Black Orchid Design: A Mother’s Determination Turned Into a Florida Small Business
Meet Natasha Brathwaite, who started with a whipped body butter for her baby daughter and now runs a growing line of handmade skincare, home products and custom tumblers.
Some businesses start with a business plan. This one started with a baby who was uncomfortable. When Natasha Brathwaite’s newborn daughter struggled with eczema, store-bought lotions and oils left her irritated, so Natasha did what determined mothers do: she made something herself. Today, that kitchen-table solution is Black Orchid Design, a Black-owned Florida small business with a loyal following, a growing online store and a spot at the farmers market. Here is her story, in her own words.
The Story Behind Black Orchid Design
“I was essentially forced to start the company when I was told my newborn baby had eczema.”
Natasha set out to create a product that would calm her daughter’s flare-ups without any burning sensation. The whipped body butter became a game-changer for her daughter’s sensitive skin, and hydrating body oils came next. Then her daughter, her very first fan, suggested selling them to others in need. Natasha took that nudge seriously. She started showing up at farmers markets, including Sanford Marketplace at Magnolia, and opened an online store.
Natasha shares what worked for her family. Black Orchid Design products are not medical treatments. If you or your child has a skin condition, talk with a doctor before trying a new product.
From Farmers Market Uncertainty to Full-Time Founder
Building the online store was humbling, she says, and her first farmers market was a leap into the unknown. She quickly learned the art of efficient packing and kept going. The best part so far? The people. Returning customers, new friends, and mentors who shared guidance along the way.
“It brings us great joy to know that they appreciate our products as much as we enjoy creating them.”
Her roots help explain the drive. Natasha grew up traveling between St. Thomas and New York, where she studied fashion and design and began making school uniforms and ties for friends and family. That early sewing business taught her how to turn a skill into income, and it prepared her for the challenges of owning Black Orchid Design.
What Black Orchid Design Makes, and What It Costs
| Product | Price |
|---|---|
| Cold Press Soap Bars | $8 |
| Body Butters | $20 (Whipped Body Butter $25) |
| Shimmer Body Oil | $20 |
| Hydrating Body Oils | $30 |
| Eucalyptus Shower Steamers | $25, $35 and $50 |
| Tumblers (no speaker) | 20oz $25, 30oz $35, 40oz $45 (customization +$20) |
| Speaker Tumblers | 20oz $45, 30oz $55, 40oz $65 |
| Natural Washing Powder (detergent) | $45 |
| Room Spray and Diffuser Refill | $15 |
| Mop Soap (cleaning and deodorizing) | $20 |
Prices as shared by the owner. Shimmer gels and beard oils are also available; ask Natasha for current pricing.
Gift Finder: Who Are You Shopping For?
Support a Florida small business.
Shop Black Orchid Design online or find Natasha at the farmers market.
Shop Black Orchid DesignFollow @blackorchid_design
How to Connect With Natasha
Call before you drive out to a market to confirm Natasha’s current schedule.
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Submit Your Business StoryFrequently Asked Questions
What is Black Orchid Design?
Black Orchid Design is a Black-owned Florida small business founded by Natasha Brathwaite. It makes handmade body butters, body oils, cold press soap, shower steamers, beard oils, natural cleaning products and custom tumblers.
Who owns Black Orchid Design?
Natasha Brathwaite, a mom, designer and crafter originally from St. Thomas, owns Black Orchid Design. She now runs the business full time.
Where can I buy Black Orchid Design products?
Shop online at ShopBlackOrchidDesign.com, find Natasha at farmers markets such as Sanford Marketplace at Magnolia, follow @blackorchid_design on Instagram, or call 407-635-7501.
How much do Black Orchid Design products cost?
Cold press soap bars are $8, body butters start at $20 (whipped body butter $25), shimmer body oil is $20, hydrating body oils are $30, shower steamers are $25, $35 and $50, tumblers start at $25, natural washing powder is $45, room spray refills are $15 and mop soap is $20. Prices are as shared by the owner and may change.
Does Black Orchid Design make custom tumblers?
Yes. Tumblers come in 20, 30 and 40 oz sizes ($25, $35, $45) and speaker tumblers are $45, $55 and $65. Customization is an extra $20.
How can my Florida business be featured on BlackOwnedFlorida.com?
Email info@blackownedflorida.com with your story. Each Saturday we feature a Florida small business owner in their own words.
Spotlight content is based on information submitted by the business owner. Prices and availability may change. Confirm details directly with the business.