Business Feature: Caribbean Aesthetics
Our new blog series features Black-owned businesses from across the U.S.
Caribbean Aesthetics launched in March 2021 as an e-commerce site, selling curated, handmade home decor. Founder Julia Gould draws her inspiration from the warm and vibrant colors of the Caribbean, and designs each piece with the intention “of bringing light and joy to your home.” Her pieces are hand-crafted, mixed media creations, combining clay, cement, plaster, precious metals and other materials, for a modern Caribbean feel.
Julia began Caribbean Aesthetics as a means to fulfill a creative outlet in her life, to share the beauty of the Caribbean through her art, and to support causes that are important to her. The genesis of Caribbean Aesthetic was Julia’s line of brightly colored handbags that stood out against the grey skies of Seattle, where she lives. Her handbags brought a burst of color and warmth to the environment and the wearer; her hand-crafted home decor came next, bringing joy and tranquility to the homes of all her customers.
Her biggest challenge as a small business owner has been stepping into all the necessary business roles as a one-woman show. She has great experience with all things design, is social media savvy, and is learning more about sales and marketing as she goes.
The most important thing to Julia is the experience of her products for her customers - from start to finish, she wants her products to spark joy, from individuals to communities. Merchandising is an ongoing challenge; she is very conscious of the balance between keeping the quality of her products high while still affordable for the people who would benefit the most. Reaching a broader audience is key to the growth of her young business.
Design is her passion, and using her designs to give back is her ultimate goal, which is why 5% of every purchase is donated to charities that support education and community development. By buying from Caribbean Aesthetics, you can add tranquility to your home, while knowing you’re shopping for a better world.
We gave Julia the broad outline of BlackLight™, our software that makes Black-owned businesses easier to find, and she supports the concept.Speaking as the owner of a small business, she appreciates our efforts to make businesses like hers easier to find at no cost to her. BlackLight™ will let Julia focus more on creating, make Caribbean Aesthetics more discoverable online, and help her business grow.
To shop Caribbean Aesthetics, click here.