Being thoughtful about where your money is being sent takes a little extra time, but can go a long way. When buying from Black-, Indigenous- and People Of Color-owned companies, you are addressing a reality and helping (even if it feels minute) to close the racial wealth gap, support local economies, and celebrate culture and community. It’s an act of optimism, enthusiasm and conviction—and determination to foster healthier, more vibrant communities both socially and economically. The gifts in this guide (from covetable home goods to apparel, skincare products and art) are from Black and Indigenous individuals and people of color—whether they are the company owners, the designers, artists or makers.
From Tokushima, Japan-based Awagami, a washi brand run by the Fujimori family, comes a lovely Uchiwa fan—a traditional Japanese non-folding fan whose style dates back to the 14th century. Hand-dyed with indigo in an ombre pattern by Awagami artisans, it’s made from kozo paper and bamboo.
From Philadelphia-based YOWIE (helmed by Shannon Maldonado), the Zipper Candle is a reminder to open up to the unknown. A smoky yet slightly sweet aroma is bolstered by notes of black pepper and bergamot, together conjuring up a mysterious, beguiling fragrance that hints at exploration. The soy candle’s sleek, black packaging further imbues the Zipper with an air of intrigue.
Infusing elements of Korean, Californian and cannabis culture, Sundae School makes eye-catching apparel and accessories. The brand partnered with Sichuan sauce brand Fly By Jing to craft shorts that are as fiery as their chilis. Bold and bright, the Mala shorts pay homage to China, as “ma” or 麻 translates to numb in Chinese and “la” or 辣 means spicy. Fitted with a 5.5-inch inseam, the …
Sisters Ann and Janet Chung combined their Korean roots and Texas upbringing to create their Original Bulgogi Sauce, a mouthwatering marinade flavored with toasted sesame seeds, garlic, black pepper and a hint of apple juice. Based on their family’s recipe, the sauce is gluten-free, kosher and very versatile; suitable with everything from barbecues to Korean staples and beyond.
Manhattan Berry is an elevated, all-natural and lightly carbonated non-alcoholic cocktail from Mocktail Club that succeeds in balancing a multitude of flavors. A first taste reveals a fruit-forward profile, with blackberry and pear shrub, that’s not overly sweet. Ginger, apple cider vinegar and tea-infused spices finish the beverage, providing warmth, depth and complexity. Price reflects a four-pack.
From Beaverton, Oregon’s beloved family-owned Vietnamese restaurant Tân Tân Café & Delicatessen comes their coveted Mom’s Hot Chili Sauce which stems from the matriarch’s own recipe. The punchy sauce gets its kick from habanero and red chili peppers, before giving way to earthy aromatic notes of lemongrass, garlic and ginger. A touch of molasses provides sweetness, rounding out the potent, complex condiment.
The Covid-19 pandemic and gentrification have threatened small businesses and iconic establishments in LA’s Koreatown, as well as the livelihoods of many in the neighborhood. To document, commemorate and celebrate the area, photographer Emanuel Hahn composed Koreatown Dreaming, a photo book that comprises the stories of 40 small businesses and immigrants with poetry and essays by Katherine Yungmee Kim, Lisa Kwon, Cathy Park and Dumbfoundead. …
Siblings Christina and Anthony Teav founded Mama Teav’s as a love letter to their mother (who fled war and genocide in Cambodia during the 1970s) and her beloved hot garlic sauce. Fiery and crisp, the sauce mixes local, organic California garlic fried in cold-pressed grapeseed oil with sun-dried, flame-roasted Cambodian chilis. The resulting recipe is an all-natural, vegan and gluten-free way to spice up a …
A 71-person group book celebrating Pomegranate Press—a Richmond, Virginia-based independent publishing house for contemporary photography, writing and more—Nothing Left but Healing features a plethora of different pieces across its 150 pages. Within the smyth-sewn book are alluring portraits, microphotography, landscapes and more enchanting works.
From artist and skateboarder Jeffrey Cheung—who runs There Skateboards, an offshoot of the SF-based collective Unity which represents and supports queer skaters—this “Colors” deck features his signature figurative art. Available in two sizes (8.25 or 8.5 inches), this skateboard has been made and designed with all types of skaters in mind.
Casa Verónica’s ceramic Ixtlali Candleholders pay tribute to the Mexican drip-glaze technique, where multicolored swatches of paint cascade downward. Handmade and two inches tall, each of these mesmerizing holders is one of a kind and and finished with an interior and exterior gloss.
Made in Los Angeles by EVERYBODY.WORLD and embroidered by Philadelphia-based studio moderndaydreams, this apron from YOWIE works equally well for long-suffering DJs as it does home cooks. Crafted from 100% cotton, it comes in one size, but its neck and waist straps are adjustable. The apron also features two front pockets, for utensils—or a flash drive.
