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If You Love Cute Things *And* Supporting Queer-Owned Businesses, You Should Check Out This Post
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BuzzFeed and our publishing partners may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. Read More Warning: the temptation to click “add to cart” on every single one of these finds will be strong. Diaspora Spice Co. is a queer, woman of color–owned businesses committed to selling *the* freshest, most flavorful and aromatic spices grown ethically in South Asia. They're decolonizing the spice industry by partnering with small, multi-generational farms and paying living wages so they can grow naturally and regeneratively. Promising review: "I was hoping to bring color to my kitchen and these do not disappoint. The quality is higher than any other dish towels of their kind and I can tell they will only get softer and more absorbent with washing. I’m very happy that I gave them a try!" —Anonymous Get a set of three from Diaspora Spice Co. for $38. Ctoan Co. is a Black-, queer-, and woman-owned small business based in Wisconsin. The body candles are meant to be celebratory and are designed from a completely gender-neutral perspective by founder Jodyann Morgan. Promising review: "The 'Angel' plus-size candle is soooo beautiful 😍 and I couldn't be happier! The candle smells great although I dare say I won't be burning it because it's so pretty. A+! Will buy from Ctoan again." —Crystal P. Get it from Ctoan Co. for $29 (available in three scents or unscented, and in three skintones and four other colors — including rainbow for Pride Month!). Outlet Orion is a small biz owned by queer artist Kasia Leikyna. Promising review: "This is my new fav claw clip! It holds my hair really well and feels comfortable on. It’s also super cute!!" —Julia Get it from Outlet Orion on Etsy for $16 (available in blue and green). Octopied Mind is an Indigenous and queer-owned business that artfully translates their hand-drawn designs into a captivating collection of gender-neutral apparel and accessories. With a harmonious blend of lightheartedness and profound insight, their creations shed light on mental health and the everyday battles encountered by individuals from all walks of life. Promising review: "This T-shirt feels amazing, it's the perfect length and fit. The print looks great and seems like it will hold up well over time. Already getting compliments wearing it!" —Clare R. Get it from Octopied Mind for $48 (available in women's sizes XS–4X). This design is also available as a long-sleeve shirt! Toronto, Canada is the home of Grrrl Spells, a small business full of keychains, pins, stickers, patches, prints, and *zines* you've gotta see. Promising review: "Print is on good quality stock, it's a nice size, and the design is vibrant and adorable. I got one of this and the Gay Disaster skeleton, I'm not sure if I will keep both or give one away but they're both absolute moods and hilarious." —Etsy buyer Get it from Grrrl Spells on Etsy for $9.15. Kayla: I own a medium shopping tote and three small ones, so yeah, you could call me a fan. When I got the medium one a few years ago, I was shocked at how big it was! I often use it to carry my laptop and notebooks to the coffee shop. I don't own the large size, but I know it's prettyyy big and often used for travel. The small ones make good "going-out" bags, in my opinion. The simple, versatile design makes these bags great for so many occasions! And with the amount of beautiful colors and materials available, it's truly hard to just stop at one. Amanda: I, too, can confirm that these bags are iconic. I own two small ones and a Telfar x Eastpak collab version (highly recommend; it zips! 👏). The quality is amazing, the style is timeless, and I can tell these will be bags that I pass down (To who? Idk, my cat, my niece, who knows) — they're that good. Telfar is a Black- and queer-owned business that was created by American designer Telfar Clemens. The brand has gained a massive cult following for its vegan leather bags, but they also have a variety of chic clothing and accessories. The brand has also done some major collabs with Ugg, Melissa, and Eastpak. Get the medium size from Amazon for $222+ or from Telfar for $202 (available in three sizes and various materials, colors, and designs). Coming Soon is a NY-based home and design shop owned by couple Fabiana and Helena. Get it from Coming Soon for $45 (available in eight colors). Chani is a queer and feminist-led tech and media company founded by renowned astrologer, Chani Nicholas and co-directed by her wife, Sonya Passi. In addition to her astrology app, Chani, she also offers ritual tools, books, planners, and more. She also has a section of her website that sells products where 100% of the proceeds go to survivor entrepreneurs and employees through her partnership with Gifted By Freeform. Daysha: As a life-long astrology nerd, I am a *big* fan of Chani. I am subscribed to her app and listen to her podcast religiously because of her feminist and social justice perspective on astrology. While I haven't tried the Deck of Plenty, I have gotten one of her chronically sold-out physical astro planners (but you can still get the digital one here). She really puts so much care and detail into everything she puts out, and I love knowing that the money I give to her through buying her products is truly going back out into the world to make it a better place. West & Willow is a queer-owned small biz that creates pet portraits with a modern design aesthetic, offering a chic yet minimalistic look. They also offer apparel and homeware products featuring your pet, allowing you to showcase your beloved companion in various forms. Promising reviews: "WOW! I bought these as a gift for my daughters, and when they arrived, I was blown away by how realistic they look! Beautiful, they loved them!" —Karen M. "Gift for my husband, Tom, who is the ultimate 'cat daddy'. Gus is the tabby, and Deud is the tuxedo. Both pillows turned out perfectly! Look just like the cats but with artistic flare, and soft, cozy pillow fabric. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️" —Kathleen D. Get it from Amazon or straight from West & Willow for $55+ (available in three sizes). Starflower Stitches is a queer-owned Etsy shop based in Brooklyn, NY. Note that this item is made to order, so it may take some time to ship because the shop owner is busy creating their magic✨ Promising reviews: "Absolutely obsessed! I got these earrings as a birthday gift to myself, and they have become my new favorite earrings. They bring some fun to any boring outfit. I can’t wait to play around with them in an earring stack." —Makaela "The earrings are so adorable and very well made! I have already worn them many times and they are a new favorite!" —Mikayla Corrado Get it from Starflower Stitches on Etsy for $39 — and check out all the other cute earrings in their shop! And no worries, this includes a "How To" magnet in case your French press game is nonexistent. Check out an Instagram Reel of the french press in action. Couplet Coffee is a queer- and woman-owned small biz founded by Gefen, a coffee lover who built a diverse team of baristas, poets, artists, and community-builders, and has grown the company from pop-ups in stores to coffee shops all over LA! Get it from Couplet Coffee for $30 (originally $35). TomboyX is a queer-owned, eco-friendly, size-inclusive underwear brand that designs and manufactures thoughtfully crafted products for all bodies and needs, catering to all sizes and across the gender spectrum. Promising review: "I absolutely love these shorts! They are so well-made. True to size using measurements on fit guide. I did not realize they had a lining underneath like soft underwear shorts. They are sooo comfy. I wore them paddleboarding, and they were perfect! I highly recommend them. After receiving my first pair, I ordered another. TomboyX has a customer for life. Thank you!" —Susie Get them from TomboyX for $74 (available in sizes XS–6X and in eight colors/prints; and be sure to check out the matching sports bra!). LGBTQIA+-owned urban garden shop Tend Greenpoint has plants and home goods you'll want in bulk! If you're local, they do a fantastic job educating you on plant care and making sure you have everything you need to keep your plant family healthy. Many of their gifting goods are locally sourced — like the butter dish above, which was made in Bushwick, New York. Object Lover is an Austin, Texas–based shop owned by Asher Ford, a queer trans woman who designs and prints every item in the shop. Promising review: "Fun and funky addition to my plant collection! Recommend for whimsy!" —Jeffrey Get it from Object Lover on Etsy for $27 (originally $45; also available in green and blue). The kit includes a 6-inch wooden embroidery hoop, a printed cross stitch pattern, 14 count Aida cloth, two tapestry needles, DMC floss, organic batting for framing, felt for backing, and hand-drawn directions. This one's for intermediate cross stitchers, but you can find projects for other skill levels on their storefront. Junebug & Darlin is a Portland-based small biz owned, founded, and designed by Zoë, a queer femme whose artistic journey and cross stitches are inspired by her love for nature, queerness, and political justice. Promising review: "I’ve ordered other cross stitch kits before from other sellers, but this one was my absolute favorite! All the materials are really high quality, and you get so much thread! Finished product turned out great. 😊" —Etsy buyer "Couldn't be happier with this kit and the pattern design. Also, I haven't done any cross stitching for many years, and the instruction booklet was SO HELPFUL and clear. Thank you!" —Etsy buyer Get it from Junebug and Darlin on Etsy for $39. Poplight is a Denver-based, woman-founded company by wives Caroline and Rose Matthes that creates stylish, rechargeable stick-on wall sconces. Promising review: "I couldn't agree more... this totally is a lighting game changer! If you're like me and constantly revamping your home and moving things around, well, this cute, rechargeable, no-wiring-needed light is just the ticket. It took me all of 30 seconds to install, and the brightness settings on the app are perfect. I like that I can set a timer on the light so I don't accidentally leave it on. Mine came with an extra battery, so when the initial one needs to be recharged, I just swap it out. I actually think I'm going to need to buy another one!" —Lauren Get it from Amazon for $99 (available in four colors). The website also notes: "For maximum magical results, do not blow the candle out - SNUFF IT OUT." You can get a candle snuffer or a candle care kit, too. House of Intuition is a Queer-Latine-owned small biz founded by life and business partners Marlene Vargas and Alex Naranjo. They offer candles, crystals, tarot cards and everything else one might need on their spiritual journey. Daysha: I have gotten SO much stuff from House of Intuition over the years — affirmation candles, crystals, aura sprays, magic dusting powders, and anointing oils, just to name a few things. The candles are by far some of my favorite purchases. In addition to smelling ~divine~, I also love that they have a few crystals at the bottom that are meant to help you with maintaining your intention long after the candle is done burning. Even if you don't fully understand or believe in candle magic, the scent and crystal surprise alone make them worth it. Promising review: "Loving and wonderful. These candles burned for a long time, were lovingly dressed, and smelled wonderful." —Amy Dame is a Queer-woman-owned small biz that features sex toys designed with clitoral pleasure in mind. Promising review: "Min has an impressively strong motor for a vibe of its size. The vibrations have a rich rumbling quality that feels great even on the lowest setting. I also like the nontraditional color options. I picked Papaya, which is a lovely warm orange with a hint of pink. I highly recommend Min if you want a powerful vibe in a small package!" —Megan B Get it from Dame for $76 (available in colors "Butter" and "Papaya"). Bowtie Behavior is a Bronx-based business founded by Robin Williams in 2014. The brand was created "with the intent to create pieces that are bold and flavorful; pieces that outfits are built around." Get it from Bowtie Behavior for $40 (also available in other colors/styles). Free Yourself is an LGBTQ-owned small biz that creates the most intoxicating unisex scents any nose will ever have the pleasure of smelling. And each scent is crafted with positive psychology and emotional well-being in mind. Daysha: Oh, my woooooorrrrrddd! Wow... Just... I'm speechless. This scent is HEAVENLY for peeps who love that deep, musky earthy scent profile like myself. It's truly a complex balance of notes in that scent range that we traditionally think of as fem and masc that come together to create a wonderful unisex aroma anyone with a body will enjoy. Also, don't let its compact size fool you, as it did me. The scent strength and reach are powerful. You legit only need one spritz, maaayybeee two, and you're good. If you've been looking for a signature scent, this will truly let people know that you have arrived before you even enter the room. Promising review: "Vibe doesn’t try to fit into a box, and that’s exactly why I love wearing it. It feels authentic, expressive, and versatile — equally at home on anybody. If you’re someone who appreciates depth, balance, and a scent that speaks without shouting, Vibe lives up to its name." —Zoilo C. Get it from Amazon or from Free Yourself for $110. And check out their other scents, Awe and Savor! If you love finding brands that are sustainable, eco-friendly, and use ethical manufacturing (we're talkin' certified by SCS), then you're gonna love Automic Gold. This trans, lesbian-owned business had a goal to "mix and warp the feminine, masculine, in between and outside, to make fine jewelry that is beyond gender." And dang, have they done it! These pieces are all statement-making, even when subtle, and work on every body, for everybody. Get the pair from Automic Gold for $460 (available in four metals, three pushback styles, and as a single). Ash + Chess is a small biz based in Kingston, NY. The shop is run by a queer and trans couple based who have whipped up some delightful greeting cards, art prints and clothing all designed to uplift the queer community. Get it from Ash + Chess for $30 (available in unisex sizes S–2XL). Lovestruck Prints is a Montréal-based shop created by Genevieve Darling, which sells accessories, illustrations, and more cute and colorful stuff. Promising reviews: "This print is gorgeous, and I will absolutely buy from you again!" —Chantal "Beautiful and arrived quickly! The seller even threw in a free sticker. :) Thank you so much!" —Etsy buyer Get it from Lovestruck Prints on Etsy for $7.55 (originally $15.11). Stealth Bros and Co. is a small biz founded by Braxton T. Fleming, who made history as the first Black, Trans man to secure a spot on Shark Tank! Inspired by his own experience with medication during his transition, the brand is on a mission to offer solutions for under-represented medical communities and empower everyone to feel secure, well-organized, and confident in their daily care. You can watch their pitch on Shark Tank here. Get it from Stealth Bros & Co. for $40 (also available in green and four other colors). Free Period Press is a queer woman–owned biz based in Cleveland, Ohio that sells thoughtful notebooks, prints, stickers, and more! Promising reviews: "I've been on a hunt for the best sticker that represents the original show and this one is beyond my expectations! I love it, thank you." —Jasmin "So cute and adorable it looks fantastic, definitely one of my favorites." —Miley Get it from Free Period Press on Etsy for $4. Wild Fancy Design was founded by two queer artists (Lex of Lex Non Scripta and Voula of Gold Dust Studio) in 2013. They make unique jewelry and accessories for all genders. The shop is full of fun earrings, necklaces, pins, and home decor. Promising review: "Super cute, amazing little details. I get a lot of compliments." —Kathryn Get them from Wild Fancy Design on Etsy for $38+ (available in two colors). Twisted Egos is an LGBTQ+-owned Etsy store based in West Hollywood making pop culture–themed masks, keychains, pins, and more. Promising review: "Love the item! It’s just like the picture. Was my finance's favorite gift for his birthday." —Maddy Get it from Twisted Egos on Etsy for $9.50. Wildfang is a woman-owned and run brand founded in 2013 on the belief that women could (and should) wear whatever they want and be whoever they want. In 2018 alone, the company raised over $400,000 for reproductive, immigrant, and women's/human rights charities. Promising review: "Loved the print and the quality of the fabric. I'm a big WF fan! Happy to have a button-up that fits properly in the chest." —Meisha W. Get it from Nordstrom for $60.20+ or straight from Wildfang for $86 (available in women's sizes XS–4X and in 24 styles). BuzzFeed Shopping is service journalism first: our writers and editors spend all day shopping so you don’t have to, vetting products, fact-checking brand claims, and surfacing what actually helps in real life. We center readers over revenue, recommend products with authenticity (using real experiences, not ad-speak), and reflect our diverse audience, inclusive of a variety of price points, people, and needs. We cut through fake deals, favor useful info over glossy fluff, and recommend both budget and splurge options with context so you can decide what’s right for you — and still have a little fun along the way. Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.
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