by Harshini Nagappan
In recent years, there has been growing interest in supporting small businesses and shopping more intentionally. Within that conversation, the importance of uplifting BIPOC-owned (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) brands has gained more visibility — but it’s more than just a trend. It’s a meaningful way to promote representation, equity, and cultural richness in everyday consumer choices.
Many BIPOC-owned businesses are not only underrepresented in the marketplace, but often face barriers to funding, visibility, and growth. Supporting them goes beyond economics — it's about acknowledging histories, celebrating identity, and reimagining whose voices are heard in the retail space.
Diverse Perspectives Lead to Unique Products
BIPOC entrepreneurs often draw on their heritage and lived experiences to shape their products. Whether it’s beauty rooted in ancestral remedies, books that reflect underrepresented narratives, or handmade crafts with cultural significance, these brands bring something distinct to the table — not as a niche, but as part of the broader fabric of innovation.
Take Lola Severina soaps, for example: lovingly handcrafted in small batches using natural, locally sourced ingredients, these cold-process bars are inspired by generational Filipino wellness practices. Each bar is a blend of tradition and sustainability, offering skin care that’s both gentle and grounding.
Cultural Preservation and Storytelling
Many brands are also rooted in the desire to keep cultural stories alive — especially in diasporic communities. These businesses often serve as platforms for cultural education, community connection, and pride. They offer more than merchandise; they offer meaning.
For example, Lola Kenneth's books Crescenciana and Tans Interwoven celebrate Filipino identity through vibrant stories and illustrations that center language, tradition, and everyday life. Whether you're reconnecting with your roots or introducing little ones to their heritage, these books create space for joy, learning, and belonging.
Economic Impact and Equity
When consumers intentionally support BIPOC-owned brands, they help build more equitable systems. It redistributes economic opportunity and enables communities to invest back into themselves — from job creation to mentorship and education.
Challenges and Progress
Despite increasing awareness, many BIPOC entrepreneurs still navigate systemic challenges. That makes community support — through purchases, social media, word-of-mouth, and visibility — all the more powerful. It’s not about charity; it’s about solidarity.
Whether you’re shopping at a weekend market, browsing online, or putting together a gift for someone special, taking the time to learn about and support BIPOC-owned brands can have a lasting impact. It’s a step toward more inclusive, conscious, and community-rooted commerce.
