By Grace Eberts, EIC Academics
September 15th marked the start of Hispanic/Latin(o/a)/Latinx Heritage Month, a time to honor and celebrate the culture and contributions of these communities. There are many ways that you can step up this month, but a simple way is by supporting small Hispanic, Latino/a, and Latinx-owned businesses. I’ve rounded up a few of my favorites that you can shop from the comfort of your computer.
Necromancy Cosmetica
This lipstick brand is owned, operated, and distributed out of Puerto Rico where founders Desiree Rodríguez and Salvador Pérez run their business. Their products are 100% vegan, but perfectly wicked. They will fit any goth aesthetic, with a wide range of handcrafted shades. I recommend trying out the “A Gothic Romance Palette” for an eye shadow palette that has both neutral colors and deep blues and reds. For lips, you can’t go wrong with any of their colors, but I love “Lydia” for a fun Halloween look or everyday goth look.
The Chingona Box
If you’re into subscription boxes, this monthly box features only Latinx-owned brands in their packages. They feature products across all departments – from handmade hair accessories to artisan candies. If you are committed to investing in Latinx-owned companies, this is a great way to try out a few different ones at once.
Rizos Curls
Julissa Prado started Rizos Curls as the solution to her search for the perfect curl cream. Her products work for a variety of curl types and ensure soft and bouncy hair all day long. Their products feature ingredients like flaxseed, moringa oil, and shea butter and are all cruelty-free and sulfate-free. If you have curly hair, I recommend trying their classic “Curl Defining Cream.”
Mia Del Mar
Mia Del Mar’s team is made up of women from the USA, Columbia, Argentina, Venezuela, Cuba, and Brazil who have a commitment to giving their customers a “confident playful attitude” with their products. Their products are formulated and inspired by Miami’s warm weather and unique beauty culture. If you are looking to try out a makeup product, I recommend their “Chiseled Cheek-a Highlight and Contour Palette” for a bronzed summer glow. If you are more interested in testing out their skincare, I recommend trying their “Jellycioso Hyaluronic and Seaweed Eye Mask.”
Bella Doña
Lala Romero and Natalia Durazo founded Bella Doña to create a brand that highlights Mexican-American women through streetwear style. They say, “Everything fly starts in the neighborhood,” referring to how the fashion and beauty culture that they were raised with is the driving force behind their brand. I love their best-selling “Betty Boots Tee” for an everyday graphic tee.
Kids of Immigrants
Founders Daniel Buezo and Weleh Dennis are both first-generation Americans using fashion to help people recognize that “we are all cut from different fabrics but together make a whole.” Based in Los Angeles, this clothing brand quickly gained popularity when Bad Bunny wore its clothes at the 2019 Grammys. I love their “Anything is Possible” hoodie.
Muchacha
Diana Hoyos, from Medellín, Columbia, founded Muchacha with the mission of using the coffee industry to create a space that uplifts women and supports female leadership. They work with women throughout the entire coffee production process, supporting a different female-owned business at each step of the way. Each of these women is featured on their website, which can be accessed via the QR code that they put on every bag of coffee so you know where your beans are coming from.
Sitos
Sitos is a handmade macrame and home goods company that uses its art to advocate for social justice. The founder, Jessi, is a Colombian designer who makes everything herself in Texas. I love everything they sell – but I especially think that this gift box would make a great gift.
Sunday Energy
Melissa Flores is a Dominican-American YouTuber and lifestyle influencer who decided to pursue her passion for jewelry and start Sunday Energy. The goal behind her work is to give her customers passion and purpose with their new jewelry. Melissa’s tagline is “jewelry with a purpose” and she is working hard to make it come to life. I personally love their “Rome Ring” – it’s a fun twist on a classic dome ring.
