10 Caribbean Brands to Shop from this Holiday Season
written by Tiara Jade
The holiday season has finally arrived bringing sparkling lights, snow dusted trees, cozy nights and of course, the hunt for perfect gifts for our loved ones. Caribbean Collective is thrilled to bring our readers a holiday shopping guide featuring 10 brands and businesses that are Caribbean owned.
Whether you’re looking forward to in-person shopping this year, or prefer web browsing, we encourage everyone to find that one of a kind gift loved ones will appreciate this season, courtesy of Caribbean and woman-owned brands.
1.Avalah Beauty
For the skincare lover in your life, Brooklyn-based beauty company Avalah Beauty is your one stop shop for 100% all natural products. From skincare to haircare to beard care, Avalah’s products provide a spa-like experience using natural ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, argan oil and more. To complete the experience, they also make luxury soil candles, each custom decorated with dried herbs like lavender and rose petals.
2.Empressive Finds
For jewelry and accessories that are fit for a queen, check out Empressive Finds. Creator Alli takes inspiration from her childhood in the West Indies, and encourages Black women to “Be Empressive” by embracing feminine energy, regality and culture.
Empressive Finds pieces are influenced by a unique combination of Afro-Asiatic influence, including items like head wraps, nose chains and bindis. The combination is derived from a combination of Rasta Boboshanti culture, the Dravidians of India and the eclectic styles of Africa.
3. Fruits N’ Rootz
Fruitz N’ Rootz provides fresh, high quality tropical fruits right to your doorstep and makes a mighty impact on local communities while doing it. From sapodilla to star fruit, jelly coconuts to sea Moss, there is a variety of Caribbean fruits and roots that will bring the taste of back home to your kitchen. Fruits N’ Rootz also provides different boxes depending on what you're looking for such as their Detox Box and Season Sweet Box. Every purchase helps to support children in the orphanages in the Democratic Republic of Congo, ensuring they too have access to nutritious produce.
4.Art Laurea
Laurenee Gauvin is a Haitian American artist known for her bold and expressive paintings. Her pieces are one of a kind, ranging from abstract to realism. The use of color and detail apparent in each piece, Gauvin sells both prints and original paintings that can compliment a range of spaces. If you are looking to add to your collection her work is a great option. Fun fact: If you’re into Paint N’ Sips Gauvin does those too!
5.Caribbean Baby
Caribbean Baby carries a range of books and toys for babies and young children that celebrate Caribbean heritage. The brand works with authors and illustrators across the Caribbean to create diverse literature that represents a variety of Caribbean lived experiences. From Trinidad ABC’s to Maxi Taxi plushies, Caribbean Baby seeks to encourage pride in Caribbean culture from the earliest stages of life. They offer worldwide delivery and are also carried at a number of retailers worldwide.
6.Mayana Geneviere
Intimate wear that’s comfortable and pretty is always a must! Mayana Geneviere creates unique garments that are body inclusive and made to fit the needs of a woman as she transitions through the different life stages. The brand was founded in 2009 by Nadine Woods. Following the birth of her daughter, Woods recognized the need for functional undergarments for new moms that didn’t compromise style. The garments are made with organic cotton, low impact dyes and recycled yarn, making them a great choice for those wanting to support a sustainable and ethical brand.
7.Mianik
For the fashionista in your life, Mianik is the perfect shop for trendy accessories and apparel. Mianik’s pieces are designed and curated by Guyanese American fashion model Olay Noel. The luxury looks are created with a style of regalness, encouraging women to feel good on the inside and out. Mianik’s pieces are ethnically inspired and timeless, making them the perfect gift that will be loved for years to come. Their catalogue currently consists of statement earrings, vintage style purses, two piece sets and more.
8. Fusion Dolls
We all know the importance of having representation in children’s toys—especially dolls. Fusion Dolls is breaking down barriers with their line of Black and multicultural dolls. Their selection includes baby dolls and standard dolls in a variety of skin tones, each with a full head of curly hair, representing different hair textures. Fusion Dolls Founder Widline Pyrame was inspired by her own childhood, particularly the first Black doll she owned. She has since made the commitment to creating inclusive dolls that would be special to each child that owns them.
9. Chosen Designs
Chosen Designs is your one stop shop for everyone in the family. The brand provides high quality streetwear that seeks to inspire confidence and positivity through urban Christ centered fashion. Chosen Designs was founded by Mickella Rumbolt, and created to spread biblical word through teachings and messages. Rumbolt believes everyone is chosen and everyone has a powerful purpose in life. Chosen Designs also puts 10% of all proceeds to their sister organization Chosen Cares to provide marginalized communities with tangible resources.
10. Shop Caribbean Cowgirl
Shop Caribbean Cowgirl was founded by Jamaican American entrepreneur Lanatria Brackett Ellis. Ellis who is based in North Carolina, launched the brand in hopes of providing a range of clothing for women. Shop Caribbean Cowgirl features a variety of clothes elegant pieces to beachwear. The best part? The brand provides quality items at reasonable prices. Check out their winter fedoras for the holiday season!
Happy shopping!
