Alongside international protests in support of Black Lives Matter, the last few months have seen conversations surrounding racism in the Arab world culminate like never before. And whilst the demonstrations have winded down in recent weeks, the commitment to support black communities in the Middle East hasn’t.
Cue Lush: The ethical cosmetics brand. They have stepped up to aid small, black-owned businesses in the Middle East who have been negatively impacted by the pandemic.
To make it happen, Lush partnered with local organization Black Owned UAE, to provide collaborations, promotion, and training to minority-led and Black owned business in the region. “We, at Lush, believe that all people should enjoy the freedom of movement across the world and it is a strong part of the LUSH ethos to help our communities achieve that,” said Miche Whitehouse, Regional Retail Brand Manager at Lush MENA.
“We are so excited to be working with the passionate team at Black Owned UAE. Many small businesses in the Middle East have taken a hit during the global health crisis and together, we want to support them in any way that we can,” he continued.
As part of the initiative, Lush is giving businesses access to their social media platforms where they’ll have weekly and static highlights, as well as IG Lives and interview sessions. But it goes beyond the internet too, the beauty brand is also offering businesses lessons in brand communication, social media training as well as access to a studio space where businesses can host their product photography sessions, manage ther influencer send outs and collaborations.
If you’re a minority-led or Black owned business all you have to do is email brand@lushmena.com, or hello@blackowneduae.com to participate.