I've Decided To Buy Latinx In 2022

During my financial literacy journey, I have reflected on the true power that our dollars have. We speak to corporations and organizations with our spending power, showing them what we value and support by what we put our money towards. There is not a lack of Black- or Latinx- or other Minority-owned businesses, but rather a lack of exposure to them and just plain old stubborn consumer habits.

That is why I have challenged myself to focus on where I spend my bucks this upcoming year... 

I AM PUBLICLY COMMITTING TO ONLY BUYING FROM Latinx businesses IN 2022.

Every year during Black History Month and Hispanic Heritage month, we see temporary support for these non-white organizations and businesses. Yet, to create a long-term change for these businesses they need full-time support from not only their communities, but their entire countries. So I’m committing to buying from my Latinx for the entire year in two categories which I spend quite a bit of money – clothes and home goods.

There are so many businesses from which to choose — as you’ll see if you keep reading — and these Latinx-owned lifestyle businesses have it all. 

Lifestyle: home goods

Concrete geometric

Obsessed with plants? Cool, me too. Which is why I'm so excited that Concrete Geometric exists because not only can you but some super cute pots to put your plants in (like this one) but you can even make your own!

This Latinx owned company not only sells eco-concrete homewares but is coming out with team building classes for companies -- what is more fun than going into work one day and coming out with a piece of art?

The Honest Company

You might've heard that Jessica Alba has this little business venture you should check out: The Honest Company. Now a titan in natural home goods, toiletries, and children’s essentials this Latina has become a household name. I really wish she had some stuff over in Australia! ​

TROPICAL DEPRESSION

I'm really being drawn to modern, minimal art lately and TROPICAL DEPRESSION (TD) nails it. Roy Delgado is a self-taught artist, originally from San Juan, Puerto Rico.  He makes unique, handcrafted pieces mixing Caribbean nostalgia with a modern sensibility. I love what he has done to bring carefully thought-out pieces into the homes. How beautiful are these?! Can definitely see one above my drawers in my room in the near future.

Lucky No. Candles 

Each Lucky No. Candle has a crystal and scent that corresponds to its numerological assets - I freaking love how intentional this business is with their customers and the experience they get. The company uses vegan FDA approved soy and coconut wax made in California and their wood wicks are grown by farmers in the USA and burn clean and slow unlike most cotton wicks that produce excess soot, smoke, ash, and require regular trimming. ​The containers and packaging (all made in the U.S.) can be repurposed and recycled too— not just something that looks great on Instagram and not so great in a landfill. My lucky number (candle numero 7 is calling my name).

Mandana Blvd.

Founders Cristina Ramos and Nu Goteh "believe at the heart of every great home is timeless aesthetic shaped by the dweller's idea of what is essential, what is beautiful, and what brings joy." They began mandana blvd. after moving San Francisco and struggling to find furnishings. This rug is absolutely breathtaking (where I would put it, no idea, but shhh with that logic) and I NEED IT.

lifestyle: clothes & accessories

Dezsosara

​Founded in 2006 by Sara Beltrán, "Dezso" means desire in Latin... and trust me, you will be lusting for everything on their site. The great thing is that everything they are selling is ethically-sourced from the shells and shark teeth found on gorgeous Mexican beaches. Will I have to save up money to get these gorg earrings? Yup. But... worth it!

Cuyana

Karla  Gallardo started Cuyana alongside co-founder Shilpa Shah with the vision of creating a global design house that inspires intentional buying through pieces that are crafted with integrity. This powerhouse from Ecuador is currently the CEO while she  continues to share the fewer, better philosophy with women around the world.

I've already got one of their silk camis (a white one) but this pink one is calling my name!

Hija de tu madre

Hija De Tu Madre is a Latina lifestyle brand for girls that are obsessed with their cultura. They have cute clothes and accessories, not to mention adorable stuff to make your desk scream, "Una jefa trabaja aquí!"

Speaking of, I only have one mood: getting this shirt and continuing to make jefa moves in my 28th year.

pepa pombo

This Colombian ready-to-wear brand, specialized in knitwear since 1978... and continues to produce some timeless pieces.

The brand is very distinguished in the fashion designer’s home country, and is famous in Mexico and throughout France, Italy, the United States, Hungary and even Saudi Arabia. I love that Mexico is seen to translate throughout her work.

Definitely eyeing this cute blouse... hello statement piece!

paola vilas

I am loving jewelry that doubles as an artistic statement piece and Paola Villas is full of show-stopping items. I mean it says they are "wearable sculptures" by Brazilian-born designer Paola Vilas.  

It truly feels like the stuff they have on their site (like these STUNNING earrings) should be up in a museum instead of adorning my peasant ears.

grl collective

GRL Collective is a Latina founded lifestyle brand for grls that give a f*ck. The company donates 20% of their profits to fund girls education in India through their non-profit partners, The Sambhali Trust. GRL Collective designs all of their products and they believe in ethical, sustainable and fair-trade practices when it comes to manufacturing.  This means no sweat shops, only the best materials, and eco-friendly packaging. Win win win. Speaking of winning, kinda need these earirngs in my wardrobe.

the bottom line

​Supporting them is critical in dismantling racial inequality. Not only do these non-white owned businesses strengthen local communities (a recent study from Stanford University showed Latinx-owned businesses contributed about $500 billion to the economy in annual sales) and celebrate Latinx culture, but they also create more jobs and ultimately boost this historically marginalized group (over the past 10 years, the number of Latinx business owners grew 34%, compared to 1% for all business owners in the United States, according to the same Stanford study). So what are we waiting for?!

Who should I add on this list?