7 Afro-Latinx-Owned Brands That Need to Be on Your Radar
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Black-owned indie brands are finally getting the love and recognition they deserve. But despite being part of the Black diaspora, Afro-Latinxs are often left out of the conversation. Even though Afro-Latinxs exist across the states and in all of Latin America — there isn't a single country in Latin America that doesn't have a Black demographic — they are still many times erased from Latinidad. As a result, quite a few have launched their own brands in recent years that speak to the duality of their unique cultural experiences being both Black and Latinx. These lifestyle brands also pay homage to the reclaiming and celebration of their African roots.
Whether it's skin and hair care, fashion, jewelry, or even lingerie, there's a plethora of quality products being offered by these creative entrepreneurs and not enough time to find and try them all. With that being said, we've rounded up some of our favorite brands and services by Afro-Latinxs of all backgrounds that inspire, empower, and make you feel good. Keep scrolling to find out what they're are all about — and discover some products you'll immediately love.
— Additional reporting by Johanna Ferreira
Turbantes & Balantas
Angélica Balanta, also known as Miss Balanta, has several careers under her belt: graphic designer, fashion photographer, fashion stylist, blogger, model, and now fashion designer. Her brand, Turbantes & Balantas, started after she grew up watching her mom use a turban in the house. She felt the need to reflect African culture in Colombia, which inspired the use of specific designs and fabrics as a piece of art.
Its products: Headbands and turbans.
Bubbly Moon Naturals
Afro-Puerto Rican Marshalla Ramos-Inde needed nonirritating skin care that was also hydrating and natural. Inspired by her abuela, who was a soap maker and herbalist, she started her brand, Bubbly Moon Naturals, in 2014.
Its products: Soaps, lotions, deodorants, and scrubs that are vegan, sustainable, and perfect for all genders.
Yo Soy AfroLatina
Yo Soy AfroLatina was started by Bianca Kea as a celebration of Latinx culture, which is just as diverse as it is rich in pride. Growing up in Detroit, Kea didn't feel "Latina enough" because she didn't relate to what she saw on TV. However, after traveling to her mom's native Mexico, she finally understood her Latinidad.
Its products: Sweaters, T-shirts, dad hats, pins, and mugs that acknowledge, celebrate, and honor Afro-Latinidad while being super edgy and chic.
Rizos Curls
Julissa Prado battled to accept her curly hair, and after she couldn't find products suited to her different textures, she created her own with quality and natural ingredients that turned into Rizos Curls.
Its products: Shampoo, conditioner, curl cream, detangling spray, styling tools, and hair accessories.
Memosas
Yaireth Cruz wanted everyone who identifies as a woman to discover their "sexy selves" and leave behind their insecurities when buying lingerie. She created a platform where clients fill out a questionnaire with their likes and style, and based on their taste, Cruz chooses three sets that the client will see for the first time when they open their package.
"Unlike what society has taught us for years, we don't need anyone to feel sexy and secure," Cruz tells POPSUGAR.
Its products: Beautiful lingerie sets customized for your needs, likes, and boundaries.
Jam + Rico
Lisette Scott started her brand after trips to her grandparents' homelands of Jamaica and Puerto Rico inspired her to create and design. The colors, carnivals, art, and love for heritage sparked the need to create a cultural connection to her ancestors. Jam + Rico (Jamaica and Puerto Rico) is the love child, and the pieces couldn't be more beautiful.
Its products: Custom nameplate necklaces, gold bangles, and colorful hoops and earrings.
FOR TMRW
Afro-Dominican and Puerto Rican beauty entrepreneur Maia Alejandro launched her own nontoxic and clean-beauty nail polish in 2020, after experiencing health issues while pregnant with her twin daughters. She wanted to create a brand that was safe for everyone but especially for women of color, who are disproportionately affected by unsafe ingredients in their beauty products.
"My aunt taught me how to paint my nails when I was a little girl, and we would spend weekends practicing and making our own face masks," Alejandro tells POPSUGAR in a previous interview. "It made me feel so creative, and I'm super thankful for the confidence these experiences gave me in treating myself at home and allowing myself simple luxuries."
Its products: FOR TMRW carries a number of polishes in an array of shades, a base and topcoat, and bundles.