Instagram’s Latinx Heritage Month initiative features this Rosalía-endorsed brand

Latinx and Hispanic Heritage Month has arrived. Observed annually from September 15 to October 15, it marks the four-week period in which all Americans are encouraged to recognize and appreciate the contributions of Latin American and Hispanic communities to the cultural fabric of the United States. To honor this special time of year, Instagram’s @shop has launched its own Latinx Heritage Month initiative. For the remainder of September and through October, the social media account will highlight five emerging brands owned and operated by members of these communities.

According to @shop’s rollout schedule for the month, September will be all about fashion. The shopping discovery account will highlight three brands that operate in the clothing, accessories and jewelry categories. It should be noted that all of the brands featured in this initiative are owned and operated by Latin women who work to share their know-how and incorporate elements of their culture into wearable pieces. “I hope that by presenting my entrepreneurial story on Instagram, I can inspire others to follow their dreams,” Luiny Rivera, founder of participating jewelry brand Luiny, told TZR.

Being a minority entrepreneur comes with challenges – and supporting small brands through shopping is an easy way to start getting involved. “I think sometimes Latin America can feel a little distant and out of touch,” Mola Sasa founder Yasmin Sabet told TZR. “While this has been a constant source of inspiration and has given me all the resources to create this incredible work, sometimes I feel like I’m not in a place where there is a lot going on. both in terms of culture, art, fashion and technology can be a challenge for a small brand looking to sell outside of its home country.

Sabet also notes that it takes effort and persistence to gain visibility outside your home country. Luckily for shoppers and emerging brands, social media platforms like Instagram are making this journey a little easier for budding fashion entrepreneurs. Scroll forward to take a look and shop for the Latina-owned brands participating in Instagram’s latest initiative, below.

We only include products that have been independently selected by TZR’s editorial team. However, we may receive a portion of the sales if you purchase a product through a link in this article.

Tach Clothing

Sisters Sabrina and Particia Tachdjian came together to launch this Afro-Latinx label, based in Uruguay in 2017. The duo places great importance on the quality of Tach clothing, focusing on handcrafted and produced pieces. ethics. “We work with 200 women in Uruguay who, for example, crochet at home,” says Sabrina Tachdjian. “These ladies are really grateful for their work and tell us all the time how much they love what they do, and it’s really nice for our soul to do what we love and to listen to these women who love to knit. . Some live near Montevideo, [Uruguay’s capital], and others in rural areas all over Uruguay.

Since launch, the brand’s clothing has been spotted on celebrities like Rosalía and BLACKPINK’s Rosé. “[Rosalía] contacted us via direct messages on Instagram, and I couldn’t believe it! I’m a fan of his music and his style, ”remembers Tachdjian. “After that, she took the time to share with us the photo the paparazzi took of her in our clothes; she is really sweet and humble.

If you’re looking for vintage-inspired pieces, take a look at the brand’s offerings at tachclothing.com, or shop for the brand’s designs at other independent retailers like Lisa Says Gah and Garmentory.

Mola Sasa

This New York-based brand works directly with various indigenous communities in Colombia to translate their traditional art forms and crafts into wearable accessories and home decor. “From the start I knew I wanted to work with artisans and especially with women, and I knew that meant we had to be socially responsible,” Mola Sasa founder Yasmin Sabet told TZR. “I also knew that I wanted to create pieces that tell stories and that could be valuable, because the amount of work involved was significant and unique. I think it shows in everything we do. The brand’s creations are a unique blend of techniques, colors, textures and materials that channel Colombia’s rich cultural and ethnic variety. So you can expect to see a range of unconventional textiles and decorative patterns featured on its products.

Additionally, Mola Sasa plans to post a Latinx Heritage Month-themed surprise later this month – so take note and follow the brand’s Instagram page to stay up to date with the latest updates.

Luiny

Luiny’s Instagram page can best be described as a mood board style jewelry store and social media account. The brand’s founder, Luiny Rivera, is a Puerto Rican-born, self-taught designer who focuses on creating distinctive pieces that are both minimal and eye-catching. “When I first started playing around with jewelry design, I was working in a fashion store that produced a lot of junk by means of broken accessories like necklaces, bracelets, earrings, etc.,” said Rivera to TZR. “I started recycling these spare parts, which would otherwise end up in the trash, turning them into new original designs. People loved them, they were unique and colorful, and I soon found myself selling in craft markets in Puerto Rico.

Eleven years later, the designer is now creating Luiny designs in her own New York studio. Rivera’s entrepreneurial journey has not been without challenges – the aspiring jewelry designer has struggled to find her niche in the industry and make her place in such a big city. “Fast forward to the present time and everyone loves color – and I’m proud to be a pioneer and bring Caribbean culture to the jewelry business. “