In The Community
Small Business Saturday isn’t just about snagging great products and gifts for our loved ones. It’s also about supporting businesses whose competition is giants like Amazon. Among them, there are plenty of Latino-owned businesses. From beauty products to wonderful clothes, these businesses offer so much more than just a shopping experience—they’re about culture and connection. Here are 8 Latino businesses to check out:
Nopalera
Photo by Peter Kalonji on UnsplashSandra Velasquez launched Nopalera to celebrate her Mexican roots and redefine what luxury beauty looks like. Inspired by the nopal cactus—a symbol of resilience in Mexican culture—her line of bath and body products is both sustainable and culturally significant. After appearing on Shark Tank in early 2023, Sandra made headlines for turning down an investment offer that undervalued her business. This bold move resonated with fans and further highlighted her mission to empower women and elevate heritage-inspired skincare. From soaps to exfoliants, every Nopalera product feels like a love letter to Mexican culture.
Hija de tu Madre
Patty Delgado founded Hija de tu Madre to fill a glaring gap in the fashion world—clothes that unapologetically celebrate Latina identity. What started with just $500 has grown into a global brand that empowers Latinas through vibrant designs, witty slogans, and cultural pride. Patty didn’t stop there. She also created National Jefa Day to celebrate Latina hustlers, showing the world what resilience and ambition look like. Whether it’s a statement tee or colorful accessories, Hija de tu Madre is a must for anyone who loves bold fashion with deeper meaning.
Kitsch
Photo by Photoholgic on UnsplashWhat started as handmade elastic hair ties has evolved into a beauty empire. Colombian-American entrepreneur Cassandra Morales Thurswell’s Kitsch offers cruelty-free, eco-friendly products that transform everyday haircare. From silk pillowcases to styling tools, every product is made with sustainability in mind. With its clean, recyclable packaging and products that actually work, Kitsch proves that beauty doesn’t have to come at the planet’s expense.
Blank Tag Co.
Photo by Jose Hernandez-Uribe on UnsplashWhen Remi Silva and Alondra Carbajal traveled to Tokyo, they fell in love with the vibrant sticker culture. That inspiration led to Blank Tag Co., a business that celebrates diversity and creativity through its unique designs. Their stickers range from cultural icons to nature themes, making them perfect for personalizing everything from laptops to water bottles. Plus, their rewards program keeps customers coming back for more. Blank Tag Co. isn’t just selling stickers—it’s building a community of self-expression.
Ocoa Beauty
Photo by zana pq on UnsplashTired of products that didn’t work for their curls, Dominican sisters Cory and Nicol Varona took matters into their own hands. Enter Ocoa Beauty, a line of clean haircare products designed specifically for curly hair. Their four-step system includes shampoo, conditioner, curl cream, and a defining gel, all formulated to embrace natural beauty. Ocoa is more than just haircare—it’s a movement that reclaims the beauty of textured hair and celebrates cultural identity.
Reina Rebelde
Photo by Chalo Garcia on UnsplashRegina Merson’s Reina Rebelde isn’t just a makeup line; it’s a celebration of fierceness and individuality. Growing up in Mexico, Regina fell in love with makeup while watching her mom and telenovelas like Rosa Salvaje. Today, her brand offers bold lipsticks, smoky eyeshadow palettes, and more, all inspired by Latina culture. Every shade tells a story, and every product is designed to make you feel like the most confident version of yourself.
Martha of Miami
Photo by Jonny Wardle on UnsplashMiami wouldn’t be Miami without its vibrant Cuban influence, and Martha of Miami captures that spirit in every product. Founded by Martha Valdes, this shop is famous for its “Cuban Bred” t-shirts, witty mugs, and culturally inspired pins. Whether it’s a cafecito-themed accessory or a playful reminder to "ponte las pilas," Martha of Miami keeps the Cuban-American experience alive and thriving.
Oh Comadre Candles
Photo by a l on UnsplashFor Marcella Gomez, candle-making started as therapy after long shifts as a nurse. Now, her brand Oh Comadre Candles brings warmth and comfort to homes everywhere.
Each soy-based, hand-poured candle is infused with scents that evoke cherished memories—think fresh guava, cinnamon, or warm café con leche. Oh Comadre isn’t just about candles; it’s about celebrating the heart and soul of Latino households.
When you shop from Latino-owned businesses, you’re doing more than just buying a product—you’re supporting cultural pride, sustainable practices, and the dreams of entrepreneurs who are changing the game. So, this Small Business Saturday (or anytime, really), consider skipping Amazon and shopping small.
Growing up, many of us heard about the awful ways in which weed would ruin your life. It was la planta del diablo. That negative (and mostly false) perception of cannabis is becoming less prevalent as more and more individuals embrace the plant for its healing properties. As States continue to legalize both the usage and possession of cannabis and approve it for both recreational and medicinal use, the industry continues to legitimize itself while consumers discover the myriad of uses.
Image shared by perfectunion on Instagram
Image shared by perfectunion on Instagram
With the industry being legalized in so many states, we are left to wonder where the Latine community stands. We know brown and Black individuals were, and continue to be, disproportionately criminalized for being consumers of cannabis, and as legalization becomes a reality in many states, we are fortunately starting to see less impact on these communities.
As states also attempt to address disproportionate access to wealth-building opportunities in the industry for those who were unfairly targeted and convicted of marijuana crimes, we are also seeing some semblance of hope as more people of color entrepreneurs enter the industry. Whether people of color are taking advantage of these new opportunities as entrepreneurs or as professionals in the space, the increase in diversity numbers is a win for everyone.
These five Latinas are making strides in the cannabis industry, and we hope that after them, come many more.
Roshelly & Shanelly Peña
Photo by latinas_cann on Instagram
Photo by latinas_cann on Instagram
Sisters Roshelly and Shanelly Pena, founders of Higher Dining Experience, have transformed their unexpected journey into cannabis-infused chefs. Their lifestyle cannabis brand combines Latin flavors with a touch of high times, offering savory power dishes, desserts, and mocktails. Higher Dining has become a sought-after destination for both cannabis enthusiasts and newcomers seeking flavorful experimentation. From THC-infused chimichurri with carne asada to guava chicken wings made with canna oil, their menu tantalizes the taste buds. The culinary series also provides a social and interactive experience, allowing guests to explore different strains, enjoy handmade pre-rolled joints, and indulge in microdosed creations.
Priscilla Vilchis
Photo by hollyweedqueen on Instagram
Photo by hollyweedqueen on Instagram
Priscilla Vilchis, a native Californian, recognized the potential of cannabis as an alternative to highly addictive prescription medications during her time in a physician's office. Becoming the first Latina in the US to obtain a license for cannabis production, she established Premium Produce, a Las Vegas-based cannabis facility where she serves as CEO. Vilchis has further expanded her entrepreneurial ventures by founding her own cannabis business, Reina.
Ruth Jazmin Aguiar
Photo by zamoravisuals on Instagram
Photo by zamoravisuals on Instagram
Ruth Jazmin Aguiar, a cannabis industry veteran, brings nearly a decade of experience in regulation, advocacy, licensing, strategy, and social equity. With expertise in business development within Spanish-speaking markets, she bridges the communication gap between entrepreneurs and government officials in California and beyond. In 2021, Aguiar joined Locatora Productions as the cannabis business manager for their podcast, Marijuanera: a Podcast for Potheads, expanding her career into mainstream media.
Frances González
Growing up in Puerto Rico, Frances González was told a lot of things about weed. Mainly, that it was a harmful drug not to be abused. After trying it at 22, González realized the misinformation around cannabis, and she went on to start Latina Cannapreneurs to combat the misinformation about the industry. Latina Cannapreneurs is a nonprofit organization that works to educate and empower Latinas about the cannabis industry and works to promote Latina entrepreneurship within the industry.
Susie Plascencia
Photo by Susie Plascencia on Facebook
Photo by Susie Plascencia on Facebook
Susie Plascencia is a multifaceted Latina journalist, entrepreneur, and cannabis advocate. As the founder and CEO of NightShift Digital and NightShift Cannabis, she utilizes her expertise in PR, social media marketing, and the cannabis industry. Plascencia's dedication to Latina representation led to the creation of Latinas in Cannabis, an influential online community that empowers and connects Latina entrepreneurs, content creators, educators, and advocates. Furthermore, she holds significant positions as the co-founder and CMO of MOTA Glass.