“Put your money where your mouth is” is an expression for a reason; the way we spend our hard-earned cash is a way to demonstrate what we truly value and support. That’s why for Black History Month, we’re rounded up a list of Afro-Latina owned businesses.
Here are 12 shops you can show solidarity to now and the rest of the year.
Editor’s Note: This is just a small sampling of all the amazing Afro-Latina businesses that exist. If you have any suggestions, add them below in the comments.
1
Piritees
Founded by Sandra “Bibi” Martinez, Piritees is an apparel brand “for the bold, unapologetic, and multifaceted person.” As someone who has seen how gentrification has pushed out her community and changed the landscape of Harlem, Bibi has also made it her mission to use this brand to raise money for New York-based anti-gentrification organizations.
Shop here.
2
ALN Clothing Line
Amara La Negra‘s brand, ALN Clothing Line, is a range of bathing suits, tees, book bags, and hoodies.
3
Muse Merch
Monica Veloz – aka MonicaStyleMuse – is a beauty and lifestyle blogger, who is launching a merch store. On February 6, 2018, she’ll debut her sweatshirt line, which will feature inspirational phrases such “Be Your Own Muse” and “Te Molesta Mi Brillo?”
4
Breenache
Afrochapinaca Breena Nuñez Peralta sells zines that explore what it’s like growing up a curly-haired woman in a Central American family and one that’s dedicated to queer, femme, and Central American women who never get to see their stories.
Shop here.
5
Babe Comets
Babe Comets is a Brooklyn-based earring company started by an Afro-Latina designer. The beautiful colors and landscapes of Merida inspired Joan De Jesus to begin Babe Comets. The earrings, which are made for pierced and unpierced ears, are colorful and lightweight.
Shop here.
6
Yo Soy Afro Latina
Through tees, mugs, and dad hats, Yo Soy Afro Latina “highlights the people, experiences and the culture of Afro Latinas.”
Shop here.
7
Black by Maria Silver
Launched in 2011 by Maria “Poni” Silver – a drummer with a background in fashion – the line is a mix of casual and dressy pieces. For the past few years, the brand has made a mark in Nashville.
Shop here.
8
Brown Sugar & Canela
Failing to see a line that celebrated Garifunas, Afro-Latinas, and Central Americans, Keyanna Gotay started Brown Sugar & Canela. The T-shirt line is “for strong women with a strong heritage.”
Shop here.
9
Rebel Betty Arte
https://www.facebook.com/rebelbettyarte/photos/a.1636419079785436.1073741843.129166630510696/1496326653794680/?type=3&theater
Rebel Betty – an Afroboricua artist, educator, and organizer from Chicago – sells a collection of prints, zines, and velas.
Shop here.
10
GRL TRBL
Journalist-turned-illustrator Emerald Pellot’s GRL TRBL is dedicated to empowering women. As an Afro Latina of Dominican and Puerto Rican descent, her art, which she describes as “kitschy,” is all about uplifting women of color. Using politics and pop culture as a reference – Congresswoman Maxine Waters, The Craft, and Beyoncé – she spreads feminist messages.
Shop here.
11
Maris Pallets
New Jersey-based Mariela creates inspirational wood signs for your home, which you can place on your bookshelf or hang on your wall. Plus, if none of the pre-designed options work for you, you can request your own phrase.
Shop here.
12
MicMas Remix
The MicMas Remix tagline says it all: “Hair texture does not determine whether it’s good or bad.” The brand, started by Afro-Latina entrepreneur Adassa, features products made from all-natural ingredients.
Shop here.