As we enter the holiday season, it’s important to remember that Puerto Rico is still struggling to recover from Hurricane Maria, which devastated the island. But before we get busy tackling our shopping lists, a non-profit is leading a campaign to inform us that we can simultaneously do our holiday shopping and support Puerto Rico. Colmena66 launched Shop and Hire Puerto Rico to help contribute to the local economy.
Denisse Rodríguez, who leads the non-profit, said the idea came from those living on the mainland. “They actually asked how can we shop local entrepreneurs online,” Rodríguez told NBC News. “We need to be creative now more than ever so our entrepreneurs don’t feel the need to leave the island.”
With Black Friday and Cyber Monday right around the corner, here are five Puerto Rican shops you can support:
Correction, November 27 at 7:05 a.m.: This post previously misspelled the name of Denisse Rodríguez. It has been updated.
2
LiliWeds
LiliWeds mostly specializes in wedding invitations and favors, but it has greeting cards for many occasions.
Shop here.
3
Be You U Be Handbags
This Puerto Rican brand describes itself as an ethical brand that sells “efficient exchangeable handbags using PU and microfiber materials.”
Shop here.
4
Kleurë Cosmetics
Established in 2013, Kleurë Cosmetics is a small, natural beauty brand.
Shop here.
5
Zea Design
Zea Design, a brand designed by Ricardo Moreno, sells colorful, tropical-inspired cushions.
Shop here.