The holiday season is quickly approaching, and this year will feel a bit different with the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. Latina entrepreneurs have been disproportionately impacted by the public health, and resulting economic, crisis. Unemployment rates drastically increased as high as 18.9% for Latina workers, and 83% of Latinx small businesses were negatively affected by the pandemic.
To help our communities sustain themselves through this pandemic, it’s more important than ever to buy holiday gifts from small businesses this year. Here is a list of some of our favorite latina-owned businesses to purchase from when buying presents for your friends and family. From Latina shirts to latina-owned makeup brands, you’re sure to find something for everyone on your list.
Lil' Libroos
It’s never too early to promote literacy. With Lil’ Libros picture books, your young loved one will read stories that celebrate their Latinx heritage and teach them two languages: English and Spanish. Founders Patty Rodriguez and Ariana Stein discovered a lack of bilingual books when they started their project in 2014, so in true chingona form, the pair started writing and publishing their own bilingual children’s books that inform young readers about influential Latinx figures, such as Walter Mercado, Celia Cruz, and Selena. They also have bilingual books about Latin American countries as well as age-appropriate education on the colors and the alphabet. Books can be purchased at lillibros.com.
Latina Superheros
Inspire the next generation of social justice warriors with graphic novels featuring strong Latina superheroines. Wanting to break stereotypes in pop culture, Kayden Phoenix and her team of Latina artists created the comic book series Latina Superheroes. The project makes critical social issues, such as femicide in Mexico and the U.S. immigration system, accessible to young people. More books are in the works, but you can purchase the first two at latinasuperheroes.com.
Botanika Beauty
Afro-Latina beauty influencer Ada Rojas co-founded her line of hair products after years of blogging about her curls. If someone in your inner circle has gorgeous coils that need a little TLC, Botanika Beauty could be a welcomed gift. Rojas’ formula includes high-quality natural ingredients, such as bay leaves and sage, for stunning curls. The products debuted a year ago and are available on Amazon, Target and at botanikabeauty.com.
The Crafty Chica
Kathy Cano-Murillo took her love of glitter and DIY products to become The Crafty Chica. Her online store is a one-stop shop for Latinx-styled jewelry, candles, and other handmade household goods. If you decided not to travel home this holiday season (first, thank you!), send a guardian angel to watch over your faraway loved ones with an Amiga Angel.
Todo verde
With a new year approaching, now is the time to start thinking about New Year’s resolutions. For those considering going vegan, Jocelyn Ramirez, of the Los Angeles-based vegan eatery and community Todo Verde, recently released her cookbook, La Vida Verde. Filled with plant-based recipes of the traditional Mexican and South American dishes we grew up eating at our abuela’s house, it’s a perfect gift to help your friend or prima who has been talking about going vegan to actually take the culinary plunge. Signed copies of the cookbook and ingredient bundles are available at todoverde.org/cookbook.
Beautyblender
Beautyblender is a great stocking stuffer for beauty enthusiasts. Created by celebrity Latina makeup artist Rea Ann Silva, this award-winning makeup sponge blends for a flawless natural look. The 2020 holiday collection also includes limited edition sets, though we’re sure the brand’s signature pink sponge would be an equal hit. Both are available at beautyblender.com.
Chingona Inc
Chingona Inc. offers an empowered version of the classic Mexican card game lotería for the chingonas in your life. The 54 cards, designed by founder Viridiana Osio, celebrate the many hats Latinas wear, like la trabajadora social and la enfermera, and each set comes with a bag of pink beans. The online shop also offers mugs, shirts, and other wearables to proudly represent your Latina culture.
Now that you know what to gift your squad, here’s a tip: With safety precautions in place for the Covid-19 pandemic, it’s important to plan ahead if you are mailing your gifts. Delivery dates are delayed for both small business owners and the US Postal Service.
Finally, you can also shop Luz Collective and add an Allergic to Machismo tee to your shopping cart or get your boss a Jefa mug. Check out our shop and get your orders in soon to have Luz for the Holidays!
