Be it in the music, food, or in the arts, Latino culture is full of pride. That’s certainly the case for Raised by Latinos, a new streetwear brand aimed at keeping Latinos connected to their roots and to each other. The company is based in Toronto and was founded in 2018. Victor Ramirez and Evelyn Lopez are at the helm of the company, both born to Ecuadorian parents. Their mission is to not only celebrate Latino culture, but to honor the diversity and distinctiveness within Latinidad as well.
Born out of a lack of representation, RBL hopes to be more than just a clothing company—it wants to be a movement by giving back to the community. One way it’s accomplishing that is by helping to get the word out about the #MasksforMigrants campaign, in which merchants from all over the globe contribute, create, and purchase masks to keep migrant workers safe. The company isn’t just adding it’s name to worthy causes; it’s using its apparel and designs to boost Latinos also. To honor women and celebrate Latina History Day, RBL designed a special Mujer shirt, which will generate even more money for the Mask for Migrants campaign.
“We have always had a strong desire to help those in need, more specifically children and their families. With a growing urge to give back, we decided to wait no longer,” the company tells Remezcla. That urgency has led them to give 5% of their profits to organizations such as the Moms and Babies Ministry, which provides food for kids and helps moms care for their little ones.
The line is growing more popular, too. Puerto Rican rapper and actor Nio Garcia is a fan and often sports the RBL brand.
South American Executive Chef Steve Gonzalez has done the same.
Gonzalez was even featured in a three-part series created by RBL titled My Latino Life. It’s part of a bigger I Am RBL feature that highlights Latinos in their everyday life. The brand has also been worn by UFC fighters like Jared NiteTrain Gooden.
RBL is still growing and aiming to be a bright light in the world. Though the company is based in Canada, its success is on par with a recent report that states Latino-owned businesses are part of the fastest-growing market of business owners—up 34% in the last decade alone. If Raised by Latinos has its way, it’s a market that they and many other Latinos will be a part of for a long time to come.