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Looking for a business that empowers Latina leaders while innovating for the future? We’ve curated an in-depth list of ten Latina-owned businesses for you to keep a look out for this year. Despite their immense talent and potential, Latinas remain significantly underrepresented in the C-Suite, facing a double whammy due to both gender and racial barriers. So, this Women’s History Month, we’re diving into the innovative ventures Latinas have taken on, exploring the unique ways they’re revolutionizing their respective industries.
Whether you’re seeking …, this guide will help you find the Latina-owned company that fits within any ethical or diversity standards you may have. Get ready to be empowered, inspired, and introduced to some amazing Latina-owned businesses breaking ground in the market!
1. Beautyblender
Latina makeup artist Rea Ann Silva, with a rich heritage of Mexican, Spanish, Native American, Portuguese, and Irish backgrounds, wasn’t satisfied with the tools available in the beauty industry. While working on the set of the popular television series Girlfriends, she envisioned a flawless, airbrushed finish achievable without professional equipment. This frustration led to the creation of the now-iconic Beautyblender, a unique edgeless makeup sponge that revolutionized foundation application.
Launched in 2002, Beautyblender became an instant success, not just for its innovative design but for its focus on inclusivity—ensuring a seamless application for all skin tones and types. The brand’s success is a testament to Silva’s vision and leadership. The product is so popular that Beautyblender has transcended brand name to become the generic term for this type of makeup application tool.
Learn more about Beautyblender
2. Nopalera
Latina entrepreneur Sandra Velasquez is on a mission to celebrate heritage and empower women through natural beauty. Nopalera’s line of bath and body products breaks through the fold by offering luxurious, effective skincare rooted in Hispanic culture and traditions.
Launched in 2020, Nopalera was created to showcase the beauty of Mexican culture, rooted in the prominence of the Nopal cactus, a staple in Mexican culture renowned for its nourishing properties. In January 2023, Velasquez appeared on Shark Tank to secure funding for a 5 percent stake in her business. She ultimately decided to decline the investment offered because she wasn’t willing to give away more than 10 percent of her business, arguing she knew her self-worth and further solidifying her leadership as a Latina founder building a brand that resonates deeply with its audience.
This bold move, coupled with the immediate post-show sales surge (upwards of $300,000 over the course of two weeks), proves Nopalera is transforming the beauty industry through Velasquez’s Latina leadership, offering clean, culturally connected products that are resonating with a new generation of beauty consumers.
3. Progeny Coffee
Fifth-generation Colombian coffee farmer Maria Palacio isn’t just brewing delicious coffee—she’s brewing a revolution in fair trade. Progeny Coffee, co-founded by Palacio, tackles the systemic issues within the coffee industry by prioritizing partnerships with farmers. They ensure farmers receive a significantly higher share of profits, empowering them to break the cycle of poverty. This direct-trade model, along with educational programs, fosters a more sustainable and equitable coffee industry.
Palacio’s leadership goes beyond just coffee; she’s building a thriving ecosystem that empowers coffee-growing communities and redefines the meaning of impact sourcing. Through Progeny Coffee, Palacio is revolutionizing the coffee market by integrating principles of social impact and sustainability into the company’s core values. By championing education and entrepreneurship, Palacia is not only building a successful business but also leaving a lasting legacy of empowerment and upliftment. This success highlights the transformative potential of effective Latina leadership in driving meaningful change within traditionally established markets.
“It’s more than just a cup of coffee, it’s about everything, even before the bean was ever a bean,” Palacia says on their company website.
Learn more about Progeny Coffee
4. Hija de tu Madre
Patty Delgado, the daughter of Mexican immigrants, recognized a gap in the market where mainstream fashion often failed to represent the Latina heritage and culture. Her solution was a clothing line that empowers a new generation to embrace their identity with pride. Hija de tu Madre celebrates the vibrant complexities of being Latina through a unique line of apparel and accessories.
Inspired by her mother’s strong work ethic, Delgado embarked on a journey to create a business that speaks directly to her community, embodying resilience and determination in every design. From its humble beginnings with just $500 in Delgado’s savings, Hija de tu Madre has evolved into a globally recognized brand without outside investment, resonating with Latinx shoppers worldwide and shattering stereotypes. Through her designs and the creation of National Jefa Day, a holiday honoring Latina hustle, Delgado is paving the way for a more inclusive fashion industry and inspiring a new generation of female entrepreneurs.
Learn more about Hija de tu Madre
5. The Honest Company
Latina powerhouse Jessica Alba is a force to be reckoned with beyond the silver screen. Through The Honest Company, she’s challenging the beauty and wellness industry by prioritizing clean, safe ingredients. The company offers a comprehensive line of makeup, skincare, and wellness products formulated without harsh chemicals or toxins. This commitment to transparency and safety resonates deeply with a new generation of beauty consumers, particularly those seeking high-performing products that align with their values.
Honest Beauty doesn’t just stop at safe cosmetics; they also actively give back. The company has donated to over twenty-five million families in need, demonstrating their dedication to social responsibility. Through effective Latina leadership under Alba and CEO Carla Vernón, one of the only Afro-Latinas to lead a US publicly traded company, The Honest Company is transcending product development and revolutionizing the market by prioritizing transparency, inclusivity, and social impact while championing diversity and equity within the industry.
“Health and wellness are a universal foundation for a life well-lived and I believe it’s our responsibility to leave the world better than when we found it. We care about all people and the planet,” Alba says on The Honest Company website.
Learn more about The Honest Company
6. Lil’ Libros
Latina friends and mothers Patty Rodriguez and Ariana Stein are revolutionizing children’s literature through Lil’ Libros. Inspired by their own experiences as community leaders, Rodriguez and Stein recognized the need for bilingual first concept books and took action to fill this gap in the market while normalizing the use of both English and Spanish. Their vibrant, bilingual board books celebrate the rich tapestry of the American Latino experience, offering children the chance to see themselves and their heritage reflected in the stories they read. By collaborating with talented authors and illustrators who share their vision, Rodriguez and Stein are revolutionizing the market by igniting imaginations, promoting cultural understanding, and empowering a new generation to embrace their identities.
Rodriguez’s dedication to empowering young leaders and promoting bilingual education extends beyond Lil’ Libros, as she actively engages in community outreach and advocacy efforts. Rodriguez, a mother of two and a prominent figure on On Air with Ryan Seacrest, channels her passion for education into empowering tomorrow’s leaders at conferences and summits.
7. Cuyana
Latina entrepreneurs Karla Gallardo and Shilpa Shah are shaking up the fashion industry with their revolutionary concept—Cuyana. This brand ditches the fast-fashion frenzy, focusing on timeless, high-quality essentials built to last. Cuyana champions the ethos of “fewer, better,” prioritizing quality craftsmanship over fleeting trends. Beyond its unique design philosophy, Cuyana prioritizes ethical and sustainable practices. The company collaborates with global artisans—from Ecuador to Peru to Vietnam—fostering strong partnerships and ensuring fair labor practices. Their dedication to ethical production breaks barriers in the fashion industry, where exploitation and environmental concerns are often prevalent.
Gallardo and Shah’s leadership focus on quality, sustainability, and ethical production empowers consumers to make conscious choices, proving that style can go hand-in-hand with social responsibility. Such leadership has propelled Cuyana to profitability since 2018, showcasing the influence of Latina leadership in driving business success while making a positive and sustainable impact on the fashion industry.
8. Ceremonia
Award-winning entrepreneur Babba Rivera is revolutionizing hair care with Ceremonia, a brand that celebrates Latinx heritage and empowers a new generation to embrace their natural beauty. A Latina immigrant herself, Rivera recognized the lack of representation in mainstream beauty and uses Ceremonia to empower others to celebrate their unique cultural identities, creating products for those that often feel marginalized or ignored in the haircare industry.
Ceremonia stands out in the crowded clean hair care space by offering luxurious, plant-based formulas deeply rooted in Latin American traditions. The company rejects the one-size-fits-all approach, instead focusing on hair wellness rituals that nourish and strengthen all hair types. This dedication to cultural authenticity and personalized hair care adds new opportunities to the beauty industry, which has often failed to cater to the diverse needs of the Latinx community.
“Ceremonia was born out of the desire to celebrate the richness of Latin culture, while highlighting the next generation of Latinx,” Rivera says on her company website. “Inspired by the rituals I grew up with, alongside a new generation leading the way towards a more sustainable future, Ceremonia provides a new-age perspective to hair care for all.”
9. Bomba Curls
Afro-Dominicana pioneer Lulu Cordero is rewriting the narrative around natural hair with Bomba Curls. This brand celebrates the beauty of coils and kinks, offering a unique line of clean, organic hair products.
Bomba Curls was born out of Cordero’s own experience with traction alopecia, prompting her to revisit the Dominican hair care rituals of her childhood. Using these time-tested traditions as inspiration, she developed effective formulas that not only promote healthy hair growth but also nourish the scalp and enhance curl definition.
Bomba Curls breaks barriers in the hair care industry by centering the needs of the often-overlooked curly and coily hair community. Their focus on natural ingredients and cultural authenticity stands in stark contrast to mainstream brands that have historically failed to cater to diverse hair textures. Beyond innovative products, Bomba Curls is a movement of self-love and empowerment.
Cordero’s mission is to dismantle negative stereotypes and celebrate the inherent beauty of natural hair—a message that resonates deeply with a new generation embracing their curls. Bomba Curls is a love letter to self-acceptance and a celebration of Afro-Latina heritage.
10. FARM Rio
FARM Rio, led by the creative vision of co-founder Kátia Barros, is a celebration of Brazilian culture. Launched in 1997, FARM Rio has transformed from a market stall into a global phenomenon, showcasing the richness and vibrancy of Brazil through its unique designs. The brand champions sustainability, planting a tree with every purchase in partnership with One Tree Planted. This commitment to environmental responsibility sets FARM Rio apart in the fast-fashion industry, where ethical practices are often overlooked.
Beyond sustainability, FARM Rio breaks barriers by embracing its local roots. Barros’ vision for the brand prioritizes showcasing Brazilian culture through bold prints, vibrant colors, and designs inspired by the country’s diverse heritage. This dedication to authenticity resonates with a global audience seeking more than just trendy clothing; they crave cultural connection and stories embedded in every garment.
Kátia Barros’ leadership is key to FARM Rio’s success. She fosters a collective of creatives, a team comprised mostly of women, empowering them to share their artistic vision and celebrate Brazilian culture on a global stage.
Honorable Mentions
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This article was written with the assistance of AI.
