BLK Alchemy, a plant-based sensual wellness and body care brand, is dedicated to affirming Black Women and Femmes worldwide.

Through intentionally-designed products, they inspire radical self-care and liberation, fostering positive connections with the body.

With three years devoted to perfecting formulations using ethically-sourced, sustainable ingredients, BLK Alchemy made its debut on Juneteenth, a day symbolizing Black liberation.

Recognizing that Black Women and Femmes deserve sensual wellness, BLK Alchemy embraces a holistic approach, challenging societal norms around body care.

They advocate for radical self-love, erotic freedom, and a connection to the natural world, inviting individuals to embrace a life of simple luxury and pleasure.

Below is a Q&A with Barella Roberson, CEO of BLK Alchemy.

What was the Lightbulb Moment - Origin Story of BLK Alchemy?

I met our founder working on an HIV drug marketing campaign. She is co-founder of Sex Down South, a black femme centered sexual wellness and education conference and in the course of researching women's healthcare, I realized how little regulatory oversight there is in the production and distribution of beauty, intimate care and sexual performance and pleasure enhancing products.

I had always wanted my own brand after working in beauty marketing for many years, so when she presented the opportunity to launch this brand, I jumped on it.

What is the Mission and Vision of BLK Alchemy?

BLK Alchemy is a plant-based sensual wellness and body care product collection.

We created the line for pleasure positive, melanated people who appreciate sensual wellness and clean beauty.

Our raison d'etre as a brand goes beyond making gorgeous lotions and potions, but to celebrate BLKness, honor divine feminine energy and to help folx find calm in daily life with healing botanics.

How Does BLK Alchemy Impact Lives and/or the Environment in a Positive Way?

We want to encourage all dimensions of self care by creating plant-based products to be used as part of a daily self love ritual.

We want to teach women that sexual wellness IS wellness and to honor and celebrate their sexuality and femininity.

Our core values are clean ingredients, an enchanted life and sensual empowerment.

How Have You Funded the Brand Thus Far?

We have funded our company via bootstrap with personal savings. We are in the process of applying for grants however we plan to seek venture funding when the time is right.

We want to see how far we can go with our own funding so we can hold onto equity as long as possible.

What Tools Do You Use to Run the Company?

Shopify, Zoho mail, Stripe, Lili Bank, What's App, Fiverr, Adobe Suite, Canva, Buzzsprout, Klaviyo, Go Daddy, Square.

I am studying strategic AI and learning all the tools that we can use for marketing and research purposes to develop sales and targeting strategies.

We work digitally so these tools are necessary to run the business remotely.