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SHOP & SUPPORT
25 + AAPI, Black and Hispanic/Latinx Businesses You Can Explore Right Now
By Sophia Anderson & Ashley Hult
SEPT-OCT 2021 ISSUE
SteelCraft Garden Grove — an outdoor food hall with some of the region’s best culinary offerings, housed in repurposed shipping containers with a setting designed for community gatherings and connection — celebrated Southern California’s diversity with its summer-long Summer Culture Series. The series of free, fun events focused on diversity and inclusion and brought together community leaders, vendors, makers and performers from the Asian American Pacific Islander community (July 24) and the Black community (Aug. 21) and will celebrate the Hispanic/Latinx culture on September 18.
AAPI MAKERS
Sach Candles
Sach Candles was founded by Vietnamese American couple Tram and Kevin Nguyen, who wanted to pay homage to their culture in an environmentally conscious way. Sach means "clean" in Vietnamese and is a tribute to the fact that their candles are made with all-natural coconut wax and packaged in recyclable glass jars labeled with hand-cut sugar cane paper. Tram and Kevin seek to create sustainable, high-quality candles that are financially accessible, especially for immigrants like them who live in LA. IG: @SACHGOODS
Photo credit courtesy of Sach Candles
Fig and Stone
Photo credit courtesy of Shop Fig and Stone
Based in Southern California, Fig and Stone was founded by sisters Rachel and Victoria Masai. The sisters were inspired to begin selling minimal earthy-toned home decor made out of concrete because of their own desire for peaceful and functional spaces in their homes. Rachel and Victoria love home decor because of its ability to evoke positive emotions and remind owners of a person or place. Fig was chosen for the name to represent the new beginning for the entrepreneurs as they ventured into new territory with their business.
IG: @SHOPFIGANDSTONE
Wild Fleur Co.
Christina Rubiano started Wild Fleur Co. in 2020, selling floral arrangements made from dried flowers and grasses. She creates custom arrangements in addition to her pre-made stock, used in weddings and as home decor. Christina recently hosted her first beachfront workshop in Huntington Beach, where she taught guests how to make their own floral wreaths.
IG: @WILDFLEUR.COLLECTIVE
Photo credit courtesy of Wold Fleur Co.
Less is More
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Aisha Ross curates, alters and sells vintage clothing via her Instagram shop, Less is More. She began selling thrifted clothing as a side hustle in 2020 but has since made it her full-time job. Aisha’s passion for sustainable fashion also inspired her packaging — she ships her second-hand clothing in recycled paper and biodegradable mailers. IG: @LESSISMORE_
Photo credit courtesy of Less is More
Meris Creations
Meris Creations is an online store featuring handmade jewelry, including custom pieces made using ethically sourced crystals. The store's moniker is a tribute to its founder's grandfather, whose middle name was Meris and whose spirit influences each product. The crystal pieces are not only made with intention and purpose, they are created to provide high-quality, affordable jewelry suitable for sensitive skin. Meris Creations also highlights important issues on its Instagram, such as women's rights, Indigenous peoples, Black Americans and the founder's fellow Filipino Americans.
Photo credit courtesy of Meris Creations
With Love Bangtan
Photo credit courtesy of With Luv Bangtan
This online store based in Orange County sells sweatshirts inspired by the K-pop group, BTS (also known as the Bangtan Boys). The shop recently released a 2021 spring/summer clothing collection, and all of its hoodies, crewnecks and sweatpants feature a BTS member's name. Linda Sreewaron started by making BTS hoodies for her friends in 2020, and after receiving so much positive feedback on Twitter, she began selling them in February 2021. Her goal? To make high-quality BTS merchandise that is simple enough to wear over and over. WITHLUVBANGTAN.COM and
BLACK OWNED BUSINESSES
Elisamama
Nigerian native Fisayo Che founded Elisamama to provide consistent income for clothing artisans in Nigeria, as 50 percent of individuals in the country are unemployed or underemployed. Fisayo economically empowers a small group of clothing artisans by selling their creations in her online store that features fun, colorful dresses and jumpsuits for young girls and their mothers, as well as vibrant printed shirts for boys. Her clothing is meant to promote joy and effortlessly transition from playtime to parties. ELISAMAMA.COM
Photo credit courtesy of Fisayo Che
LOT XI
Photo credit courtesy of LOT XI
LOT XI was co-founded by mother-daughter duo Krystyl and Cynthia Wright. LOT XI, also known as the "Urban Apothecary," is based in Compton, Calif., and sells self-care products and a specialty line of products for men. All products are handmade using locally sourced, organic and environmentally safe ingredients. On its website, you can find candles, body butters, lip balms and face masks, as well as gift baskets that combine multiple products. LOT XI is deeply involved in the community and social justice causes, and donates quarterly to organizations in Compton. Visitors to the website can also read a blog with tips for mindfulness, self-care and spirituality. IG: @LOT_XI
Nena's Organics
Nena Walker-Addison used insight from her experience with dermatitis to found Nena's Organics. She sells organic, plant-based skincare products, CBD products, hair care, beverages and more. Nena's products are made with love and without harmful chemicals or preservatives, and she offers products suited to her customers' individual needs. The success of her business lies in the compassion Nena has for those seeking relief from various skin ailments. Her website also features articles written about her products and general skincare information. NENAORGANICS.COM and IG: @NENAS_ORGANICS
Photo credit courtesy of Nena's Organics
Just Succ It
Photo credit courtesy of Just Succ It
When her job as a social worker and corporate wellness coach was halted due to the pandemic, Andrea Chasse-Galbreath turned her small succulent business into a full-time national brand. Just Succ It offers small individual succulents, larger succulent arrangements and gift packages designed for celebrations of life, success, friendship and health. She also sells novelty cups, pots and candles featuring punny (and often sassy!) succulent-related quotes. Those interested in working with Andrea can schedule a consultation via her website. JUSTSUCCIT.COM and IG: @JUSTSUCCIT
Brownhaze
LA-based Brownhaze was founded in 2018 to provide sustainable jewelry that makes the beauty of the natural world accessible and wearable for both men and women. It offers bracelets, earrings and necklaces made of silver, stone, wood and leather. Brownhaze aims to eventually provide job opportunities for youth aging out of the foster care system, furthering this business' connection not only to the natural world but to the community. BROWNHAZEJEWELRY.COM and
IG: @BROWNHAZESHOP
Photo credit courtesy of Brown Haze
House of Mosaic
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Photo credit courtesy of House of Mosaic
Toni Shaw began developing her own formula for candle-making in 2016, and has since created a line of quality candles made with a vegan blend of coconut-soy wax, phthalate-free fragrance and 100-percent cotton wicks. She also makes custom-scented candles for events and special occasions upon request. Fun fact: One candle is inspired by former First Lady Michelle Obama! In addition to candles, Toni offers candle-making classes and sells pins, soap, notecards and hand sanitizer. Customers can subscribe to receive a monthly box of four candles to sample new scents before they are listed on the website. HOUSEOFMOSAICCANDLES.COM and
IG: @HOUSEOFMOSAIC
Terminal B
Founded by LA natives Fay and Chris Breedlove, this line of luxury candles is inspired by the scents of different travel destinations. They have visited 44 cities, 14 countries and five continents — each of their candles' scents represents one of those places. All candles have a tasteful, black matte finish and labels featuring an airport code for the location that inspired the scent. Additionally, the candles are hand-poured using premium paraffin wax and will burn for 40 hours when cared for properly. Fay and Chris seek to "create an olfactory journey of wanderlust," sharing their travel experiences with customers via delicious smells.
IG: @TERMINALBSTORE
Photo credit courtesy of Terminal B
KellyMade
Kelly Anderson spent three years developing her craft before she was confident enough in her resin skills to sell at her first show. She now offers myriad resin earrings that she hopes will "add a little sparkle to everyone's lobes and life." In addition to her pre-made stock, which includes small studs and hanging earrings of varying sizes, she creates custom jewelry using designs suggested by her customers. Kelly handcrafts every pair of earrings in her home studio in Marina del Rey using eco-friendly resin, paint and glitter, with stainless steel earring posts. She also makes glasses, mugs and pins, many of which feature slogans related to causes she is passionate about. IG: @ITSKELLYMADE
Photo credit courtesy of Kelly Made
Clay by Kimberleigh
Kimberleigh Aarn handmakes functional and decorative ceramic pottery, which she sells via her Etsy shop, Clay by Kimberleigh. She is a resident of North Hollywood and makes her pottery in the Xiem Clay Center in Pasadena. Kimberleigh's products come in various earthy tones and are covered in a smooth glaze, making them the perfect balance of rustic and professional. She also makes custom pottery upon request, and her online store is flooded with enthusiastic reviews praising her work — it’s no surprise that she has a unanimous five-star rating. ETSY.COM/SHOP/CLAYBYKIMBERLEIGH and
Photo credit courtesy of Clay by Kimberleigh
Queen Midas Gold
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Milan Imani created Queen Midas Gold to pay homage to her father, Sika Dwimfo, a significant figure in the LA community. Sika has made wirework jewelry in LA’s Leimert Park since the 1970s and is known as the "master jeweler of Leimert Park.” Sika is now 80 years old, but Milan continues his legacy by crafting intricate golden nose cuffs. Her Etsy shop offers different nose cuff designs, all handmade using gold-filled wire. Milan's expertise in jewelry-making and her reverence for her father is evident in every piece.
ETSY.COM/SHOP/SIKADWIMFO and IG: @SIKADWIMFO
Photo credit courtesy of Queen Midas Gold
Tamra Copper LA
Tamra Copper LA, founded in 2017, now retails across the country in 23 states, with 18 locations in California. Its copper water bottles intersect function and spirituality, each engraved with one of five intentions (love, peace, balance, et cetera). Not only is copper antimicrobial, making it the cleanest possible material for a water bottle, but each product is also crafted in connection with the holistic healing concept of Ayurveda. Tamra Copper LA sells other products such as Marma sticks for hand massages, crystals to clear your aura and copper moons to charge your crystals. All their products are meant to nourish your body and spirit and are connected to the three dashas (or bodily humors) of Ayurveda. TAMRACOPPER.COM and IG: @TAMRACOPPERLA
Photo credit courtesy of Tamra Copper LA
HISPANIC/LATINX
Terrasage Home
Terrasage Home first began as a pop-up in March 2019, and soon after began providing its high-quality and gorgeous goods to local retailer Good on Orange. After gaining a stronger following, the company opened its first flagship location at SteelCraft Long Beach. This SoCal-based designer plant and home decor company provides top-quality decor items, plant goods and styling services to the local plant communities in Long Beach.
IG: @TERRASAGE_HOME
Photo credit courtesy of Terrasage Home
Lavish Bliss
Lavish Bliss is rooted in providing a community that promotes motherhood, kindness and inspiration. Its clothing shines with shirts and accessories featuring inspiring messages about being a parent, perfect to share with a mother in your life. LAVISHBLISSCO.COM and
IG: @LAVISHBLISS.CO
Photo credit courtesy of Lavish Bliss
Luna Reece
Drawing inspiration from her love of mid-century modern aesthetic, shop owner Andrea Luna Reece wanted to create ceramic pieces that are functional and usable. Andrea wants people to have a piece of her work that brings them joy while adding a modern and fresh vibe to any space. Shop bowls, planters, wall hangings, wall vases and more on Luna Reece's online shop. LUNAREECE.COM and
Photo credit courtesy of Luna Reece
Hermosa Fashion House
Hermosa Fashion House is an online boutique fit for the modern woman, providing the latest fashion trends. The store's premium basics and accessories elevate any woman's wardrobe for any season. Visit Hermosa Fashion House on Instagram for the latest on its pop-up events and OOTD inspiration.
Photo credit courtesy of Hermosa Fashion House
Shop Celestial
Based in Santa Ana, this Latina-owned business is rooted in believing that dreams should be followed. Owners Celeste and David met on Instagram, and both came from humble beginnings and grew up with greater desire. Their goal with Celestial is to empower other women to dream big and go for their goals. The shop sells clothing, jewelry and other accessories made with empowerment.
IG: @SHOPCELESTIAL
Photo credit courtesy of Shop Celestial
HAI Fashion Botique
HAI Fashion Boutique offers customers the ability to shop the season's trendiest clothes at affordable prices. The shop features dresses, blouses and tops perfect for a night out or a Sunday brunch.
Shop Miau
Shop Miau offers a wide selection of clothes to add to your wardrobe, from workout sets to everyday tops to dresses and rompers. These essentials are perfect for building out the basics in your closet or adding some new ones to the mix. SHOPMIAU.COM and IG: @SHOP_MIAU
Mi Epoca De Oro
Based in Santa Ana, this Latina-owned shop aims to reaffirm women that the time is now to start working on their dreams and goals. The store hopes that its curated pieces of mixed metal jewelry help provide that extra boost of confidence to seize one's journey. MIEPOCADEORO.COM and
IG: @MIEPOCADEORO
Gwendolina
Look no further than Gwendolina for original artwork, prints and stickers. Wendy, the shop’s artist, makes an assortment of work inspired by different animated characters with her own creative spin. Visit Gwendolina's Instagram to view Wendy’s latest works and make a request for your very own commissioned original artwork. IG: @GW3NDOLINA
Greda Co.
Established in 2019, Greda Co. sells handcrafted, small-batch, modern clay goods in Orange County. From handmade clay and metal earrings to necklaces, amp up your wardrobe with these unique accessories made in a variety of prints or solid colors. GREDACO.COM and IG: @GREDA_CO
Made By LA Inc.
Find your new favorite graphic tee crafted at Made By LA Inc. The shop sells various T-shirts inspired by the West Coast and California with fun prints and colors. Stay tuned for Made By LA Inc.'s official website launch, but in the meantime, shop its Esty store! ETSY.COM/SHOP/MADEBYLAINC and IG: @MADEBYLAINC