At Clearco, we are proud to celebrate the talent and dedication of Black-owned ecommerce brands. The 2025 Black History Month Award honors founders who are building something great, pushing past barriers, and making a real impact. Our final winner will be announced the week of March 10 2025!

Even with progress, Black-owned businesses still make up only 3% of all U.S. companies, even though Black individuals make up approximately 14.4% of the population. These entrepreneurs deserve more opportunities to grow, thrive, and be recognized. We are excited to support them and share their stories.

This year, we received applications from inspiring entrepreneurs across the country. While only one winner will receive the $1,000 USD grand prize, every finalist deserves recognition for their hard work and vision.

Let’s meet the finalists and see what makes them stand out!

Meet The Finalists of Clearco's Black History Month Award

Manjeri Skincare: Luxury Skincare Rooted in Tradition and Sustainability

Skincare should feel like self-care, not just another step in your routine. Manjeri Skincare brings that philosophy to life with products inspired by East African beauty rituals and made with natural, vegan, and cruelty-free ingredients.

Founded by Rhoda Wasswas in 2022 and named after her grandmother, Manjeri (meaning "Blossom"), the brand is all about nourishing skin while honoring tradition. From rich body butters to exfoliating mitts, each product is crafted to pamper, protect, and empower.

More than skincare, Manjeri is on a mission to make self-care a daily ritual while giving back to the planet. With a goal to prevent 1,500 pounds of plastic waste from entering the ocean by 2025, sustainability is woven into everything they do.

Vaila Shoes: High Heels That Finally Fit

Struggling to find stylish heels in your size? You’re not alone. Vaila Shoes was created for women who are tired of being left out of fashion.

Founder Ahriana Edwards knows the frustration firsthand. After years of searching for high-quality heels that actually fit, she decided to create the solution herself. With a clear vision and a winning pitch at Pharrell Williams’ Black Ambition Prize, she brought Vaila Shoes to life. The brand offers luxurious and stylish heels made specifically for women who need extended sizes. No more compromising on style or comfort. Vaila Shoes is here to make sure you walk into every room with confidence.

Herb’n Eden: Skincare That Feels Like Nature

Your skin deserves care that is simple, natural, and free from harmful chemicals. That belief is what started Herb’n Eden, a brand built on handcrafted, plant-based skincare that nourishes without compromise.

Co-founder Terran Lewis discovered her passion for natural skincare through farmers' markets and urban farming. Inspired by the power of plants, she began making small-batch soaps using herbs and essential oils instead of synthetic fragrances. What started in a one-bedroom apartment has grown into a brand trusted for its holistic, non-toxic approach to skin health.

Every Herb’n Eden product is made by hand, in small batches, with pure botanical ingredients. No parabens. No artificial fragrances. Just real, therapeutic skincare that works for all skin types.

CurvaPen: Writing, Reimagined

For too long, pens have been designed with one type of writer in mind. CurvaPen changes that.

Created by Clarence Parker, this ergonomic, patented pen was developed to make writing smoother, easier, and more comfortable for everyone. Its curved nib gives a clear line of sight, reducing strain and improving control whether you are right-handed, left-handed, or dealing with hand mobility challenges.

CurvaPen offers a better writing experience for students, professionals, artists, and anyone who wants writing to feel effortless again. If you are taking notes, drawing, or writing for hours, this pen adapts to your movements.

MOODEAUX: Fragrance That Feels Like You

Scent shapes mood, memory, and how you show up in the world. MOODEAUX was created to celebrate that connection.

Founder Brianna “B.A.” Arps turned to fragrance for comfort after being laid off in 2018. Her curiosity led to formal training, where she realized Black-owned fragrance brands were being overlooked. Instead of waiting for change, she built MOODEAUX, a clean, unisex brand designed to empower self-expression through scent.

Since launching in 2021, MOODEAUX has won awards, joined Sephora’s Accelerate Program, and become the first Black-owned fragrance brand at Credo Beauty. Through Black In Fragrance, Brianna is also working to create space for Black perfumers and entrepreneurs!

Congratulations to the Finalists!

The founders behind this year’s Black History Month Award finalists are turning their ideas into something real. They have built their businesses with passion, hard work, and a strong commitment to their communities. 

Clearco is honored to highlight and support these inspiring entrepreneurs. Take a moment to explore their brands, share their stories, and cheer them on. This is just the beginning, and we cannot wait to see what they do next! Our final winner of the Black History Month Award will be announced the week of March 10 2025!