Shannon Lenier
Director of Merchandising & Operations
Every brand has the ability to make a difference in the world through the businesses they support, both internally and externally. One easy way to empower go-to-market and HR teams to make an impact this Black History Month is by supporting BIPOC-owned businesses within offline campaigns—for example, sending local coffee beans to a customer to thank them for completing a survey as opposed to an Amazon gift card. Or, people ops teams sending handmade chocolates for employee gifting occasions such as saying congratulations for closing a fiscal year strong instead of run of the mill sweet treats.
BIPOC stands for Black, Indigenous and People of Color, who have historically faced systemic challenges and discrimination across all industries in the business world. By enabling go-to-market and HR teams to support BIPOC-owned businesses, we can help create economic opportunities for these marginalized communities and promote greater diversity and inclusion in the marketplace.
In the Postal Marketplace, there are a number of BIPOC-owned businesses that offer unique items, from chocolate and coffee, to luxurious office essentials. By sending items to customers, prospects, and employees from these businesses, you can help support their growth and success. Not only does your recipient get original products, but you are also directly contributing to the livelihood of these business owners, their families and their communities.
However, it’s important to consider that supporting BIPOC-owned businesses isn’t a one-time action, one month out of the year—it’s a consistent and continuous effort that requires dedication and a willingness to make conscious choices. Everyone should make a conscious effort to diversify the businesses we support, and not only during holidays or specific events.
Supporting BIPOC-owned businesses in the Postal Marketplace is a powerful way for organizations to promote diversity, inclusion, and economic opportunity. By using items from these businesses as part of corporate gifting programs or other offline initiatives, we can help create jobs, spur economic growth, and promote greater representation in the marketplace.
Midunu Chocolates
Founded by Chef Selassie Atadika in 2015, Midunu Chocolates is one of the first artisanal Ghanaian chocolate companies to bring “Made in Ghana” chocolates directly to consumers in the US, Canada, Ghana & Nigeria.
Nearly 70% of the world’s cocoa comes from West Africa and is exported to North America and Europe where it is manufactured into chocolate. By investing in companies like Midunu Chocolates, we can help break the cycle of systemic injustice that was established during colonialism. Investment in the African food system and foodways is necessary to rebuild the destruction caused by slavery, colonialism and cash crops.
Midunu Chocolates is not only elevating the narrative of luxurious, aesthetically beautiful chocolates but also using indigenous African ingredients and culinary knowledge to add value to the economy and be ‘Made in Africa’. Additionally, their chocolates are made with love by an all-female team of chocolatiers in Ghana to ensure upward mobility for women in the industry. Many of their ingredients are sourced from local farmers and producers in Africa.
By purchasing Midunu Chocolates and sharing their story, you’re not only supporting a BIPOC-owned business, but also helping to rewrite and reclaim Africa’s narrative: a continent that produces some of the highest grade cocoa in the world as well as crafts some of the most luxurious and aesthetically beautiful chocolates.
Gallery Cafe Chicago
Gallery Cafe is a black-owned business that has been a staple in the community for over 28 years. Not only do they serve delicious coffee, but they also provide a space for local artists to showcase their work in Chicago.
Founded in 1993, Gallery Cafe has been a hip hangout for artists and anyone else who needs a cup of joe to fuel their creativity. They offer a monthly exhibition of work by local creators, making it a great spot to check out new talent and support the arts. However, Gallery Cafe isn't just a coffee shop—it's also a business that takes pride in sourcing its own coffee beans directly from the farms in Central and South America. The owner goes to the source, working directly with farmers to ensure the best quality beans, and in doing so they support farmers and their families as well.
By choosing to support Gallery Cafe Coffee, you're not only getting a great cup of coffee, but you're also supporting a black-owned business and a community of local artists. The next time your prospect is in need of a caffeine fix and could use a unique, inclusive, and culturally-rich experience, check out Gallery Cafe Coffee in the Postal Marketplace.
Cre8tive Motifs
Cre8tive Motifs is a personalized gifting business founded by a couple of island gals from the shores of The Bahamas. They were founded by Kristen, a graphic designer with years of experience, as a hobby with the goal of making nice gifts that would inspire. Her wife and business partner, Samonne, brought her passion for business building and operational experience to the team, helping to build on Kristen's initial passion and ideas.
At Cre8tive Motifs, customer appreciation is at the core of the company's values. The business understands that it would be nothing without their customers and strives for excellence in craftsmanship and service to ensure that the customer experience is memorable. They prides themselves on the personal touch it brings to each customer interaction and is never more than an email, chat message or phone call away. Customers are encouraged to reach out for assistance or simply to say "heyyy" whenever they’d like to get in touch.
Commit to Diversity and Inclusion: Incorporating BIPOC-Owned Businesses in Corporate Gifting Programs
Supporting BIPOC-owned businesses is a powerful way for organizations to promote diversity, inclusion, and economic opportunity. By incorporating items from these businesses into corporate gifting programs or other offline initiatives, organizations can help create jobs, spur economic growth, and promote greater representation.
Get started with Postal to shop local BIPOC-owned vendors today for your next Offline Engagement campaign. Speak with one of our specialists today.
