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THE GRATITUDE ADVENTURE
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Five People of Color owned businesses that you should support

4/9/2018

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In my life I have been inspired time and time again by individuals who manifested a dream into something real. I was taught from an early age that no one, except yourself, could make your dreams come true. No one was going to show up at your house and hand you everything on a silver platter. But by combining hard work, some gumption, a little sweat, belief, and laughter you could accomplish anything.

Community has always played a big role in my life. I have received an abundance of support and love over the years from the different networks I have found myself included in. Through my personal journey I have been so blessed to meet other motivated and strong individuals of color.

As a mixed girl, and one who is white appearing, my sense of self has floundered for most of my life. I was often bullied at school for being “adopted” by my dark skinned mom, who had me as a teenager. Honestly for most of my life, I let others define who I was, because I had no concrete way to describe my ethnicity. I never knew my biological father, though I knew he was Native American and some kind of European.

My only real family is my maternal side. With most of my formative years spent with my mom’s parents, Pop-pop Identifying as African American and my Nana identifying as Puerto Rican. I grew up in a house and in neighborhoods full of different skin tones, hair textures, and languages. But it all left me hazy and with no idea of how I was supposed to define myself. Society told me that my skin tone was a privilege- that I was reaping the benefits of it each time I stepped out of my home. But the same thing that gave me privileges to the outside world, made me feel very isolated. Well into college I felt like a trivia question every time I met someone new, often being introduced by friends with a “Guess what race Faith is, you’ll never guess but try anyways!”

But despite being able to pass for different races, depending on what color my hair is this week, or how I dress, or what language I use. I found people to be initially restrictive with me, until I proved I was “enough” to be considered a part of their community. Which ended up making me second guess my own damn self over and over again.

Today I realize, Identity is understanding who I am in the world, and it’s split up into two parts, one is how others understand me, and the other part is how I understand myself. But no matter what someone else sees of me, I am a person of color. My experiences and culture have defined that for me, not someone’s perception of my skin tone

While the classifications of these things have played a big part in my life, so has the support and inclusion from various social groups. Over the years I have met so many talented entrepreneurs, actors, musicians, and creative people of color. Some of these I have admired from afar, others are close friends.

With that I’d like to introduce 5 people-of-color run businesses that have inspired me and are just some of my favorite! The business owners are all socially, politically, and environmentally conscious individuals. They are inclusive, strong, and share a common goal of solidarity and equality. These are the type of companies and brands I love to represent and I hope you all support them as well!
 
  1. JustBeDope : A movement spreading love, style, peace, and positivity. Started by my dear friend, Nigel Burton, back in 2013. Each piece of apparel holds a message of positivism and self-love. You can find everything from baby onesies to t-shirts to beanies. Plus there are always amazing events being held in partnership with the brand, often happening throughout California. Follow JustBeDope on Instagram @JustBeDopelifestyle​
  2. B.YELLOWTAIL: Native American Designed fashion and Accessories that not only slay but combine traditional Native American design with modern pieces. Started by Bethany Yellowtail from the Crow Nation and Northern Cheyenne Rez, back in 2014. Recognizing all of the cultural appropriation of indigenous designs and ceremonial pieces, Yellowtail became an activist, designer, and advocate for reclaiming indigenous representation in fashion. Follow Bethany on Instagram @b.yellowtail
  3. Lxgend: A music brand, started by Lorenzo Burroughs, providing music production, beats, and apparel from bags to sweatshirts. My best friend in the entire world, but also one of the most, (if not the most) talented person I know. Lorenzo began this journey after successfully producing music for multiple Grammy nominated artists. Now with over 10K followers on Youtube, and a substantial social media following, the Lxgend brand offers beats for purchase, and A-1 apparel and accessories (the backpack is my favorite.) Follow Lorenzo on Instagram @iamlxgend
  4. G.IRL: Started by social media queen Ann Wynn, G.IRL (Girls, in real life.) is a handmade beauty line. This skincare line will make you glow; you will find amazing body scrubs, lip glosses, body butters, and highlighters. But not only that, Ann is an all-around entrepreneur, and badass boss woman. She is also the co-creator of an apparel line, Pink Plastic, which is hella cute and designed for women of all shapes and sizes. Follow Ann and find her brands on Instagram @ann.wynn
  5. ​The future is Latina: A brand out to reclaim the Latina narrative through apparel, stickers, postcards, and other cute accessories. Currently selling through etsy, Natalie Montelongo started this brand to support and uplift Latina women. This is the one to go to for cute gifts for your girlfriends. Follow the brand on Instagram @futureislatina
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