BIPOC-Powered Small Business Gift Guide
The holiday season is upon us and small businesses need our support more than ever this year!
This has been a trying year for many, and small business owners could really use our support this holiday season. I’ve compiled a small list of companies founded by BIPOC leaders in our communities, whose missions go above and beyond. From candles to condiments, I am confident that you can find amazing gifts for your friends and family from these companies—without breaking the bank!
The company: The Pham sisters created this company with a powerful mission: to bring unapologetically bold Asian flavors to your home without compromising culture. Omsom is a Vietnamese phrase meaning loud and rambunctious, which is exactly the kind of flavor you’ll get from their starter packs. Let this WOC-founded company introduce you to the rowdy flavors you’ve been missing out on.
The product: Y’all already know how much I love this company and their starter packs. The Omsom sampler kits make great gifts for literally anyone. Know someone who doesn’t really cook? This could be the kickstarter they need to create simple and delicious homemade meals; each kit comes with recipe cards to provide step-by-step instructions so you can’t go wrong . Have a friend who cooks everyday? These starter packs could help them same buttloads of time spent in the kitchen. You can get the East Asian or Southeast Asian Sampler Kit for only $29 each OR get a bundle to get both kits for $55!
The company: Baisun Candle Co. hand-crafts quality candles with the mission to spread awareness of Asian cultures while engaging in eco-friendly practices. All candles are crafted in the U.S.
The product: These beautiful candles will bring back ALL the memories in one whiff if you’re familiar with scents like lychee, green tea, white flower oil, or White Rabbit candy. If these scents don’t ring a bell, start with a 7oz tin for $15.99 and discover a whole new world of aromas!
The company: Founded in 2017, Yolélé is committed to fighting extreme poverty in West African communities by creating economic opportunities for local (mostly female) farmers who practice sustainable farming. In doing so, they also spread awareness of the diversity of African cuisine and culture. Check out their incredibly designed website for more info about fonio and African cooking.
The product: Looking to change up your gluten-free grain game? Fonio is an ancient African grain that is easy to cook and makes a great carb base for a variety of dishes. Yolélé provides a variety of pilaf packs that make meal-prepping a breeze. Oh, and the ingredients are things you can pronounce. Stuff foodie stockings with $7 fonio pilaf packs or gift a variety pack for $32.
The company: Sana Javeri Kadri founded her company in 2017 to develop spice trade practices that are more equitable for Indian farmers who engage in sustainable agriculture. Diaspora Co. offers direct trade, single-origin spices backed by the mission to decolonize the spice trade.
The product: We’re all about the spices here at Wai Lifestyle, and Diaspora Co. does not fail to deliver. From Pragati turmeric to Anamalai cacao, you’ll find potent spices that’ll elevate and shake up your pantry. Their “Build Your Own Trio” box makes a wonderful gift for the spice-lovers in your life for $36.
The company: Simply Khmer is a family owned restaurant devoted to providing delicious Khmer food to their neighbors in Lowell, MA since 2007.
The product: Their roasted chili oil is one of my favorite condiments of all time. I get their 2X spicy version that’s packed with flavor and totally kicks a** (for real, it’s crazy spicy). Not trying to set someone’s tongue on fire? Gift their original chili oil to really take your loved one’s pantry to 100.
The company: Brooklyn tea is committed to spreading their passion for tea by providing quality tea leaves and education about the delicate tea world. They also partner with Tahuti Ma’at to provide compost for a local community garden.
The product: Brooklyn Tea offers organic, and fair-trade loose-leaf teas. Can’t make it to their tearoom? Check out their online shop for high-quality tea leaves that will warm the hearts of the tea lovers in your life. Their Immunity Booster Box makes a great gift for the winter season at $30 for 4 different packs of tea leaves.
Looking to gift wellness to your loved ones? Wai Lifestyle now offers gift certificates for you to get that conversation started! Check out the programs tab or click here to find out more.
