Latin America consists of 21 countries and territories, and during Hispanic Heritage Month, we celebrate them all. But aside from learning about their rich culture and traditions, there are other things you can do to support the community, like shopping Latinx-owned brands. Their offerings are as varied as the people they represent. Our list includes 30 of the best Latinx-owned businesses to shop, full of unique products just waiting to be discovered. From infused body oils and hand-poured candles to handmade clothing and books by up-and-coming Latinx authors, there’s something for everyone on your list. And you might want to grab something for yourself, too.
Representation is also an essential part of shopping for Latinx-owned brands. For many Latinx business owners, their companies were born out of the absence of seeing people like themselves represented in stores. Sandra Velasquez, founder of Nopalera, says that her heritage is always the starting point for her products which feature traditional ingredients used in ancient Mexican celebrations and rituals.
“The passion I have for my Mexican heritage extends far beyond the walls of beauty. It’s more potent than the smoky aroma of copal that sweeps the artisanal mercados of Tapalpa,” says Velasquez, who was raised by Mexican immigrant parents in California near the United States Mexican border. “My pride is loud, colorful, and omnipresent in everything.”
Read on for our top picks from Latinx-owned businesses to shop this month and all year long.
Three first-generation Latinx sisters founded Vavica. While growing up, they noticed that their skin tone and bodies were never represented in commercials or magazines. So they built their mission around celebrating every shape, size, skin type and skin tone with a line of skin products that are clean, cruelty-free, and accessible. The limited edition Único Body Oil Spray is a lightweight, antioxidant-rich body oil spray that absorbs quickly and leaves skin silky soft.
Vinos Unidos was born out of the desire to honor founder Robert Jauregui’s parents’ humble roots by producing small-batch wines in Napa Valley. Try their crisp Sauvignon Blanc 2020 with goat cheese and fruit.
Mi Vida’s team is all about the process. All of their hand-made artwork, jewelry, fashion, and home decor are crafted in Los Angeles. And if you’re looking for something unique, this is the place to shop. This army green Stay Rooted hoodie makes for a great gift.
Based in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, Farm Rio offers a colorful array of clothing and accessories. While the company started as a local, independent retailer, you can now find Farm Rio products at Nordstrom, Saks, and more. Try on a pair of their Puffy Flat Sandals to add a splash of color to any outfit.
With a commitment to treat all people equally, Latinx-owned Heart Blaster offers hoodies, hats, jackets, accessories, and more. One of their best-selling products is this Judge Me Not bucket hat in white.
All of Nopalera’s products start with one special ingredient: oils carefully extracted from the seeds of the nopal cactus fruit. When blended with natural butters, the result is a hydrated cleanse with lasting moisture. And the scents are derived from smoky copal, amber, jasmine oil, and rose clay, used in ancient Mexican rituals and celebrations. The Flor de Mayo moisturizing botanical bar replaces the need for plastic bottles of lotion and comes in a reusable tin.
Ay Mujer is a family-run business based out of Indio, CA, specializing in papel picado — intricately cut paper flags from Mexico. Shop from their one-of-a-kind collections or commission one of your own, like this customizable wedding “Amor” banner.
Creator and founder Rea Ann Silva developed the beauty blender while working as a make-up artist for the Girlfriends television series. Now they are used in millions of homes across the nation and internationally. The original BeautyBlender Make Up Sponge is truly the unsung hero of every cosmetic bag.
Babba Rivera founded Ceremonia based on the foundation of her own Latinx heritage and the rituals with which she grew up. The goal is easy-to-manage hair that is healthy and beautiful. The Guava Protect and Repair Wash Duo is perfect for dry or damaged hair.
Planning to raise a bilingual baby? Lil’ Libros’ line of board books can help. Each book celebrates Latin American culture and important historical figures like the one about Mexican painter Frida Kahlo or Cuban music icon Celia Cruz.
Lights Lacquer is a vegan and cruelty-free nail polish company founded by beauty YouTuber Kathleenlight, of Cuban descent. Shop their wide range of colors, including the popular Candy Girl, which has a cream finish and bubble gum pink undertones.
Columbian-born founder Tata Harper makes quality skin care products from all-natural ingredients that you will feel good about putting on your face and body. Their anti-aging night cream, Crème Riche, is one of the company’s best sellers using naturally derived botanicals. Actress Sophia Bush loves Tata Harper’s cleanser!
Cuyana offers timeless pieces that are meant to last. From pouches and wallets to totes and crossbody bags, all their pieces are crafted from the finest materials. The Small Easy Tote comes in a variety of pebbled leather colors and can be monogrammed.
Founders Daniel Buezo and Weleh Dennis are truly the kids of immigrants. This tee, which reads, ‘We Are Our Parents’ Wildest Dreams,’ evokes what it feels like to be a first-generation American.
Keel Farms sells locally grown and self-sustaining beverages from plants that first started in founder Joe Keel’s 10-acre plant nursery. Now the company sells nationwide, delivering quality wines and ciders to the public. Their blueberry wine was made when Keel experimented with his end-of-season blueberries. Now it’s a customer favorite.
Co-founded by Maria Palacio and John Trabelsi, Progeny Coffee was created to fix a coffee industry that they say is taking advantage of farmers. The $8 that some pay for a cup of coffee does not correlate to the poverty many coffee farmers live in. Progeny Coffee is working to change that one bean at a time. Contento offers notes of chocolate, lavender, and white peach.
Whether it’s green enchilada or tacos al pastor, Saucy Lips delivers quality sauces for easy at-home meals. Discover the flavors of the Yucatan Penisula, where founder Gabi’s family is from, in their Zesty Cilantro Salad Dressing or the Pineapple Thai Sauce.
Vela Negra candles are poured with black because black is thought to absorb and dispel negative energies. Using unique fragrances inspired by the founder’s Afro-Cuban and Guyanese heritage, each candle is hand-poured using 100 percent coconut soy wax. Azúcar gives off the alluring aromas of sweet honey balanced with tamarind, clove, and brown sugar notes.
Celebrating the cultural crossroads of being Latinx and American, Bonita Fierce reminds shoppers that candles are an ancient symbol of divine life in Latin America. Like all of their fragrances, Cafecito Con Leche is inspired by Latin America’s rich heritage.
Take your vintage look a step further with Bésame Cosmetics. Founder Gabriela Hernandez immigrated from Buenos Aires to the United States, becoming a makeup historian. Today she uses that knowledge to create vintage-inspired makeup embracing proven beauty tools, trends, and techniques of eras past. Brush on mascara like your great-grandmother did, with caked pigment and a small handheld brush.
Venezualan Cherie Hoeger wanted to do away with disposable menstrual products and make a better way of life for her daughters. She created reusable menstrual cups and feminine products with them in mind. The company’s lace and mesh period panties show that period protection can be functional and stylish.
Looking for kid snacks that taste good and are good for them? Fresh Bellies is your one-stop shop for healthy snacking options. Turn Up the Beet Puffs are lightly seasoned and made from sorghum and beets, and no GMOs.
Yo Soy Afro Latina’s mission is to empower Black women within the Latin community. And you can shop all of their accessories, hats, tees, mugs, and much more online. The Mija I’m Busy tote is definitely a vibe.
Located in the Bronx, New York, The Lit Bar is the only independent bookstore in the borough which is home to 1.4 million people and 10 colleges. And did we mention it also has a wine bar? Check out South Bronx Rising: The Rise, Fall, and Resurrection of an American City by Jill Jonnes or Family Lore by Elizabeth Acevedo.
Luna Magic is a fast-growing indie beauty & lifestyle brand founded by sisters Mabel and Shaira Frías to bring quality cosmetics with diversity and inclusivity in mind. The Lip Balm Duo in Mint and Rose is a steal at just $10.
Founder Reina Rebelde grew up in Mexico and has fond memories of watching telenovelas while watching her mom put on makeup. Born of this inspiration, she runs a successful worldwide shipping company. The award-winning Brava Bold Lip Color is a show-stopper.
Elaluz by Camila Coelho offers skincare and select beauty items like shimmery bronzers, moisturizing lip balms, and self-tanning creams. The plant-based Beauty Oil hydrates and repairs.
Mandana Blvd is an affordable shopping destination whether you’re looking for vintage or contemporary home furnishings. The company was born when founders Cristina Ramos and Nu Goteh needed to furnish their own home on a budget. The Ribbed Small Glasses would be perfect for your bar cart or morning juice.
Clean Cult is working towards boxing out plastic with refillable cleaning products. Using their products for a year would wipe out nearly 60 pounds of plastic from landfills. Clean Cult’s foaming hand soap refills come in a variety of scents, including wild lavender and grapefruit basil.
Christina Montoya Fiedler is a Los Angeles-based freelancer with over 15 years of experience writing for online publications. Her work can be seen in Good Housekeeping and Woman’s Day, where she covers everything from gift guides to personal essays. She holds a B.A. in English from Chapman University and is working toward her Early Childhood Education teaching credentials.
