Sustainability has become a buzz word in recent years but it’s always refreshing to stumble across a brand that lives and breathes their mission, like Black and Creme. Founded by Le’Marqunita Lowe, this fashion brand operates in a holistic, conscious, and sustainable way to embrace your wardrobe with memories that last a lifetime.
Forget fast fashion and CEO’s that only care about lining their pockets, Le’Marqunita’s mission is so much more than that. With a legacy in the making, we spent some time with her to find out more…
Your list of accolades is something to admire. From being a company founder, educator, author and social justice advocate. Of all of you achievements, which one are you the most proud of?
Thank you for the compliment. To be honest, I am proud of them all. However, accolades are merely stepping stones to do the Divine work that each one of us is called to do by God. If I had to choose, it would be a social justice advocate. Everything else I do are pillars. An author gives me the voice and visuals to carry out the work. Being an educator gives me the grace to collaborate with others while we learn from each other. Being an entrepreneur is the blueprint for bringing the work together in a strategic way that is visible for the world to see.
Where did your love for sustainable fashion and clean beauty come from?
I always had a love for beauty and fashion since I was a kid. I also have such a deep respect for Nature and God. My beauty company Mercury III was actually created from me making handmade cosmetics for others before the company launched to the public in 2015. I self-taught myself how to mix minerals, I studied herbs, I researched plants, I learned colour theory, I was already a student of astrology, and I emerged myself in the study of ancient Egyptian cosmetics. Mercury III is a clean beauty company that combined my Spirituality, love for astrology, and respect for Nature into a physical product of cosmetics. Black & Cremè is the sister company of Mercury III, except it focuses on sustainable fashion. However, with Black & Cremè I noticed sustainable fashion is not accessible to many BIPOC communities, and there is a lot of exploitation that exists. It was crucial for me to integrate environmental justice and Black economics into the mission of the company to be apart of the solution to bridge this gap.
What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced as an entrepreneur so far?
My biggest challenge as an entrepreneur has been access to funding as an African American woman. While I think mentorship is amazing and crucial for entrepreneurs, I am mentored out. What I and many other Black entrepreneurs need is funding. Black economics can only shift when access to money is available to create the structures to build companies so we can give back to communities in collaborative ways. Impact is driven by heart, action, and funding.
In your opinion, what sets you apart from other sustainable fashion brands?
To be honest, I wouldn’t say we are doing anything different. We are adding our mission to a sustainable fashion space where Black voices have been ignored when it comes to environmental justice and the supply chain. Even the way we source our inventory targets this problem. We only source our inventory from sustainable designers, Black-owned businesses, and international fair trade organizations. Our sourcing focuses on building economics at the root of the supply chain.
Looking back since launching the brand, is there anything you would do differently?
I’m extremely proud of where Black & Cremè is at now and where we are heading. I wouldn’t do anything differently.
How much has social media played a role in the success of your brand?
Social media is family for our brand!! I absolutely love the influencers and models we collaborate with on Instagram and Tiktok. They are the heart and vision that brings sustainable fashion and our mission to Social media.
What is your go-to quote when lacking motivation?
“Everything is working out best case scenario”.
What advice would you offer to aspiring entrepreneurs that want to launch their own brand?
This is a very unpopular opinion, but I’m speaking based on experience running two businesses. I would tell aspiring entrepreneurs that bigger is not always better. Think about what success looks like to YOU, and don’t compare your entrepreneur journey to any other entrepreneur. Small businesses can still grow without sacrificing their morals. Stay small and utilise the resources that you already have to grow without always seeking more.
Our readers love to travel, what destination is your all time favourite and why?
It is definitely Buenos Aires, Argentina. I lived in Argentina for six months for undergraduate in college. I loved the culture, people, and history.
What’s next for the business?
My goal is plan a sustainable fashion gala where the funds can be used to help us launch our own sustainable designs!
What does self care mean to you?
Self-care is balance of your Body, Mind, and Spirit.
Follow Le’Marquinita and her journey with Black and Creme via her website and Instagram.
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