Black-Owned Wellness Businesses Thrive During Black History Month

Two Chicago entrepreneurs are transforming health and wellness with their natural products and services.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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This Black History Month, two Black-owned businesses in Chicago are making waves in the health and wellness industry. Moonstone Chandlery, founded by Maureen Crichlow, offers crystal-infused candles and energy tools to promote healing and relaxation. Natures Dezzert, started by Shaun Rose, creates all-natural shea butter products to treat skin conditions like his son's eczema. Both entrepreneurs are passionate about providing holistic solutions to improve wellbeing from the inside out.

Why it matters

The rise of these Black-owned wellness businesses during Black History Month highlights the growing demand for natural, community-driven health products and services. As more people seek alternatives to traditional medicine, entrepreneurs of color are stepping up to fill that need and uplift their communities in the process.

The details

Maureen Crichlow, a certified Reiki master, started Moonstone Chandlery 9 years ago after finding crystals and energy healing helpful for her own anxiety. She now creates crystal-infused candles, smudge sprays, and other tools to support clients' intentions and clear their chakras. Shaun Rose, a professional barber, launched Natures Dezzert in 2001 after struggling to find natural remedies for his son's eczema. His shea butter products have gained a loyal following, including from some celebrity customers.

  • Moonstone Chandlery was founded 9 years ago.
  • Natures Dezzert was launched in 2001.

The players

Maureen Crichlow

The founder of Moonstone Chandlery, a certified Reiki master who creates crystal-infused wellness products.

Shaun Rose

The founder of Natures Dezzert, a professional barber who developed all-natural shea butter products to treat his son's eczema.

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What they’re saying

“I always struggled with anxiety, ever since being a teenager. And I actually started to heal myself.”

— Maureen Crichlow, Founder, Moonstone Chandlery (abc7chicago.com)

“I wanted to make sure he had something outside of all the steroid creams and things like that.”

— Shaun Rose, Founder, Natures Dezzert (abc7chicago.com)

The takeaway

These Black-owned wellness businesses are not only providing innovative natural products and services, but also uplifting their local communities during Black History Month. Their success demonstrates the growing demand for holistic health solutions that are rooted in cultural traditions and driven by passionate entrepreneurs of color.