As a Latino, it’s sad to see my people face so many issues when starting a business. The lack of funds, difficulty in growing our network, and the burden of gastos de marketing (marketing expenses) all test our faith, I know they tested mine. 

But it makes me happy to say that despite these hurdles, some of us make it big, and I feel that such stories deserve to be shared, don’t they? Well, that’s why I’m here!

In this article, I’m going to be sharing some of my favorite Hispanic-owned e-commerce businesses. By sharing their stories, I hope to inspire other aspiring Latino entrepreneurs to chase their dreams relentlessly. I’ll even throw in some tips to help get you started. 

Let’s begin!

Salvisoul 

Everyone knows that no matter which Hispanic country you put your finger on, you’ll get some of the best food ever, but being from El Salvador myself, this one hit really close to home. Salvisoul brings a taste of Salvador straight to your door. 

Founded by Los Angeles-based chef, Katia Tatiana Vasquez, the store aims to celebrate and share our culture with the world. 

She’s got a lot of recipes, workshops, and even launched her cookbook that might add a new tangy twist to your kitchen. Beyond the cookbook, you can also shop her merch and apparel, all blended with the unique essence of Salvadoran culture.

Soy Latina Candles 

I don’t know about you, but for me, nothing beats the soft aroma that a candle adds to your home. 

And with Soy Latina Candles, you can add that aroma to your home, but in a healthy way. The founder, Krystal Flores, also based in L.A., started this as a hobby while taking care of her son after his open-heart surgery, and it eventually blossomed into a business. 

The brand offers candles and room sprays, all of which are environmentally and user-friendly, vegan, cruelty-free, and handmade. But this next bit might just melt your heart. They donate a portion of each sale to help families with a child in the hospital and to fuel research into the cure for Visual Snow Syndrome.

They notably donate to the Ronald McDonald House Charity and the Eye on Vision Foundation.

GRL Collective

This one’s a tale of bravery and changing the world into a better place. The founder, Southern Californian Kristine Rodriguez, started GRL Collective in 2017 after a tough personal ordeal where she testified against her abuser. 

Her aim? Empowering women everywhere. 

You can find a large range of uniquely designed clothes, jewelry, and handbags in the store, all made and packed ethically, sustainably, and by following fair practices. 

You can also make a change for the better by shopping from them, as they donate, start fundraisers and campaigns to support education for girls in India, the Downtown Women’s Center, RAICES, and the street vendor fund in Los Angeles. 

Cru Chocolate

What’s better than chocolate? I know, powdered chocolate that you can add to literally any drink, and that’s what Cru Chocolate offers you. 

Launched by Californian resident and cacao tech engineer, Karla McNeil Rueda, Cru Chocolate brings an authentic cacao experience from the farms of Guatemala, Nicaragua, and Honduras.

Like all the others in my list, this brand also values quality and ethics above all. You can enjoy the organic and culturally authentic taste of chocolate, all ethically sourced and sustainably produced. If you’re looking for the full vibe, you can also shop their range of shirts and hats. 

These businesses serve as proof that nothing is bigger than our courage, determination, and hard work.

If you’re feeling a tiny bit inspired to start your e-commerce business, I’d suggest making that leap of faith. Plus, the tips I’m about to share can help you get started. 

3 Quick Tips to Launch Your E-commerce Business

When starting an e-commerce business, it eventually boils down to 3 simple steps, which are: 

Choosing a Niche 

You want to aim for a niche that offers the perfect balance between profitability and competitiveness. Trying to enter a hypercompetitive industry might not be the best move. Currently, beauty, personal, or pet care, and home fitness equipment are niches you might want to consider. 

Creating a Digital Framework 

An e-commerce store relies a lot on a strong digital foundation. You’ll need a fast and reliable internet provider since you’ll need to extensively focus on an online presence and marketing. If you’re looking for one, I’d recommend Spectrum for its speed and stability. Plus, they offer bilingual customer service, so you can also reach out to the Spectrum Servicio al Cliente en Español to get started. 

Choosing Your E-Commerce Platform

There are a lot of e-commerce platforms you can use to set up your online store. I’d advise skipping the search and going for Shopify. Their beginner plans might be a good fit for your initial budget. Plus, they also allow you to upgrade with time.

These 3 simple tips should get you off to a smooth and hopefully easy start. 

Hispanic-Owned Businesses – Inspiring and Helping Millions 

From creating jobs, improving the economy, and helping millions across the globe, Hispanic-owned businesses are a reminder of the positive value that our people bring to the world. 

The ones shared in this article are just a few examples that prove why the resilience, courage, determination, and hard work of our people are applauded everywhere.