Kara Pérez’s 10 Fave Items From Latina-Owned Brands

Welcome to Mis Favoritas! A special shopping guide curated by Latina influencers and content creators who are part of the HL community and are well-versed in the items all Latinas need to have. From Latina-owned brands to big-name brands that carry the essentials, these mujeres are highlighting their favorites in fashion, home decor, and accessories. Each guide will be themed to provide the best of the best in their respective categories in a variety of price points for all needs.

Putting our money into the Latina community is a good idea any time of year, but especially during the holiday season. Amazon doesn’t need $120! But a small business does. These Latina-owned companies are making great products, and I want to support them with the dollars so they can continue to make great products year after year. – Kara Pérez

Disclosure: Every product is independently selected by the guest influencer. Items purchased through our links may earn us a commission.

1. Bonita Fierce Mucho Amor Candle Tin

If the name of the Mucho Amor Candle Tin sounds familiar, that’s because it was inspired by the late Puerto Rican astrologist Walter Mercado who would often say the phrase, “mucho, mucho amor.” The mood is Fruity Floral Love Spell with notes of apple, peach, grapefruit, and cherry blossom. Your space will smell like a blissful retreat. The candle comes in a reusable tin and burns between 25 and 30 hours. Since every candle is hand poured in small batches, you receive a one-of-a-kind product. 

Bonita Fierce Mucho Amor Candle Tin, $16, available at bonitafiercecandles.com.

2. Vida Bars Shampoo & Conditioner 

Vida Bars is dedicated to caring for your curls and the environment. Kara Pérez says, “No plastic waste! Have used for almost 2 years.” The sustainable hair care brand ditches plastic containers and delivers products in eco-friendly packaging. Their shampoo and conditioner bars are created specifically for curly hair, helping to nourish and revitalize various hair types and textures. Plus, their products are cruelty-free and made without harmful ingredients. Items are available as singles, in pairs, and in sets. The brand has received five-star reviews from over 11,000 satisfied customers. 

Vida Bars Shampoo & Conditioner Bars, $9-$35, available at thevidabars.com.

3. JZD Tu Vive Sweatshirt

The Tu Vive Sweatshirt (Sage) from JZD encourages Latinxs to seize the day in a fearless way. The lifestyle brand is all about creating apparel that empowers the person who’s wearing it. The phrase on the sweatshirt is embroidered by the JZD team and says, “Te van a criticar por todo. Tú vive.” (“They’re going to criticize you for everything. You live.”) The message is to go after what makes you happy no matter what others may say.  

JZD Tu Vive Sweatshirt (Sage), $58, available at shopjzd.com. 

4. El Chilito Hot Sauce 10 oz. Bottle

“You always need more hot sauce.” If you feel the same, then add the El Chilito Hot Sauce 10 oz. Bottle to your cocina pantry. It’s truly made with love as it’s a family recipe that has been passed down within the Gonzales household. Sisters Debbie, Rubi, and Evelyn learned it from their father and wanted to share its spicy sabor with others. The original hot sauce was made by their great grandmother in Sahuayo, Michoacán, Mexico. It tastes great on eggs, pizza, tacos, wings, and so much more.

El Chilito Hot Sauce 10 oz. Bottle, $12, available at elchilitohotsauce.com. 

5. Holler Sailing in Monaco Sunglasses

Holler is an eyewear brand based in Guatemala. They specialize in stylish sunglasses that offer quality at a budget-friendly price. The Sailing in Monaco Sunglasses are lightweight and durable. Their minimalist design makes it easy to pair them with different outfits. They’re equipped with TAC lenses that reduce glare, providing greater vision clarity. Expect 100% UV protection and a comfortable fit. Whether you’re laying out on la playa or dining outdoors, these sunglasses will help protect your vision in a fashionable way.  

“Look chic and support Latinas.”

Holler Sailing in Monaco Sunglasses, $49.12, available at hollerworld.com.

6. Tragos Original Party Card Game

Tragos founder Carolina Acosta is a U.S.-born Latina with Colombian and Dominican roots. She wanted to create a game that helped the Latinx community connect with our heritage in a fun way. The Tragos Original Party Card Game is great to play with family and friends. The cards are bilingual and filled with Latinx cultural references that will make you laugh out loud and stir up nostalgia. Since it’s a drinking game, the cards are water-resistant in case there are any spills. So far, it’s received a 5 star rating out of 277 reviews. This game is sure to entertain guests at your next fiesta! 

Tragos Original Party Card Game, $19.99, available at tragosgame.com.

7. Cultura and Cash by Giovanna González

Managing finances is already challenging, but it can be even more difficult when you’re a first gen Latina. In Cultura and Cash, Giovanna González discusses cultural and systemic barriers that first gen experience. She also shows you how to make smart money decisions without feeling overwhelmed. Learn how to build your credit, budget, invest, and more. After reading this book, you’ll have a healthier relationship with your finances and be on your way to financial wellness.

Cultura and Cash, $17.62, available at bookshop.org.

8. The Libra Puzzle Co. Brunch at Alejandra’s by Eugenia Hernández 

The Libra Puzzle Co. specializes in puzzles that are made sustainably and offer a different type of diversion. For Brunch at Alejandra’s, they collaborated with Argentinian illustrator Eugenia Hernández. The artist was inspired by nature, sisterhood, and daily life when creating the concept for this 500-piece jigsaw puzzle. It’s a reminder to enjoy the simple things in life and slow down. The puzzle is a great way to exercise your brain and enjoy watching every piece come together. 

“Get off [your] screens and make something with your hands!”

Brunch at Alejandra’s by Eugenia Hernández, $20, available at etsy.com.

9. Atabey Coffee

“Start your day by supporting Latinas with your cup of café!” Dominican coffee is this brand’s specialty. They source green coffee beans directly from the Dominican Republic and freshly roast them at their facility in Los Angeles. They have a variety of options to suit your tastes. Enjoy notes of cranberry scone and vanilla flowers in their Magnolia Blend. Or, try the cane sugar and cacao flavors of the Washed Blend. Whichever you choose, your senses are sure to be awakened.

Atabey Coffee, $15.99-$30.99, available at atabeycoffee.com.

10. Vamarea Spanglish Greeting Cards

Express how much you care with a greeting card from Vamarea. The Chicana-owned small business crafts cards for all sorts of special occasions. Whether you want to wish someone a “feliz cumple” or just show how much you love them, you’re sure to find a tarjeta that captures the sentiment. Besides the heartfelt messages, the designs are vibrant and cheerful. 

“I think this is genius and they are so cute! Plus, who doesn’t love getting non-bill mail?”

Vamarea Spanglish Greeting Cards, $6.99, available at vamarea.com.