What happens when you combine unapologetic love for your community with the drive to change economic systems from the inside out? You get Black Dollar, a brand that’s more than clothing—it’s a movement. Founded by Daniel Laurent, Black Dollar is rooted in the belief that “Intentionality is the Only Option.” Through powerful messaging, intentional sourcing, and economic advocacy, this brand turns everyday purchases into long-term community empowerment.
At Little Blue Cart, we’re proud to feature businesses that don’t just sell products—they stand for something. Black Dollar is one of those rare brands that fuses mission, identity, and action with clarity and heart.
Little Blue Cart: Tell us a little about your business! What inspired you to start it, and how did your entrepreneurial journey begin?
Daniel Laurent: Inspired by a close friend of mine who is Irish American and was very intentional about purchasing products from the local store that was directly from her county in Ireland and other intentional purchases, I saw a void in my community and how I was raised regarding Black owned goods and services. I was inspired to create intentional messaging via clothing, visuals and music for the Black community about group economics or a term coined by Dr. Claude Anderson ‘powernomics.’
The mantra of Black Dollar is “Intentionality is the Only Option” and with each purchase, it is allowing expansion and other support within the community via designers, artists, establishments and services. The other purpose of creating the brand was to also promote grace amongst the consumers towards Black businesses and ultimate professionalism amongst the businesses as there has been a divide and fracture in the community.
The mantra of Black Dollar is "Intentionality is the Only Option" and with each purchase, it is allowing expansion and other support within the community via designers, artists, establishments and services.
LBC: What’s been your proudest moment so far—and what’s been one of the biggest challenges you’ve faced as a small business owner?
Daniel: My proudest moment is obtaining the official trademark for Black Dollar as it was a journey for a few reasons. The most challenging is the sheer nature of the clothing industry and availability and accessibility. I have a 2XL but the person in front me needs a 3XL. I have a Medium purple hoodie and the person online requests a Small red. That type of stuff is challenging for sure but the nature of the business.
LBC: What values guide your business, and what issues matter most to you as an entrepreneur?
Daniel: Being a brand that you can trust. My morals and principals drive the actions of the brand as I truly believe in the Black Dollar. I want the best for my community and want it to thrive and not just survive. My love for the Black community is not at the expense of any other community. It is actually inspired by what I see in the Asian community, Italian community, etc. Integrity is paramount and also transparency because everyone sometimes with context, it fosters better understanding.
LBC: How do your progressive values show up in how you run your business—whether it’s in who you hire, how you source, or how you engage with your community?
Daniel: I have over 20 years in high level customer service experience so that is the foundation of everything. Creating the ideal consumer interaction is important to me and whenever there is any breakdown in the relationship, it is my sole goal to resolve and make it right. With that as a core, I have seen breakdowns in service in my community and I want to not only be the example but also help in any way that I can with others business and service offerings.
I believe in partnerships. I do not wish to do everything myself so I am always looking to expand the brand and I intentionally source Black and Brown professionals or allies with shared visions. I also created Black Dollar Cares and that has products with proceeds dedicated solely to women owned businesses and domestic violence survivors, which I do a lot of advocacy for.
LBC: Why is it important for small businesses and consumers to stand up for what they believe in—especially right now?
Daniel: Resistance should be the standard. Today it seems like we are living in a vampire movie and people all around have been bitten and we are fighting for our lives. Growing up there were clearer lines of good and bad. Surely we all made choices that our parents may not have approved of, but there was a bit more of a moral compass and more humanity that helped foster someone like me.
My empathy and care for humanity will not allow me to succumb to what is wrong. I think everyone that feels similarly has to take a stand for right. It may cost you money, friendships, partnerships or popularity but it has to be the deciding factor. Tides will turn and honor must stand present and ready.
"My love for the Black community is not at the expense of any other community—it’s inspired by what I see in others."
LBC: Just for fun: What’s your go-to playlist while working?
Daniel: My playlist is Optimistic by Sounds of Blackness, Closer by Goapele and my new record I just created called “On Code.”
LBC: Who is your dream customer?
DL Hughley and Killer Mike as I align a lot with their thoughts and actions and how they use their art for artivism.
LBC: Fill in the blank: Being a small business owner is _ _ _ but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Daniel: Being a small business owner is exigent but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Black Dollar is more than a hoodie. It’s a call to action. It’s about reclaiming the power of the Black dollar, investing in the community, and showing up with boldness, clarity, and care. When you support Black Dollar, you’re not just buying clothing, you’re wearing a belief system.
🛒 Ready to shop with purpose? Visit BlackDollarUS.com and explore pieces that wear your values on your sleeve—literally. Whether you’re rocking a bold tee, a powerful hoodie, or supporting Black Dollar Cares, every purchase makes a statement.
