Art by Stephany Torres
While it shouldn’t take it being Black History Month for us to support Black-Owned and Afro-Latina businesses, what better time than February to make that shopping-centric commitment? If you’re feeling inspired and your wallet is itching for a spend, why not support Afro-Latina owners and their businesses?
Whether it’s jewelry inspired by the Afro-Caribe culture, Miami-based Cuban cigars, or curly hair products inspired by Afro-Dominican hair secrets, there’s something here for everyone. So, keep on scrolling to shop these nine Afro-Latina businesses!
Gems by Mocha was founded by a born-and-raised Panameña, Desireé, after she realized the need for Afro-Latinas to feel close to their home countries (with special emphasis to the Caribe). This jewelry line is for everyone who wants to feel empowered to represent their culture.
Founded by Black-and-Mexican-American Bianca Kathryn, Yo Soy AfroLatina is a Houston-based social club and non-profit dedicated to building community for Afro Latinx women of all ages. With a community of 15,000+ followers, they offer programs like a specialized book club, Afro Latina Day event, and more.
Inspired by founder Regina Bultrón Bengoa’s grandmother Selenia and her immaculate nail routine, this Afro-Boricua sustainable nail-care brand offers bright and colorful nail colors and treatments using their very own non-toxic formula.
Brittany Martinez designs and handmakes all the satin-lined wraps and bonnets in Wraps by Bratt. They are inspired by her Garinagu culture, a mixture of African, Caribe, and Arawak indigenous groups who live all over Central America; Belize, Honduras, Guatemala and Nicaragua.
Created by Erica Patterson, Blended is a self-care and wellness-focused body care brand that focuses on making self-care a holistic daily practice. They currently offer body butters, body treatments, and aromatherapy soothing oil roll-ons.
Founded by Afro-Cubana twins Yvette and Yvonne Rodriguez and inspired by their grandmothers, Tres Lindas Cubanas Cigars is a Miami-based brand that offers exactly what it sounds like: the finest Cuban-seed blend cigars, cultivated in Nicaragua.
Emelyn Stuart is the first Black Latina to own a movie theater in New York City, Stuart Cinema & Cafe is an independent theater in Greenpoint, Brooklyn that shows everything from big blockbusters to local indies.
Lulu Cordero is an Afro-Dominicana who wanted to share all the Dominican hair secrets that were passed down from her family with the rest of the world, and thus Bomba Curls was born. The curly-haired brand, which you can find on shelves in Target, offers everything from hair masks and oils to satin scrunchies and pillow cases.
