Anyone who is passionate about human rights and social responsibility, and is critical of capitalism and corporate greed, probably feels pretty powerless in America right now.
Still, money talks in this country, and even if you’re not a millionaire, your money has the power to help drive change.
By being intentional in where you shop and how spend your money, you are sending a message about what matters to you. So, by prioritizing companies and brands that are immigrant women-owned, you’re not only giving an “F you” to all of the greedy white-man-owned mega-corporations, but you’re also investing in a marginalized group of people, giving them more power.
It’s gross that we even have to strategize like this, but if we have to play the game, we might as well play to win.
Admittedly, finding immigrant women-owned brands takes a bit of research, which requires time that a lot of us don’t have. So, I did some of the leg work to help you out a bit and found some really great places for you to check out. Read about them below.
1. Ser Paraíso
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Ser Paraíso is a small business owned by Mexican immigrant Diana Castro. Here you’ll find all kinds of bright, fun paper goods with original designs. If you need a little inspiration in your life, check out the Energía Intention Card Deck or the Intention Journal. You can also find greeting cards, calendars, and art prints that are great for framing for decoration.
2. NEOCOCO
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By shopping at NEOCOCO, you’re not only supporting Amrita Thadani, an immigrant from India, but you’ll also be investing in a company that provides sustainable jobs for women refugees and manufactures its products in America. The company carries a wide range of products including clothing, accessories, and home goods. Everything sold by NEOCOCO is ethically made by workers who are paid a living wage and help keep the company (and its mission) running.
3. Olori
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If you’re on the hunt for a new bag, clutch, or wallet, then check out Olori, which was founded by Nigerian immigrant Tomide Awe. All of the products are absolutely gorgeous and incredibly well-made. And, in addition to getting a new accessory, you’ll also be contributing to tuition costs for an underprivileged girl, as a portion of all of Olori’s profits is donated to non-profit organizations dedicated to ensuring access to education for kids around the world.
4. Ade + Ayo
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If you’re a caregiver to a child, then you should definitely check out Nigerian-Canadian immigrant Temidayo Adeokun’s company Ade + Ayo, where you’ll find baby and toddler clothing, blankets, pacifier clips, baby essentials, bedding, and more. All of the products are made from high-quality materials and are inspired by African prints. It’s perfect for anyone who is on the hunt for a baby/toddler product that isn’t covered in traditional cheesy prints and colors.
5. Ejona Label
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Nigerian immigrant Adejoke Jagunna is the woman behind Ejona Label, a luxury pajama brand. All of the pajamas and accessories are carefully designed and made with super soft fabrics that feel good on the skin. Adejoke says the inspiration behind the brand came from her own experience as she moved into adulthood and wanted something nicer than her go-to pajama sets, which consisted of old college tees and a random pair of pants or shorts.
Honorable Mentions
All of these brands are absolutely fantastic, but this is just scraping the surface of the many amazing immigrant-women-owned brands to shop. A few more worth mentioning include:
- Natali Koromoto, a clothing and home brand founded by Venezuelan immigrant artist Natali Koromoto Martinez
- Our Place, a cookware and dinnerware brand founded by Pakistani immigrant Shiza Shahid
- Glamnetic, a lash and nail brand founded by Thai immigrant Ann McFerran
- Grey Slate, a sustainable clothing brand founded by Bangladeshi immigrant Saima Chowdhury
- Good Food for Good, an organic food brand founded by Indian immigrant Richa Gupta
Remember, where you spend your money matters in America, and it’s always better to opt for small minority-owned businesses whenever possible. By shopping at these companies, you’ll be making a statement about what matters to you. Not to mention, it doesn’t hurt that you’ll also get to walk away from your little act of activism with a gorgeous, well-made product.
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