Art by Stephany Torres for Remezcla
Bad Bunny’s DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS has everyone feeling the Boricua spirit this year, even if you aren’t lucky enough to be Puerto Rican yourself. It’s normal to want to support the archipelago, but the gentrification has everyone hesitating — and for good reason. If you’re feeling inspired and your wallet is itching for a spend, why not buy from Puerto Rican-based-and-founded small businesses?
Whether it’s books written by Puerto Rican authors, jewelry inspired by Puerto Rico’s nature and architecture, soap bars made from island-grown natural ingredients, or high-quality candles with scents inspired by our Bori culture, there’s something here for everyone. So, keep on scrolling to shop seven of our favorite Puerto Rican small businesses.
This online bookstore is the Puerto Rican bookstore for all Boris in the United States and in the archipelago. While dedicated to selling exclusively Latine authors, they specialize in Puerto Rican authors with books all about the literature and history of the archipelago and its people across numerous genres — from art and photography to magazines and academic journals.
Founded by sisters Bianca and Paola Muns, this sustainable brand’s designs are inspired by Puerto Rico nature and scenery, as well as the sisters’ lived experience in San Juan. Muns’ gorgeous minimalist jewelry (made from recycled metals) and clothing pieces (made from 100% linen) are absolute must-haves. Plus, we recommend you stop by their retail store in Calle Luna on Viejo San Juan if you’re in the area.
Inspired by founder Regina Bultrón Bengoa’s grandmother Selenia and her immaculate nail routine, this Afro-Boricua sustainable nail-care brand offers nail colors and treatments using their very own non-toxic formula — and all of it made straight from Puerto Rico. You can also shop in person and create your own custom nail polish in their Studio Lab, located in Calle Loíza in San Juan.
Flama is a colorful candle brand started by Patricia Pérez Mejía, after feeling burnt-out (pun intended) at her previous job and wanting to inspire others with her “chispa.” Now, Flama (which means flame in English) offers a wide array of vegan soy wax candles with their captivating colors, delicious scents, and oh-so-Boricua sayings.
Inspired by the name of the street in Puerto Rico where the founder’s Cuban grandmother used to live, Studio Ural is a jewelry brand with pieces that are influenced by vintage designs, heritage, and daily Caribbean living. Their newest collection “Reja Criolla” is based on the iron grills of puertorican houses in the ’70s and ’80s, instantly recognizable to all Boricua grandchildren visiting their abuela’s home.
From her grandmother’s kitchen in 2017 to currently producing 10,000 soap bars on a monthly basis, Barras is a bodycare brand that was founded by Tanairí Miranda Torres in Ponce, Puerto Rico. They’re known (and beloved) for their multi-use soap bars made from natural ingredients. Barras’ latest collection is a collaboration with astrologer and artist checkinmela where there’s a soap for every Zodiac sign!
Based in Ponce, Puerto Rico and founded by Roshelle Cartagena, RCR Creative sells waterproof stickers, keychains, stationery, and other accessories with the cutest, colorful, and trendy designs. Whether it’s the OG Puerto Rican flag (with the light blue shade) with pretty flowers around it or an acrylic keychain with the quote “Lo Estas Haciendo Bien” written in frosting on a trendy birthday cake, they’ve got it all.
