From September 15 to October 15 each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month. This annual celebration of the history, culture, and contributions of Hispanic Americans was started in 1968 by President Lyndon Johnson. President Ronald Reagan extended this week into a month-long celebration in 1988. According to the United States government website for the event, this time was specifically chosen for its importance, as many Latin American countries gained their independence in these 30 days.
During this time, as the museums and national entities pay tribute to Hispanic Americans, we’re highlighting a few of our favorite Hispanic-owned consumer brands to support. In the U.S., based on the 2019 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates, 18 perent of the population are Hispanic Americans, accounting for nearly 60 million people. Read on to discover six consumer brands to support, ranging from beauty and skincare to traditional food, beverages, and innovative desserts.
1. NadaMoo!
In 2004, NadaMoo! launched as a family business with its first batch of signature coconut milk-based frozen desserts. Owned by members of the founder’s family, they have expanded to share their sustainably sourced dairy-free ice cream to major stores that include Target, Whole Foods, and Walmart. They also have their own shop in the heart of Austin, Texas.
2. Tata Harper
Tata Harper Skincare was founded on the principle that beauty should not come at the price of animal abuse or your own health. These values are why the brand’s namesake founder Tata Harper has stuck to her convictions and kept her company privately held and family-owned. Products are 100 percent natural, nontoxic, and cruelty-free, made in Vermont. In a statement, Tata said, “I believe people deserve beauty products that deliver the results they want, without putting their health at risk. As a company, we seek to challenge the assumption that ‘natural’ means less effective.”
3. Siete Family Foods
Family love is powerful. The Siete Family Foods story reflects on the power of family love and how that helped save Veronica Garza, the company’s co-founder and president, and launch a venture to spread their healthy Mexican-American food brand. After suffering from debilitating autoimmune symptoms, Veronica’s family rallied around her. She said, “I decided to adopt a low-inflammation, grain-free diet, and my whole family chose to join me for the journey.” The choice ultimately spawned their grain-free tortillas, which are sold all around the U.S. They are also hiring.
4. YOLA Mezcal
YOLA Mezcal is a brand committed to sustainability and upholding the intricate process for developing the mezcal drink from the recipe of Yola Jimenez‘s grandfather. With the help of Gina Correll Aglietti and Lykke Li, Yola has continued the 400-year-old tradition of artisanal mezcal making. The mezcal is produced in Oaxaca, Mexico, and the brand prides itself on the fact that it was founded and run by women and provides a fair wage for the women in their facilities, who have autonomy and economic independence as a result.
5. Eat Me Guilt Free
Food is an essential part of life, and it has the power to heal. This mindset is why Cristie Besu created the Eat Me Guilt Free product line in her home kitchen. As a Registered Nurse and Certified Sports Nutritionist, Cristie created foods to help her clients and has grown her business from a team of three to 30. They also sponsor an initiative to help women entrepreneurs with the You Glow Girl grant.
6. Casa Dragones Tequila
In 2012, Casa Dragones Tequila made the list of Oprah’s Favorite Things. On the November 18 epidose, she brought the tequila out for a toast, honoring the people around her with her favorite tequila. Casa Dragones is a sipping tequila produced one bottle at a time, with no more than 500 cases per batch. The attention to detail and expertise involved is reflected in the quality of the drink, handmade with a commitment to Mexican Craftsmanship. From the excellent hands of Maestro Tequilero and Master Cooper comes the signature taste of Casa Dragones.
