Don’t Pack for Summer Without These Latina-Owned Must-Haves
It’s finally June! Other than proving that time flies by, that means summer is on the horizon. As temperatures change, so does our list of must-haves. Whether you just want a changeover or are planning a seasonal getaway, chances are you’re scrolling down e-shops and eyeing summer essentials.
If that’s the case, close those tabs. FIERCE got you covered.
Ahead of summertime, we rounded up everything you need to enjoy the hot weather season. Bonus points because we did our research and found the coolest Latina-owned brands to make your summer extra special.
Jewelry Meets Swimwear: DiciembreVeintinueve Is Ready for the Heat
Puerto Rican designer Gabriela Berlingeri, founder of DiciembreVeintinueve (D29), is best recognized for her handcrafted jewelry line. But did you know she is now stepping into the world of swimwear too? Yes, you read that right.
Her debut collection, aptly titled “Lo que esconde el sol,” finds inspiration in the sunset. Using this time of day as a metaphor for memories and emotions, the collection comprises 12 pieces. The designs feature prints, bold colors, and feminine silhouettes rooted in Puerto Rican heritage. Standout pieces include the Neva and Lirio tops, along with their matching bikini bottoms. This is def one of our fav Latina-owned summer brands.
Glow Up Season: Gente Beauty Has Bodycare Down to a Science
Marianne Fonseca is the mind behind Gente Beauty, a body care brand that combines Brazil’s natural richness with technology. With natural ingredients as its foundation, Gente Beauty offers a lymphatic drainage effect line. They also carry products designed to tackle cellulite. The lymphatic drainage effect body lotion and a body gua sha, intended to boost the lotion’s effect, are among the brand’s best sellers.
Your Guide to Latina-Owned Summer Brands Starts With Apaya’s It-Bags
Looking for a summer-ready, but stylish bag to carry your summer essentials? Look no further than Apaya, the brainchild of a Colombian sibling trio. The brand collaborates with Colombian head-of-household women artisans, who craft each piece by hand. With sustainability at its core, Apaya produces pieces using natural fibers and fabrics sourced from the Latin American Andean region. Their signature Cofre Bag is a favorite of international fashionistas and fashion editors.
ShadyVEU Is Serving Sun Protection With Serious Style
First-generation Latina Jasmin Molina and co. launched ShadyVEU, aiming to deliver protective eyewear for people with sunlight sensitivity. The brand’s eyewear features full UVA and UVB protection, as well as super dark tints. These qualities have quickly made ShadyVEU a favorite for people who suffer from sunlight-induced headaches and migraines.
While the brand stands out for its designs suited for outdoor sports, it also offers everyday eyewear with prices starting at $15.
Icon Status: Coco and Breezy Eyewear Is a Latina-Owned Summer Staple
Afro-Latina sisters Corianna and Brianna Dotson, best known as Coco and Breezy, founded the eponymous eyewear brand in 2009. With nothing but $1,000 in their pockets, the twin sisters moved to New York and built an eyewear empire. They quickly got the attention of superstars such as Rihanna and Alicia Keys. Prince even sported their iconic three-eye design to the American Music Awards.
Today, the producer and DJ duo sells their products at various retailers, including Nordstrom and Amazon. In fact, as per Latina, Coco and Breezy was the first “Black and Latinx-owned eyewear company to be sold at Nordstrom.”
Agua Bonita’s Aguas Frescas Are the Coolest Latina-Owned Summer Drinks
When she lost her job during the pandemic, Kayla Castañeda made “when life gives you lemons, make aguas frescas” her motto. The Latina jefa found inspiration in Mexican aguas frescas to launch a canned beverage business. Her take on the classic recipe, however, includes 80% less sugar and prioritizes saving fruit that would normally be discarded to landfills because it’s not “pretty” enough.
If you want to stay hydrated and refreshed during the summer, you have various Agua Bonita flavors to choose from!
JZD Brings Latina Power to Your Summer Fits
Latina power couple Jen and Veronica launched JZD in 2014. Initially selling T-shirts on Etsy, the pair found viral success with the JZD signature Pink Latina Power Tee. Despite the initial challenges, the couple has grown their business into a well-loved lifestyle brand.
In addition to apparel staples like tees and hoodies, JZD also offers loungewear and accessories. An essential for any hot summer day is, of course, a headwear product of your choosing. We’d go for a Latina power cap.
Luli Fama’s Swimwear Is Made to Turn Heads
Cuba-born and Miami-raised, Lourdes Hanimian launched Luli Fama in 2003. The swimwear and resortwear brand is recognized for its vibrant designs featuring bold prints, bright colors, and modern designs. Produced in Colombia, Luli Fama’s pieces are the perfect companion for a day out enjoying the beach or lounging poolside.
Keep It Light: Ere Perez Has the Summer Makeup Solution
Summer is not exactly a makeup-friendly season. Between humidity and heat, wearing makeup while sporting becomes a challenge. Conversely, you might not feel like wearing makeup during this time of the year. Australia-based, Latina-owned brand Ere Perez has the solution: non-GMO, vegan, and cruelty-free beauty products. Combining science and plant-based formulas, Ere Perez offers a range of makeup, skincare, and makeup tools.
The brand’s hero is a lightweight Oat Milk Foundation that provides just the right coverage without making your face feel cakey. Your skin, but better!
Soothe Your Sunburn With Latina-Owned La Parea Wellness
Women-operated La Parea Wellness offers a range of plant-based beauty and skincare products. Founded by Ecuadorian nurse and dermatology clinic manager Samanta Moise, the brand incorporates Andean ingredients in its formulas.
During summer, a must-have from the brand is the Picaboo Recovery Balm, which helps skin recover after a sunburn. The cream can also come in handy for skin burns or injuries.
Treelance Yoga Is the Chill Latina-Owned Summer Brand for Your Flow
Latina-owned family business Treelance Yoga is your go-to for yoga apparel and accessories. Founded by Karina Catellani, the brand carries tank tops, bodysuits, and underwear for yoga practice. With wellness in mind, Treelance Yoga also offers incense holders and journals handcrafted in Catellani’s hometown in Patagonia.
If you’re sharpening your yoga skills during the summer, browse through the brand’s organic cotton items.
Rizos Curls Has Everything Your Summer Hair Needs
Summer demands a special hair care routine. In addition to addressing common issues like frizz, our hair requires extra hydration.
The popular Latina-owned brand Rizos Curls offers all the products you might need for your hair, both during summer and beyond. Hydrating shampoos, repair masks, scalp care products, and haircare tools are some of the brand’s must-haves. We recommend the Vitamin C Hair Repair Mask, retailing at $30.
