12 Queer-led Small Businesses You Need To Support This Pride Month🌈
Happy Pride, people! Yes, it’s that colorful month of the year, and we’re here to celebrate it with you. In a world that may come off as not-so-inclusive, Pride Month is a great way to show your pride and embrace your identity regardless of what other people think.
The pandemic hasn’t been easy for anyone, especially for our queer folks with small businesses. This is precisely why we think that LGBTQ+-run businesses, stores, and shops need to benefit from Pride Month instead of large corporations capitalizing off rainbows! We did a deep-dive into Instagram and came across several queer-owned businesses selling super cool products that you will think about for DAYS! Here are 12 queer-owned businesses you can support:
Thinking of a gift is never easy, but don't worry, Legato has got your back. All you have to do is scroll down on their feed till you find a suitable gift. From graphic t-shirts to ‘The Office’ stickers, you can never run out of options. All you have to do is send a DM along with the product you wish to purchase.
2. Karesin
Resin jewellery is highly underrated and super aesthetic. Their colourful pride merch is cool, minimalist, and will look great on you. Their flower bookmarks will make you want to read more, and we speak nothing but facts.
3. Round 2 by Erica
We love tie-dye products and this clothing brand will upgrade your style for sure. It started off as a way to up-cycle pre-owned clothes, but Erica made a switch and turned it into a little tie-dye store. Their unique tie-dye patterns will empower you to be yourself, and this Pride Month, it’s essential that we remember the existence of rainbow capitalism.
They offer eco-friendly, gender-neutral, and sustainable personal care products from fruity deodorants, body creams, artisanal soaps, lip balms- just to name a few. Produced in small batches, their products are handmade and cruelty-free. How cool is that?! The founders, Mrinalini Deshprabhu and Jennifer Parras, decided to embark on a mission to create a hair and skincare brand that consisted of natural ingredients. They also aim to be ethical in every step of the way while selling a wide range of super cool products.
A digital artist, Lee indulges in creating customized stickers, creative logos, illustrations and does branding for small businesses. Their commissioned art is incredible and they also sell pride stickers to the people from the community and allies.
This cheese shop offers a vegan alternative for cheese, which is as crazy as it sounds! After several experiments done by the owner, Aditya, India’s first vegan Mozzarella was created. Angelo offers classic vegan mozzarella, truffle vegan mozzarella cheese, and lastly, vegan parmesan. Awesome, right?
Run by Shrishti Jalan, this sustainable business is owned by an 18-year-old college student. They have the craziest collection of tie-dye products. The products are super comfy and it’s a universal fact that tie-dye can never be classified as ‘old school’. These products are 100% cotton, hand-dyed and for those who love rainbows, colours and comfort.
8. Cheeni Khor
They sell incredibly fresh, vegan, and artisanally baked products that may just leave you drooling. Their gourmet products are perfect for office parties, weddings, and literally every occasion. From cheesecakes to cookies, they have your palate covered.
The shop offers fun accessories that will definitely revamp your wardrobe, or more so, your entire life! From cute earrings to quirky rings, they have it all. The store owner, Jenelle Dsouza strives to promote self-expression through handmade jewellery.
10. Magikian’s Candle Shop
Their collection of products is extremely cute and it speaks volumes. From scented soy candles to customized shoes, it’s hard to narrow down on one product. We’d probably just go ahead and buy everything we can lay our eyes on.
11. A Loaf of Love
The store owner, Mausam Bhawsinka, bakes scrumptious desserts that you might not find anywhere else. Strawberry shortcakes, cookies, cupcakes are some of the heavenly items that they have to offer. Their desserts look delicious and will undoubtedly surpass your expectations.
12. Argha Naskar
This little bakery is run by a 17-year-old, self-taught baker who is based out of Kolkata. To start off with, it’s chocolate. We don’t think you need more convincing. Their beautiful chocolates come in different flavours like Rose and Raisins, Honey, and Almond. Investing your pocket money in chocolates may sound like a bad idea, but they’ll be worth it.
To sum it up, June is one of the happiest months of the year. Normally, we witness pride parades and other events during Pride Month, but we can’t do that anymore (thanks to COVID-19), but what we can do is support these incredible businesses. The onus is on us to uplift the community with the tiniest of contributions that we can make on our part!
