Marisa Martins

Photos by Marisa Martins


Marisa Martins is the founder of Businesses of Colour, an Instagram account she co-created with stylist Danielle Fontaine that shines a spotlight on black-owned businesses, creators and artists. Martins’ digital platform casts its eye globally, featuring black creatives and entrepreneurs from Bali to Brooklyn to London, where she is based. The self-described minimalist — who styled the Bari sandal seamlessly into her grayscale wardrobe — spoke to us about what’s inspiring her now. 
 


How would you describe your style? 
I’d say that my style is minimal, feminine with a focus on detail and pieces that are well cut. 
Tell us a little about Businesses of Colour and how it came to be. 
In light of the BLM movement myself and Danielle Fontaine wanted to do more to support our community in a time when businesses have been hard hit by both a pandemic and a civil rights movement. We wanted to create a platform that showed a more diverse representation of what a black owned business looks like. 

We both work in styling and wanted to create a page that represented our minimal aesthetic, with brands we genuinely love and buy from! Social media platforms were sharing more black owned businesses since the movement but we wanted to take that to the next level. 
 
Which designers and women are inspiring you right now and why? 
I’m very inspired by womwn like Karen Olla founder of Oré mi Candles, Jucelyne Samantha the creator of Jú The Brand and Instagramer/ stylist Scarlet Kent. I admire their drive, creativity and the attention to detail they all put into their work. They are women who are flowing their dreams and doing it beautifully.

In terms of designers I’m obsessed by Jacquemus, I love how he captures the female form and elegance in his pieces.  



What is your current favorite shoe from Emme Parsons, and how would you style it? 

I’m all about dressing comfortably so I’d go with the Bari sandals. I’ve worn them a lot indoors paired with a relaxed pair of trousers and a basic vest. But I’m excited to style these sandals with a mini skirt and oversized shirt once summer is here. 

Favorite place in London? 

This is so hard but I’m going to go with Columbia Road Flower Market. I’ve loved that place for as long as I can remember.

The atmosphere is fantastic especially in the summer, it does get really crowded but I don’t mind. Not only do they sell all types of beautiful flowers and plants but you’ll also find lots of independent shops and cafes along the market. 

Best memory from 2020? 

Being able to spend time with my family and friends once the first lockdown was lifted.

First place you'd like to go after the pandemic ends? 

I’d love to spend some time in Sardinia doing nothing but relaxing all day at a beach and eating as much much as possible.




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