FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
About First & King
What is First & King?
First & King is a digital platform dedicated to celebrating and promoting Black-owned brands, artists, and entrepreneurs across Fashion, Art, and Beauty. Think of it as a curated block of Black excellence, a place where you can discover, explore, and support some of the most innovative and inspiring Black-owned businesses in the country.
How is First & King different from other shopping platforms?
First & King isn't a marketplace. We don't sell products directly. We are a curated discovery platform. Every brand and artist featured on First & King has been personally selected by our team for their quality, creativity, and cultural significance. When you find something you love, we direct you to the brand's own website to complete your purchase, keeping the economic benefit as close to the creator as possible.
Is First & King free to use?
Yes. First & King is completely free for shoppers and visitors. Browse, discover, and explore at no cost.
Who is behind First & King?
First & King was founded and is operated by a team of marketing, branding, and business strategy professionals with a deep commitment to Black entrepreneurship and culture. You can learn more about us on our About Us page.
Discovering Brands & Artists
How are brands and artists selected for First & King?
Every brand and artist on First & King is personally curated by our team. We look for Black-owned businesses that demonstrate exceptional quality, creativity, and cultural relevance across Fashion, Art, and Beauty. We do not accept paid listings. Every feature is earned, not bought.
Can I purchase products directly on First & King?
Not directly. First & King is a discovery and promotional platform. When you find a product or brand you love, clicking through will take you to the brand's own website where you can complete your purchase. This ensures the brand receives the full benefit of your support.
How do I know the brands featured are truly Black-owned?
Verifying Black ownership is a core part of our curation process. Our team researches and confirms the ownership status of every brand before it is featured on the platform. We take this responsibility seriously. It is fundamental to what First & King stands for.
Are all featured brands based in the United States?
At launch, First & King focuses exclusively on Black-owned brands and artists based in the United States. As the platform grows we look forward to expanding our reach to celebrate Black excellence globally.
How often are new brands and artists added?
We add new brands and artists on a rolling basis as our curation team identifies exceptional businesses worthy of a place on the block. Follow us on social media and sign up for our email list to be the first to know when new brands and artists are featured.
Shopping & Support
Does First & King make money when I click through to a brand?
Yes. First & King participates in affiliate programs with many of the brands on our platform. When you click through and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. This is how we keep the platform free and sustainable while continuing to support Black-owned businesses.
Does the affiliate commission affect the price I pay?
No. You pay exactly the same price you would visiting the brand's website directly. The commission comes from the brand's marketing budget, not your pocket.
What if a product I want is out of stock or unavailable?
Since First & King directs you to the brand's own website, inventory and availability are managed entirely by the brand. We recommend checking back directly with the brand or signing up for their restock notifications.
Can I return or exchange a product I purchased through First & King?
All returns, exchanges, and customer service inquiries are handled directly by the brand you purchased from. First & King is not involved in the transaction and cannot process returns or refunds. Please refer to the individual brand's return policy for guidance.
The First & King Community
How can I recommend a brand or artist for consideration?
We love hearing from the community. If you know a Black-owned brand or artist you think belongs on the block, use our brand recommendation form on the website to submit them for consideration. Our curation team reviews every submission.
How do I stay up to date with what's new on First & King?
The best ways to stay connected are to follow us on social media and sign up for our email list. You'll be the first to know about new brand features, blog posts, collaborations, and platform updates.
Does First & King have a loyalty or rewards program?
Not at launch, but it's something we're thinking about as the platform grows. Stay tuned.
For Brands & Artists
I own a Black-owned brand. How do I get featured on First & King?
First & King is an invitation-based platform. Our curation team proactively identifies and reaches out to brands we'd like to feature. However if you believe your brand belongs on the block, we'd love to hear from you. Visit our Services page or Contact Us to start the conversation.
Is there a fee for brands to be featured on First & King?
During our launch phase, inclusion on First & King is free for all featured brands. Our focus right now is on building the platform, growing our audience, and proving our value to the brands and artists we work with. Future pricing will be communicated clearly and in advance.
What kind of support does First & King offer featured brands?
Beyond platform visibility, First & King offers marketing and promotional support, social media amplification, editorial features, and brand and marketing consultation services. Visit our Services page to learn more about what we offer.