From Lagos to London: Diverse Stories Behind Black-Owned Retail Brand

At Top Drawer, we don’t just showcase products — we platform stories. Stories of identity, creativity, and representation that shape the future of retail from the inside out.
This season, we shine a light on three exceptional Black-owned brands that bring culture, energy, and originality to the sectors they work in. From handmade greetings cards to statement partyware and wellness rooted in heritage, these businesses aren’t just participating in the design-led retail space — they’re redefining it.
🖤 Aneola Cardsaneolacards.com
Lagos roots. London presence. Cards with cultural impact.
Founded by Nigerian artist and designer Aneola, this bold and beautiful card company celebrates Black joy, love, and everyday moments often overlooked in traditional greetings ranges. After visiting as attendees, the Aneola Cards team returned as first-time exhibitors — flying in from Lagos to bring their brand to a UK trade audience:
“Last year we attended Top Drawer as visitors and knew we had to come back. This year, we flew in from Lagos, Nigeria to exhibit for the first time, and it’s been incredible.
Meeting retailers, distributors, publishers, and other artists in person has been amazing for gaining exposure in the UK market. We celebrate Black culture through our brand, and it’s refreshing to hear people appreciate our products. Diversity and representation in the greetings cards market are important, and we're happy to bridge that gap. We’ve felt so supported — from fellow exhibitors to the Top Drawer team — and we’re already hoping to return next year.”
Why it matters: Aneola Cards is helping to fill a long-standing gap in the UK greetings industry — and bringing international, underrepresented creative voices into focus.
🖤 Jollity & Co
jollityandco.com
Design-led partyware that centres personality and representation
Founded by Black entrepreneur Alyssa Thorne, Jollity & Co brings a bold design voice to the party sector — with playful ranges that celebrate joy, identity, and modern aesthetics. Their products deliver on both shelf appeal and emotional resonance.
Why they exhibit: To connect with international buyers who want to diversify their party, gifting, and celebration offers — and meet a growing demand for products that reflect a wider range of stories and communities.
🖤 Wild Spirit London
wildspiritlondon.co.uk
Slow living and self-care, beautifully reframed
This UK-based, Black woman-founded brand is rooted in wellness, aromatherapy, and ritual — but with a culturally rich twist. Their premium self-care ranges speak to mindful living through an inclusive lens, celebrating Black femininity and design-driven calm.
Why they exhibit: To meet retailers seeking meaningful, wellness-led products — and to amplify underrepresented narratives in the wellbeing and home fragrance categories.
✨ Final Thought: We’re Proud to Be Their Platform
These brands aren’t just trend-forward — they’re culture-forward. They stand at the intersection of commerce and community, creating work that reflects the world more honestly, and more beautifully. At Top Drawer A/W25, we’re honoured to be the platform where brands like Aneola Cards, Jollity & Co, and Wild Spirit London connect with retailers, distributors, and press from across the UK and beyond. Diversity isn’t a theme — it’s the foundation of a richer, more inclusive retail future. And it’s already happening, right here.
Join us and discover the brands shaping the next chapter of retail. Register now for Top Drawer A/W25.