Artists & Fleas markets are communities of creatives from all walks of life, places where all are welcomed, appreciated and encouraged to express themselves.

We honor and celebrate our Black merchants and the creativity, culture and diversity they bring to our community all year long. In honor of Black Owned Business Month this August, we are shining a light on a few businesses in our Atlanta Artists & Fleas market. We encourage you to show your support today, this month and every day.

Check out a full list of Black Owned Businesses from coast-to-coast.

Bluffhead Apparel

Bluffhead Apparel began as the brainchild of entrepreneur Tyrone Baxter. Inspired by his personal journey and the struggle to find LGBTQ+ t-shirts that truly expressed his identity, Tyrone Baxter recognized the need for more inclusive and expressive clothing options.

In 2021, Tyrone launched Bluffhead Apparel, a versatile, high-quality clothing brand for everyone. With a focus on cool, funny and unique designs—that don’t skimp on quality— Bluffhead Apparel aims to reflect the wearer’s personality and celebrate individuality.

“By offering versatile and inclusive clothing options, we inspire people to feel confident and comfortable in their own skin. Our designs uplift and amplify diverse voices, fostering a sense of belonging and acceptance. The positive messages and symbols woven into our clothing act as reminders of unity, love and equality, inspiring individuals to stand proud and embrace their true selves.”

Charla Ruschelle

For Charla Ruschelle, sewing is in her blood. Her great-grandfather was a tailor. Her grandmother was a home economics teacher. And her mother introduced her to the craft at just 7 years old. She took the skills of her ancestors and transformed it into her dream career.

“Since seven, sewing has been my therapy. Style and fashion was something that I could use as self expression, confidence and independence. It allowed me to create and use my gift within designing to develop apparel that spoke to my cultural influences.”

Charla’s fashion line offers high-quality, ethically handmade ready-to-wear pieces that empower women to unapologetically stand out, embodying a style that is vibrant and uniquely bold.

Opulent Grooming

Opulent Grooming, a black-owned men’s grooming and skincare company, was started by a passionate entrepreneur who recognized the unmet grooming needs of men of color. Frustrated by the lack of representation and specialized products in the mainstream market, he decided to take matters into his own hands.

After thorough research, he worked with a team of experts to develop a range of high-quality grooming products tailored specifically to the unique hair and skin types of black men.

“Grooming practices are deeply rooted and serve as a form of self-expression. From textured hair to skincare routines, black culture inspires unique grooming styles. It also promotes self-confidence and individuality in grooming choices, reflecting a pride in black identity and aesthetics.”

The August Light

In 2020 Asa Stallings was looking for a way to help others and to be a positive force in the world. What started with a podcast around self care transformed into an Atlanta-based wellness brand she now shares with her sister. The August Light offers handcrafted candles and all-natural body butters.

“As Black people, more often than not, we aren’t afforded the grace given to other ethnicities when it comes to business. As a Black woman with a business degree, I decided to challenge this ideology, which is why I created a luxury lifestyle brand. I wanted to show people that we are worthy and capable of living lives that are mentally, physically, spiritually, emotionally and financially prosperous while also being an example of Black excellence. As a luxury lifestyle brand, our products not only look good, they make people feel good, and they are designed with care, love and a whole lotta Black girl magic.”