Since 2014, Cara Lawton has utilized her nearly 10 years of experience in the advertising industry to create non-branded campaigns to support Black Businesses.
Each year, she circulated a vast directory of Black-Owned businesses and promoted toys, candles, hair care, and essential products. The directory also served as a platform that she used to host free workshops in financial literacy, social equity, and professional development. These initiatives continued during the COVID-19 pandemic as virtual workshops to help other aspiring entrepreneurs launch their businesses.
Today conscious consumers, activists, and allies alike can all feel good about doing their part to create equal opportunities while shopping for household items. blackowned365.com sells brands from 100% Black Owned businesses (many of them are women, veteran, & family-run).
FWM: You have an extensive career in advertising. Tell us about your background and what led you to launch, BlackOwned365.
My career has been focused primarily in digital media sales and strategy. I have worked at some of the leading ad agencies in the U.S. While there are teams within the ad industry that are dedicated to targeting the African American market, that term in itself is generalized and few people on these teams are Black or POC.
Consumer industries are only just stepping into an untapped market audience of consumers and business owners alike who do not feel seen or represented. I was inspired to launch Black Owned 365 as part of an understanding that social equity is largely driven by economic opportunities and/or disparities.
Black people in the U.S. will achieve social equity when their communities are thriving economically, they have access to affordable products, and many of them own their own businesses.
FWM: BlackOwned365 offers toys, beauty products, essentials and more! Share your featured products.
This Holiday Season we are really excited about the multicolor lightbulb that is mobile and voice-activated. It can change colors to the pace of your favorite song. It has study and reading light settings. It is compatible with every major mobile app and home device(i.e., Siri, Google Home, Google Assistant, Alexa, Alexa Home, etc.) This lightbulb is also a big energy saver and will last up to 2.5 Years!
If you love the planet, then you will love our deals on the Pur Home Lavender Laundry Detergent is plant-based and comes in biodegradable packaging. You can recycle all the packages when it’s done!
Pur Home Laundry Detergent 50 oz. There is also a Free & Clear variant (no fragrances or dyes) perfect for gentle skin.
If you are big on skincare then you will love the pore minimizing Detox Face Mask. This product is a great addition to your daily routine!
FWM: Are there particular products that you must have?
I find myself keeping long hours now that I work remotely, so the LED lightbulbs are a must. I have one original lightbulb in every room and the Smart LED in my main area for when I want to turn up lol. www.blackowned365.com is an online retailer for TheHoneypotCompany and they are they have been my go-to brand for menstrual care. I’ve been getting more into self care. After a long day of working and running errands I make sure to keep a bottle of Lavender Pillow spray by my bed side. It helps me to fall asleep more easily.
You can learn more about the entrepreneurs who are featured on BlackOwned365 here:
https://blackowned365.com/pages/meet-the-brands
FWM: What have you learned as an entrepreneur?
You will work more for yourself than you ever will during a 9-5.
FWM: Tell us about your free workshops in financial literacy, social equity, and professional development.
We are following the COVID-19 trends to determine when we will re-open the in person events. We’d love to partner with business owners with products and or store locations for fireside chats. If interested, reach out to info@blackowned365.com We are also hosting an online event for people interested in selling their products on the marketplace in 2022.
FWM: Why is it important for people to support and shop BlackOwned365?
Shopping with Black Owned 365 helps consumers to be activists and allies with just a click!
When you purchase the business owner is getting paid directly, you are investing in family run Black owned businesses, and a portion of your purchase is allocated to Black founded nonprofit organizations. As part of our general practice, all of our products are shipped in our branded recycled boxes or our 100% compostable mailers. We are always looking for sustainable options for delivery. Feel free to give us a call at 646-504-9993 if you have questions.
