5 Latino-Owned Stores That Celebrates Latino Culture

As the gift-giving season approaches, business owners know just what to do: price markdowns, promos, discounts, and day to day themes like Black Friday, and a day later, the Small Business Saturday.

Small Business Saturday was first observed in the United States and continues to gain popularity due to the rising number of conscious shoppers who have begun redirecting their support to local independently run small businesses. It serves as a counter mechanism to the lavish, unreasonable spending during Black Friday sale which is ironic for its name because instead of saving from discounts, most people actually consume even more things they don't even need.

Small Business Saturday is the perfect time to support Latino entrepreneurs. Buying from these businesses gives you a more personal shopping experience because their products speak of Latino heritage as well as the struggles of the immigrants in U.S.A., truly for Latinos by Latinos.

Here are 5 Latino businesses you can shop on Small Business Saturday.

1. Anima Mundi

Spirituality is embedded in Latino culture that is why Anima Mundi is the perfect store if you are looking for items like elixirs, tonics, herbs and "spirit tools." And talk about social entrepreneurship, Costa Rican-owned apothecary shop is sourcing directly from Indigenous communities within Central and South Americas, so buying from them supports fair trade practices and small farmers.

If you are looking for some plant-based remedies for that detoxifying you've been meaning to do, which is something, you can totally gift yourself this season. Or if you want to add some to your friend's growing crystal collection, you can check out this store.

2. GRL TRBL

If you are one who is usually particularly vocal with your political and social principles, you should check out GRL TRBL. Make a statement with their pins, illustrations and accessories This store doesn't only sell cute tees and accessories but proudly combats sociopolitical issues like racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, ableism, classism and more.

3. Azteca Negra

Wear your culture as a fashion statement with Azteca Negra. They sell handmade jewelry and accessories which are originally designed and crafted with natural or up-cycled resources. They also use Mexican cambaya fabric so you are sure on its aesthetic and quality. According to their site, Azteca Negra "is where Indigenous and modern art, fashion and culture intersect."

You can choose from a variety of items including of beautiful head wraps in bold, vibrant colors like pink, purple, red and yellow.

4. The Flower Child Bruja

The Flower Child Bruja is the go-to shop if you are looking for plant-based wearable art pieces and other items such as smudge sticks, raw or tumbled crystals and herbs you can use in sacred rituals to purify your energy or use in crystal meditations.

The Flower Child Bruja is the brainchild of Taylor Cordova, an artist and "bruja-born, educated raised" from Phoenix, Arizona.

5. Anda Pa'l

Anda Pa'l is an online shop founded in 2015 by a Puerto Rican based in Seattle who wanted to create pieces that celebrate the Caribbean. Looking for a makeup pouch or a tote bag? The store sells unique handprinted canvas pieces which features fun and witty sayings, like "Nadie me quita lo bailao" and "te amo > I love you." There are also ones printed with the Puerto Rican map and has vegan leather straps.

The owner of Anda Pa'l envisions to help Puerto Ricans feel connected to home no matter where they are in the globe.

What do you like from this list? Do you have something else in mind? After finishing off your roasted turkey during Thanksgiving and isolating yourself from very tempting Black Friday sales, get up and get out of the house to join Small Business Saturday, but only buy the items you really need! By supporting Latino entrepreneurs, you don't only help their businesses grow, you also give something to the communities they work with.