Online shopping has been steadily increasing in popularity in recent years but the Covid-19 fueled an explosion in this industry. Quarantine prompted millions of businesses to come up with long-distance services and many platforms were created due to these unprecedented conditions. One such platform that has actually used the online shopping craze for the greater good is Miiriya.
Miiriya is a marketplace website and app, similar to Amazon or Etsy, which promotes black-owned shops and funnels the profit back into local communities. Founded by a woman who goes by the name “Lonnaa”, the platform aims to “create convenience for shoppers who want to support black businesses”. There are thousands of sellers in each category, and about every one of them is a small, black-owned business selling handmade and carefully crafted goods.
According to Miiriya’s About Us page, the app and website require no listing fees and sellers receive 100% of their profits, unlike most other marketplace platforms. Additionally, all the profits from Miiriya’s site will be circulated back to healthcare and education programs, as well as combating homelessness and supporting other projects within the black community.
The name ‘Miirya’ means ‘thoughts’ and ‘ideas’—but can also mean “philosophers” or “thinkers”—in the African language of Bambara/Dioula.
