In addition to donating, protesting, and supporting Black-owned businesses, we’re diversifying our social media feeds and amplifying the voices of some kickass Black influencers in the fashion and beauty scene.
Instagram and Twitter are powerful platforms, and engagement with these online communities can often open up doors for entrepreneurs and creative visionaries. Many Black influencers from all over the world have taken advantage of these opportunities, creating online spaces for art, activism, beauty, fashion, lifestyle, and so much more.
If you’ve never heard of these 20 social media stars, hit that follow button ASAP.
1. Jackie Aina
This blogger and beauty guru was the first influencer to win the NAACP Image Award for her advocacy and activism calling attention to racism in the beauty industry. Jackie’s successful YouTube channel is a must-follow for those that want honest insights, tutorials, and product reviews.
2. Kellie Brown
Kellie Brown is breaking the fashion industry’s bone-thin aesthetic into bits. The “And I Get Dressed” YouTube star founded #FatAtFashionWeek, an initiative spotlighting the beautiful bigger women working in fashion.
This gorgeous Mane Muse is the creative force behind RadSwan, a conscious beauty brand built with and for the global African diaspora.
Journalist Elaine Welteroth is the former Editor-in-Chief of Teen Vogue and the author of More Than Enough. Not only is she an incredible writer, but she’s also one of our favorite style stars.
Model and Art Hoe Collective curator Gabrielle Richardson is one of our favorite curly mane icons. Her Instagram presence is next-level good—full of beautiful photos with beautiful captions.
We can’t get enough of model Dominique Babineaux. With campaigns for L’Oréal, FILA, and Gap under her belt, this rising star is already a pretty big deal. Plus she can pull off bleached brows like a pro.
Talk about Instagram aesthetics. This stylist and costume designer extraordinaire has a wardrobe that’s to die for and beauty looks that kill.
Style blogger, model, content creator—Natasha Ndlovu does it all. And looks good while doing it. The super stylish superstar is also the founder of Vintage Assembly, an online vintage boutique with major looks.
9. Kia Marie
With 18 million views on YouTube, this singer/songwriter/storyteller can do it all. Marie is constantly serving the perfect #OOTD inspo, too.
10. Coco Bassey
Influencer and creator Coco Bassey is our go-to for all things fashion and beauty. Her blog Millenielle is an oasis of style inspo and vital beauty tips.
Harper’s Bazaar contributor and all-around style queen Chrissy Rutherford is one you can’t miss. From stunning suits to chic printed frocks and cozy knits, this influencer knows fashion inside and out.
12. Asiyami Gold
This influencer is the founder of A.Au, an online destination for unique, handmade pieces you can’t get anywhere else.
13. Chante Burkett
Looking to up the lifestyle, beauty, and fashion inspo on your feed? Follow Chante Burkett for fabulous fits. This lovely lady is also the founder and styling mind behind @plussizeoutfit!
14. Valerie Eguavoen
No one has a mane like Valerie Eguavoen. Apart from rocking some incredible looks, this influencer is also the founder of On A Curve and #YouBelongNow, two platforms that are transforming culture and standing up against toxic industry practices.
15. Aicha Balde
Aicha Balde is the creative force behind @talseandturbans. Apart from dishing on motherhood, travel, and fashion, this influencer is pushing the boundaries of intersectionality every day on and off Instagram.
16. Monroe Steele
Blogger Monroe Steele is the EIC of Steele Magazine, a yearly digital and print magazine centered around fashion and lifestyle. With the kind of effortlessly chic style that never gets old, we’ll be emulating Steele’s Instagram looks for years to come.
17. Adwoa Aboah
Supermodel Adwoa Aboah is one of fashion’s favorite faces. From Fashion Week catwalks to international ad campaigns, this iconic Brit has done it all. A must-follow for sure.
A Nigerian-born influencer living in London, Temiloluwa Otedola showcases her unique sense of style on JTO Fashion. She has also used her platform to call attention to gender-based violence in Nigeria and around the world.
19. Ellie Delphine
Slip Into Style is our go-to for cool-girl outfit inspo. Influencer and creative force behind the blog, Ellie Delphine, knows how to assemble an ensemble, matching prints and palettes like the pro she is.
20. Leomie Anderson
You may recognize Leomie Anderson as a Victoria’s Secret Angel or as one of Fenty’s famous faces. Not only is Anderson known worldwide for her modeling work, but the Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree is also the founder of the athleisure brand Lapp and Lapp Magazine, a feminist media platform. Anderson is also an activist, using her media spotlight to highlight racial discrimination and pay disparity in the publishing industry and beyond.