, ‘In The Mood’ vitamins for anyone needing a libido boost, and prenatal gummies for the mommies. Basically anything that improves the lives of Black Queens, we have it! No cap!
What’s next for Black Girl Vitamins? We know the future is bright, but what’s on your vision board for the coming years?
Nosike: We’re excited to share that BGV is now live on Amazon. So, if you fancy our specially curated bottles, head over to the BGV store and treat yourself to a bottle or three.
Additionally, we have a series of exciting events lined up in vibrant cities like Chicago, Atlanta, and, of course, Dallas. Our vision encompasses not just reaching new heights in the online marketplace but also actively engaging with communities through these events, connecting with our audience in meaningful ways.
The journey ahead is filled with growth, collaboration, and a continued commitment to being your trusted wellness bestie.”
