This month features unique finds from some of the city's Black-owned businesses - and my own personal inventory.
Blessed Beard Set
'Holy Man Beard Essentials' Blessed Beard Set / Contributed PhotoAvailable at holymanbeardessentials.com
Dedicated to helping men of all ethnicities look and smell like a king, Holy Beard's custom concoctions feature vitamin E and organic hemp to leave your beard looking and feeling luxurious. New products are soon set to debut alongside the standard beard oil, which comes in the heavenly signature scents of Grace (tropical peppermint), Glory (citrus blend) and Salvation (cinnamon vanilla).
$40
'The Book Oracle'
Staff photo by C.B. Schmelter / Book Swap in the studio at the Times Free Press on Tuesday, July 14, 2020 in Chattanooga, Tenn.Available at ayeshaophelia.com/product-page/books-for-seekers
There aren't many surprises in life, but this service is one of them. Whenever she receives a Book Oracle order, Ayesha Ophelia - who offers group life coaching through her Society of Wild Hearts - turns to her personal collection of self-help, spiritual and philosophical titles to instinctively pick one that's made an impact on her own life. Think of it like an intuitive book swap for your soul.
$10.10
Custom crowns
Staff photo by C.B. Schmelter / Hand-made crown in the studio at the Times Free Press on Tuesday, July 14, 2020 in Chattanooga, Tenn.Available at Crowns & Heights
facebook.com/Chattanoogacreative
They say heavy is the head that wears the crown - unless it's one of Crown & Heights' wire-wrapped tiaras. The custom handmade crests are a reminder that you're never too old to play dress-up and that you're still fabulously unique.
$40 for rainbow; $90 for gold
Flax seed hair gel
Staff photo by C.B. Schmelter / Flax seed hair gel is seen in the studio at the Times Free Press on Tuesday, July 14, 2020 in Chattanooga, Tenn.Available at etsy.com/shop/NewOldSoulByNecol
Inspired by her search for natural solutions to her son's painfully dry scalp, Necol Brummitt developed a skin and hair care line made using nourishing ingredients like Shea butter and tea tree oil. Her flax seed gel offers silky soft strands without any flyaways, and can actually help to grow your locks thanks to the powerful antioxidant properties of flax seeds.
$12
'For His Glory' earrings
'For His Glory' earrings / Contributed PhotoAvailable at etsy.com/shop/ForHisGloryEarrings
Portia Mejia's 5-start-rated Etsy shop offers funky accoutrements that add a quick dose of pizzazz to any outfit. Made of lightweight polymer clay and then hand-painted, these earrings draw on her own love for fun accessories and her belief that "you too can bring God glory in the things you say, do, or even wear."
$12-$21
'Jodism Graffiti' and 'The Gift'
Staff photo by C.B. Schmelter / Cool Finds in the studio at the Times Free Press on Thursday, July 9, 2020 in Chattanooga, Tenn.Available at Keeody Gallery
The husband-and-wife team behind these artistic images offer a yin and yang of evocative pieces, focusing on empowerment of the mind and heart. Jody and Keelah Harris' inspiring visuals are available as prints, T-shirts and coffee mugs.
$25 each for T-shirts