It’s Women’s History Month: the perfect time to celebrate the power, creativity and impact of female-owned businesses. And so, back by popular demand, our shopping guru Nicole Grimes—CEO and Founder of Carib Biz Network—takes over my column once again, this time in celebration of women-led brands delivering products that are impactful, thoughtful, sustainable and undeniably infused with Caribbean vibes.
TERESE SYNDONNA
Heritage: Jamaica
What: Stylish printed wear made in Manhattan
Terese Sydonna’s collections reflect a rich blend of founder Terese Sydonna Brown’s Jamaican heritage, Japanese artistic inspirations and architectural appreciation. An alumna of Lafayette College and the Philadelphia Fashion Incubator at Macy’s, Syndonna has a background in finance, buying, and merchandising, having collaborated with renowned designers like Jimmy Choo and Marc Jacobs before launching her own label. @teresesydonna
ISLENAS
Heritage: Puerto Rico
What: Footwear & accessories
A footwear and accessories label crafted and conceptualized in Puerto Rico, Isleñas was founded by Karla López Rivera, an industrial designer who boasts over a decade of expertise in the footwear industry. Inspired by her Puerto Rican seamstress grandmother, Rivera hopes to revitalize the sewing industry in Puerto Rico through modern, sustainable fashion practices. @islenas
MANLUU
Heritage: Martinique
What: Fine jewelry & fashion
Born in New York City, MANLUU draws inspiration from the vibrant Creole culture of the French Caribbean. The chic jewels designed by MoAnA Luu have been modeled by the likes of Gwyneth Paltrow, Mary J. Blige, Issa Rae, Gary Dourdan, and fashion icon Maye Musk. @manluuny
Lena Del Sol Fine Art & Decor
Heritage: Puerto Rico
What: Caribbean-inspired art & home decor pieces
Born in Toronto and later relocating to New York City, Lena Del Sol pursued performing arts and nonprofit work before yielding to her passion for creative expression and launching Lena del Sol Fine Art & Décor. She’s expanded her creative horizons over the years, transitioning from paintings to ceramics and introducing a home décor line, all with the aim of sharing the Afro-Puerto Rican and Caribbean experience on a global scale. @lenadelsolart
Vavvoune
Heritage: Haiti
What: Leather bags & accessories
Growing up in Haiti, Valerie Blaise’s cherished nickname was “Vavvoune.” Now Vavvoune is Blaise’s brand of leather bags and accessories, deeply rooted in Brooklyn, New York. Working closely with a team of artisans in the heart of New York City’s garment district, Blaise crafts a collection committed to sustainability, repurposing premium Italian leathers discarded by ultra-luxury brands and breathing new life into each piece. @vavvoune
SammyB
Heritage: Jamaica
What: Edgy, modern women’s wear
Gabrielle Union, Nicki Minaj and Beyonce have all adorned themselves in the edgy-yet-elegant designs of Sammy B, founded by Jamaican-American Samantha Black. The collection features a women’s ready-to-wear line marked by femininity and a touch of eclectic tropical flair. @sammybdesigns
Bijoux Lakay
Heritage: Haiti
What: Hand-created horn jewelry and accessories made in Haiti
Bijou Lakay, founded by Daphnée Karen Floréal, is handcrafted jewelry created by a community of artisans located in Port-au-Prince, Haiti—all of them blending traditional techniques with modern style to serve up stunning pieces from bullhorn, adorned with gemstones. @bijouxlakay
Kristen Woollery
Heritage: Trinidad & Tobago
What: Abstract portraits
DC-based artist Kristen Woollery channels her passion and faith into magnificent abstract portraits of Black women, all in tribute to the influential women in her life and the loving community that nurtured her. Inspired by her Trinidadian heritage and upbringing in New York City, Kristen’s vibrant paintings reflect the strength, resilience, and beauty of the diaspora. @lowkeykrissi
Bien Abye
Heritage: Haiti
What: Beaded bags & 100% silk accessories
Dayanne Danier is the creative mind behind Bien Abyé, a playful women’s accessories line that blends French chic with Caribbean Creole flair. Inspired by her Haitian roots, Danier’s designs have adorned runways in Boston, New York, DC, Atlanta, Miami, and Haiti. Snag pieces from her collection at Nordstrom.com. @bienabye
Maiden Denim
Heritage: Cuba & Jamaica
What: Handmade, sustainable denim jewelry
Talk about original creations: denim-based jewelry made from recycled fabrics—sourced from donations or New York City thrift stores. Maiden Denim, founded by Tiffany Milian, even sterilizes the denim fabric to make it waterproof and durable. @maidendenim
TERRA-TORY
Heritage: Trinidad & Jamaica
What: Caribbean-inspired bath and beauty products
Founded by Kimbery Waldropt, TERRA-TORY is a sustainable wellness brand most noteworthy for what it doesn’t use: coconut oil, palm oil, or any non FDA-regulated ingredient. What they do use, though, are nutrient-dense, raw, organic ingredients that nourish, cleanse, soothe and protect skin. In the name of sustainable, zero-waste practices, their packaging is plastic-free, too. @terra_tory
Cocoa Puzzles
Heritage: Trinidad & Tobago
What: Inclusive children’s puzzles
Cocoa Puzzles spreads inclusivity through play, creating puzzle designs that children of color and diverse backgrounds can identify with. Drawing design inspiration from her Caribbean upbringing, owner Putrice Thomas hopes to inspire children to reach their goals and aspirations bravely. @cocoapuzzles
The Spice Theory
Heritage: Jamaica
What: All-natural, health-conscious Caribbean-inspired spices
It’s a simple theory, really: small-batch spice blends enhance any culinary creation. Hence The Spice Theory, launched by Jamaican American physician Dr. Corrie Amos: Natural, additive-free ingredients mean their blends elevate dishes and serve up superior Caribbean-inspired flavor—sans unhealthy preservatives or MSG. @shopspicetheory
Morgan Taylor Scrubs
Heritage: St. Vincent & Honduras
What: Flattering medical scrubs for both men and women
As a practicing physical therapist for over 15 years, Dr. Nicole Sergeant loathed those uncomfortable scrubs, which did not suit her curves or flatter her figure. Taking matters into her own hands, she launched the ever-flattering Morgan Taylor Scrubs, which uses breathable fabric and is wrinkle-resistant, moisture-repellent and antimicrobial. Dr. Sergeant honors her mother’s legacy donating a portion of profits to cancer research. @morgantaylorscrubs
Meme Bete
Heritage: St. Lucia
What: Hand-made bags & accessories using wax prints and madras
Meme Bete’s founder Taribba do Nascimento, a St. Lucian designer and lover of all things creative, fell in love with the art of leathercraft while living in Ethiopia and received training in Florence, Italy. Handmade in St. Lucia, Meme Bete combines traditional cloths like African wax print and madras with fine leather or natural jute. @memebete.bags
BONUS TIP: Live life in full color with the hand-crafted designs of Morales & More, created by Marien Morales. Morales taps into her Dominican-Haitian roots to create playful pieces for home and body that scream “joy,” “play” and most of all, “abundance.”
Discover more Caribbean-American brands to support on Carib Biz Network’s Shop Caribbean online directory & marketplace, featuring 70+ more small businesses infused with the pulse of the Caribbean. Salute to women makers everywhere & Happy Shopping!