Growing up in Hudson County, New Jersey — home to the second-largest Dominican community outside of New York — Dominicans have always held a special place in my heart. The first country I ever traveled to, freshly graduated from high school, was the Dominican Republic. My Dominican childhood best friend invited our friend group to spend a few weeks with her family in La Vega, and we were welcomed with so much love (and a banner that read “¡Bienvenidas!”)
That experience showed me something so true: Dominican people will invite you with open arms and share whatever joy, art, food, and space they can. Dominican-owned businesses are no different. They’re full of love, community, and an unmistakable presence.
Whether you’re looking to show some love to your curls, upgrade your beauty routine, fill your closet with edge and attitude, or discover fresh new art, these brands bring serious pride and personality — and they absolutely deserve your dollar.
Luar, founded by Raul Lopez, was named CFDA’s Accessory Designer of the Year in 2022, and for good reason. The Brooklyn-born Dominican designer has built a label that’s equal parts sharp, experimental, and rooted in real cultural references. Known for the structured Ana bag and subversive silhouettes, Luar stays true to its downtown edge and diasporic identity.
Luar Luar Butter Cream Ana Tote Bag, $, available at Luar
Sisters Shaira and Mabel Frías lead Luna Magic, a beauty brand that packages bold color, cultural pride, and glam into one. What started in Los Angeles is now on shelves nationwide, and it’s inspired by the energy of NYC, the rhythm of the Caribbean, and the sparkle of LA.
LUNA MAGIC Luna Magic’s Lip Balm Duo (Cherry/Mango), $, available at Luna Magic
Kiara Luna NY creates handbags inspired by art, nature, and the power of color, designed to celebrate individuality and empower women. As a small, women-run brand, they produce limited batches of timeless pieces meant to be cherished and passed down through generations.
Kiara Luna NY Kiara Luna NY’s Papelle Soft Leather Folded Bag, $, available at Kiara Luna NY
Bronx-born and Los Angeles-based artist Uzumaki Cepeda channels her multidisciplinary practice into her line of furry accessories, home decor, and printed clothing. Drawing from her heritage and childhood experiences between the islands and the Bronx, Uzumaki transforms everyday objects with bright faux fur, creating pieces that echo the dream-like, tactile quality of her sculptures and installations.
Uzumaki Uzumaki’s Furry Earrings, $, available at Uzumaki
Founded by Afro-Dominican entrepreneur and creative Gloria Malone, Cassava & Cane turns affirmations into jewelry pieces. With words like “Bendecida,” “Guerrera,” and “Mujerón,” there are pieces for all women and femmes. But there are also affirmations exclusively for Black Latinas, like the beloved “Tumbao.”
Cassava & Cane Cassava & Cane’s Tumbao Necklace, $, available at Cassava & Cane
LeBlancStudios, founded in 2014 by Angelo Beato and Yamil Arbaje in Santo Domingo, is a Caribbean fashion label that uses bold graphics and design to explore and reshape ideas around masculinity, femininity, and youth culture in the Global South.
LeBlancStudios LeBlancStudios’ Pink Crisis T-Shirt, $, available at LeBlancStudios
Ocoa Beauty was born from the journey of sisters Cory and Nicol, who grew up in DR facing the stigma of “pelo malo.” Tired of feeling pressured to straighten their curls, they created Ocoa to celebrate and nurture natural hair textures.
Ocoa Beauty Ocoa Styling Trio, $, available at Ocoa Beauty
FOR TMRW is a Caribbean-rooted beauty brand creating clean, non-toxic nail care that turns everyday self-care into a joyful ritual. Founded by Dominican-Puerto Rican Maia Alejandro, a former mental health clinician, the brand combines color psychology with ancestral beauty traditions to uplift women of color.
FOR TMRW For Tmrw’s For Sunrise Nail Polish, $, available at FOR TMRW
Founded by Kristy Baez, Rosela is a New York-based jewelry label turning organic forms into wearable sculpture. Each piece plays with asymmetry and fluidity, nothing is linear and that’s the point. The designs feel like small, intentional disruptions to the expected.
Rosela Rosela’s Supermoon Necklace, $, available at Rosela
Seis Cosmetics was created to honor founder Suhay Gonzalez’s mother, lost to brain cancer, and to turn grief into a mission of hope. The brand offers beautiful, cruelty-free makeup that’s kind to your skin and helps you express yourself with color. With every purchase, a portion supports brain tumor awareness and research.
Seís Cosmetics Seís Cosmetics, $, available at Seís Cosmetics
Olette is a sustainable fashion brand that honors the connection between body and style. Rooted in comfort and mindful craftsmanship, Olette uses locally sourced organic materials and partners with a small atelier in the Dominican Republic to craft wardrobe staples that will last a lifetime.
Olette Olette’s Cayena Negro, $, available at Olette
Luz Ortiz merges her Dominican roots and NYC upbringing through jewelry that plays with shape, weight, and memory. Influenced by the natural forms of the Caribbean and the clean lines of architecture, her pieces strike a balance between strength and softness.
Luz Ortiz Luz Ortiz’s Circular Pendant, $, available at Luz Ortiz
Bomba Curls is all about celebrating curls in their full, untamed glory. Rooted in Dominican beauty traditions and founded by Lulu Cordero, the brand blends natural ingredients with heritage formulas to support healthy growth, curl definition, and scalp health.
Bomba Curls Bomba Curls’ Dominican Forbidden Oil, $, available at Bomba Curls
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