Art by Stephany Torres for Remezcla
Bad Bunny’s Puerto Rican residency has us all enjoying everything the island has to offer — whether or not we managed to actually snag the coveted tickets. But even if you’re just visiting for the vibes, it’s important to remain mindful of where your coin is actually going. Is that local business actually Puerto Rican, or is it another gentrifier living there? It can get confusing, so we’re eliminating the guess work altogether with a list of local brands making their products hand-made by themselves or a team of Bori artisans.
Whether it’s luxury suncare, vegan body scrubs, beachy artisan jewelry, aesthetically-pleasing candles, reversible bikinis, or custom ceramics, there’s something here for everyone. So, keep on scrolling to shop Puerto Rican hand-made and local businesses you should check out!
A uniquely luxe suncare experience, this recently launched brand offers everything you need to protect yourself from the Caribbean’s (amazing, but strong) sunny rays. Who better to know about suncare than a fellow Boricua? Founded by Daniella Montes, Borikén Gold sells two products: Jardín de Amapola, a hydrating body sunscreen with SPF 30, and Sol de la Plata, a shimmer tanning oil stick with SPF 8.
If there’s one thing Puerto Rico is known, beloved, and famous for is its ceramics. While there’s no shortage of local ceramic makers selling their goods in every pop-up or event, if you don’t want to go search for them IRL (or you’d prefer something customized), VIDA by Emma offers it all. The sky’s truly the limit. Looking to remember this trip with a clay ceramic piece for your home? Simply send her a DM on Instagram.
Looking for a hand-made crochet bikini top and accessory combo for Bad Bunny? Andrea Collection is exactly that. The brand is founded by Aitza Nykole, who designs and makes all her products by hand — which she has been crocheting since she was eight years old. Named after her daughter, Andrea Collection is best known for their Puerto Rican flag crochet bikini, but they also offer all kinds of crochet products, from bottoms to bracelets.
Co-founded by best friends Casandra Sophia and Gabriela Ayala in Vega Baja, Puerto Rico, Andēl is a lifestyle and home decor brand that offers hand-made cement trinket/jewelry dishes and hand-poured luxury candles — which are poured into cement containers that can be recycled into simple decor for your home. Featuring a minimalist style with neutral colors, Andēl’s candles and dishes aren’t just hand-made with quality ingredients, they will also look effortlessly beautiful in any room in your home.
Founded and designed by Sara Silva, LAOLA is a swimwear brand that specializes in reversible swimwear that’s designed and hand-crafted in Puerto Rico. The brand offers a mix-and-match experience to swimwear, that means there’s no wrong top-and-bottom pairing! Take your pick from a plethora of colorful bikini matching options — whether it’s adjustable or high-waisted bottoms with triangle, strapless or knot tops.
Nothing feels better than accessorizing with hand-made jewelry that reminds us of our home island crafted and designed by someone who just gets it. Media Luna is an artisanal jewelry brand that features necklaces, bracelets, and rings with a total beachy vibe. Whether it’s the pastel color beads, sea-inspired charms, or our bonita bandera, this brand offers it all with a subtle and delicate touch.
No artisanal Puerto Rican business list is complete without one body care brand that specializes in scrubs, butters, and oils with yummy tropical scents. MoBa Beauty, a clean and vegan wellness and beauty brand, is our pick. The brand was founded by Monica Barco after her struggles with post-partum depression and hair loss. She was inspired to create a natural beauty brand that will help others with their insecurities and usher them into a path of self-love, just like it did for her.
@moba_beauty ✨¡Promo que enamora!✨ Llévate 1 body butter + 1 body scrub y recibe de REGALO un body oil 💜 Porque mereces una piel suave, oler delicioso y darte ese amor que tanto das a los demás. Cuídate, consiéntete… y déjate brillar Disponible por tiempo limitado. ¿Ya sabes cuál vas a escoger?🥰
Owned and created by Puerto Rican Adalberto, Laid Back PR focuses on designing beach towels inspired by Puerto Rican culture. Also, they’re entirely designed in PR since 2019 with the towels crafted from Global Recycled Standard-certified plastic waste. Also, it’s Benito approved, who used one of their towels in 2020 for a Corona ad.
