At a time when Donald Trump’s presidency and the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe’s fight for clean water dominate headlines and our social media feeds, we’re reminded that we can take action with just our money. As Trump gears up to step into a role that could mean so much damage to our most vulnerable communities, and as infuriating images of police spraying indigenous protesters with water cannons in subfreezing temperatures make the rounds, activists are calling for the boycott of businesses and banking institution connected to these two incidents. That means not shopping at any organization that either directly puts money in Trump’s pocket or that has vocally supported him. (Check out an up-to-date list here.)
This year, Americans may spend an average of $935.58 on gifts, food, cards, postage, etc during the holidays. And we don’t have to support the businesses that are directly profiting from hate. Instead, we can channel that money right into our own communities. According to a Stanford Graduate School of Business survey, 86 percent of new businesses between 2007 and 2012 were started by Latinos. However, the owners lagged non-Latino business owners in revenue. In 2012, they earned $155,806, where others made $573,209. Money is often an indicator of what we value and support, and backing Latino-owned businesses is a simple way to show solidarity during our current political landscape.
With that in mind, we’ve rounded up 25 Latino-owned businesses you can support (and impress your loved ones with) this holiday season:
1
Anda Pa'l
Seattle-based Puerto Rican designer Rita Cidre’s Anda P’al is a line of canvas bag with too-relatable phrases, including “jaja > haha” and “Trá Trá Trá.” Cidre began the line as a way to cope with feeling homesick for the island, and now you can carry a little piece of Puerto Rico with you. Shop here.
2
Triangulo Swag
Everyone from Wisin to 3Ball MTY to a Who’s Who of dembowseros from DR have been spotted shopping in Triangulo Swag’s uptown NYC shop. The apparel line founded by Alfredo Perez – aka BB Inc – features a pretty extensive hat collection. Shop here.
3
Provoke Culture
Started by artist Sam Kirk, this brand celebrates culture and identity. The online artique – which features the work of several artists – sells art, apparel, furniture, and accessories. On top of supporting female artists, shopping at Provoke Culture means that your money will also go toward organizations helping the most disenfranchised. 25 percent of sales go toward orgs like Pride Action Tank, Chicago Homeless Coalition, and The Lost Childhoods. Shop here.
4
Sacrifice SW
Between the “No Gods No Master” tees and Mexico-inspired apparel, this CDMX streetwear brand aims to be your everyday wear. Shop here.
5
Nalgona Positive Shop
The Nalgona Positive Shop aims to decolonize the body. “NPP’s goal is to provide comprehensive intersectional body positive information that covers topics such as historical trauma, fat-positivity, eating disorders awareness & indigeneity,” the store’s Etsy shop description reads. “Through education, social media, community outreach, an Etsy Store, and an eating disorders support group NPP is able to spread it’s message and serve as a resource for the community.” Shop here.
6
Brewbles Bath Bombs
Brewbles Bath Bombs comes from the mind of Catheryn Estefania Rodriguez – a Xilangx currently living in Austin. Catheryn’s inspiration comes from nature, the need for relaxation, as well as Mexican culture. (Hence, the avocado, paleta, and tamale bath bombs.) The proceeds from sales will go toward Cat’s college tuition. Shop here.
7
MuyExcited
Helmed by Remezcla contributor Andie Flores, the MuyExcited vintage Etsy shop is a well-curated collection of vintage, handmade and creative goods. Her tagline says it all: “Handpicked treats for the disco diva.” For the month of November, 50% of all sales from my online shop are going to water protectors at Standing Rock. Shop here.
8
Golden Ponies
Since 2009, Guadalajara-based Etsy shop Golden Ponies has sold charming handmade shoes, clothing, bags, and accessories, using only vegan materials. Shop here.
9
BRK House
When BRK House launched in July 2014, the husband-and-wife duo behind the brand offered screen printed tees. But as of this year, they’ve moved forward with pins and patches, and have been killing it. Most designs come from early childhood influences like loteria and lucha libre, the rest come from day to day inspirations like butterfly knifes and cartoons. Shop here.
10
Peralta Project
Helmed by Uptown artist and graphic designer Tony Peralta, lifestyle brand the Peralta Project is perhaps best known for the viral “Walter Mercado is My Spiritual Advisor” sweatshirt. But his store is always stocked with fresh tees, pins, pop-art prints, hats, and more – a style that represents an alloy of Dominican York, hip-hop, and Latino touchstones many of us grew up with. Shop here.
12
Cha Cha Covers
Ana Guajardo runs the flourishing Cha Cha Covers – a shop that sells nail wraps featuring pop culture moments. Shop here.
13
Bella Doña
Co-founded by singer LaLa Romero, who hails from Los Angeles’ San Fernando Valley and describes her Latin-infused urban pop as “Pretty Brown Sound”, Bella Doña is a sartorial extension of Romero’s musical approach. Many of the pieces, which reference SoCal Chicano culture, would be right at home on the Mi Vida Loca crew. Shop here.
14
Narcowave
In 2013, Texas rapper Dro FE dropped his debut EP Narco Wave – a Tejano border kid sound repping for his Rio Grande Valley reality. But Narco Wave came to represent more than just an EP – Dro developed it into a clothing brand and lifestyle movement. With his line Narco Wave, Dro FE is trying to represent a more nuanced picture of the drug war and Narco culture. His partners include Kris Buhidar, who has worked for designing for ALIFE and OVO’s merch, and Mike Malbon, owner of Frank’s Chop Shop. Shop here.
15
Ciencias Naturales
We’ve been thirsting for these streetwear Selena-inspired tees and long-sleeved shirts from Mexico-based brand Ciencias Naturales since the minute we peeped them on the gram. Shop here.
16
Sad Sirena Designs
For creative chokers in a range of materials – from fur to lace to iridescent plastic, look no further than Sad Sirena Designs. Shop here.
17
Produce Goods
If you love collabs and limited editions, then Produce Goods is for you. Based in Corpus Christi – known to most as home of Selena Quintanilla– these guys have been cranking out everything from clothing to pins to prints to toys, all with a distinctive Tex-Mex DNA. Our favorite cybercholo El Dusty is part of this collective, and you can see his artwork all over their releases. Shop here.
18
Hija de tu Madre
Hija de tu Madre is a clothing line that celebrates the “beautiful mess that is Xicanisma” and the ni de aqui, ni de alla feeling of growing up biculturally. According to their website, “caters to Xicanx who bravely question everything, while reconciling our complicated history, culture, and identity. The shop and blog are for muxeres who unapologetically celebrate their colorful culture as we try to make sense of two seemingly opposing identities.” Shop here.
19
Luar Zepol
Former Hood by Air designer, Raul Lopez aka Luar Zepol makes avant garde, pandrogynous, post-apocalyptic fashion that pulls from his South Williamsburg upbringing, his Dominican roots, and his experience as a gay Latino growing up in a machista household. Shop here.
20
Hola Dear Deer
This line of covetable tees out of Houston, TX is run by a sister duo inspired by their family’s Guatemalan roots. Shop here.
21
BornxRaised
LA based streetwear brand BornxRaised has made a name for itself repping for SoCal culture, making a statement against gentrification, and incorporating Chicano calligraphy, graffiti and tattoo culture into their designs. Shop here.
22
Paula Duró
Argentinian painter Paula Duró makes hyper colorful, Andean-inspired works full of flora and fauna. She’s worked closely with Argentina’s ZZK label, designing several album covers for Chancha Via Circuito. Shop here.
23
PINetration
PINetration was created with the intent to combine pop culture with the nostalgia of Latino cultura. Their motto, Para La Raza, is a statement about the community they aim to cater to, along with “those who chose to positively embrace the beauty of our humble upbringing.” Shop here.
24
Tony Delfino
A collective of D.F.-based graphic designers, visual artists, and graffiteros, Tony Delfino makes high quality, detailed, limited edition pieces that includes t-shirts, button downs, hoodies, leather jackets, and sneakers. The entire line is deeply inspired by the culture of Mexico’s capital, and is made with all-Mexican materials. Shop here.
25
Los Tejedores
Los Tejedores is a line of woven hats poised to dethrone the ubiquitous Panama hat as the flyest beach accessory to have on your head. Think: el campo meets Pharrell’s Vivienne Westwood hat. The project is based in the Dominican Republic. Shop here.