Ruby McKenzie
Whether it’s fashion, skincare, lifestyle, or food, the LGBTQ+ are taking it all over. Other than covering a niche, these businesses also give back to the community. This is through partnerships and donations to platforms that work with or support the LGBTQ+ community.
Here are 5 queer-owned businesses you ought to check out.
1. Kirrin Finch
Mainstream fashion is significantly dependent on the binary, and that’s why there are collections of what’s considered menswear and womenswear. As such, fashion houses work towards clothing of a particular gender. But that does not seem to sit well with the current generation.
People want to be comfortable and confident in their fashion choices, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation.
Founded by LGBTQ+ couple Kelly Sanders and Laura Moffat, Kirrin Finch is a modern clothing company that strives to meet the demand for gender-defying fashion.
The line is inspired by menswear apparel, and it aims to fit a wide range of female and binary bodies. In addition, the sizing is highly inclusive, and it ranges between 0-24, true to the chart.
According to founders Laura and Kelly, Kirrin Finch is a product of frustration. It is almost impossible to fit outfits that suit personal style with mainstream fashion.
Kirrin Finch is keen on giving back to the LGBTQ+ community. It also strives to empower women by giving them the freedom to be themselves.
2. VENVS
Venvs is a unique queer-owned jewelry brand that specializes in custom engagement rings and fine jewelry for non-traditional couples.
The designs are meant for everyone, regardless of their sexuality, gender, sexual orientation, race, or ability. Other than being accent pieces, Venvs acts as a manifestation of physical love between individuals.
Venvs jewelry is ethically sourced and features unique birthstones and innovative settings.
If you would like to purchase a customized engagement ring, you can contact the store for a virtual one-on-one consultation.
One special feature about this brand is the Salt & Pepper Diamond rings. They are the perfect choice for individuals seeking an experimental diamond ring. But what exactly are they?
Well, Salt & Pepper diamonds come in different shades, unlike the traditional diamond pieces. The unique color shadings are a result of small inclusions in the stone.
But you don’t have to worry about compromising strength for style. This is because these jewels offer the durability and the hardness of diamond, with a Mohs scale of 10/10.
These unique and trendy jewel pieces can be customized to fit any style or ring setting.
3. Ink Meets Paper
Nothing beats the sentiment of a handwritten card
In a world dominated by technology and apps, people have lost the personal touch of communication. However, Ink Meets Paper understands the significance of written words in our relationships.
Ink Meets Paper was founded in 2006 by creatives Allison and Jamie Nadeau as a deliberate tool to help spread more love across the world. The brand didn’t launch until four years later, in 2010. Ever since, the company has designed, printed, and shipped hundreds of thousands of cards.
Letters and handwritten notes are a thoughtful sentiment, and Ink Meets Paper understands the assignment. The brand strives to uphold and celebrate the beauty of handwritten communication. They are the perfect gift or addition to gift items to suit any occasion or celebration.
Unlike most card companies, Ink Meets Paper is very dedicated to its craft. All goods are created and printed one color at a time, and this is done on antique printing machines. The Chandler and Price press goes as far back as 1896, while the youngest Windmill press is from 1959.
Although you can shop online, you don’t want to miss the brick store experience. The shop is in the same building as production. Other than greeting cards and stationery, the shop has a selection of calligraphy supplies and pen assortments. In addition, you can also find a selection of hand-marbled leather journals. The brick store gives you a chance to experience the production process. For online shoppers, you get free shopping for goods worth $35.
4. Taimi
Created by Alex Pasykov, Taimi is a dating platform designed specifically for the LGBTQ+ community. Unlike mainstream dating sites, Taimi offers a three-in-one service. It includes a social network, a dating platform, and a live streaming feature.
The site is highly diverse, and is open to individuals across the entire spectrum. The platform is available in 138 countries, and this app has garnered over 15 million active users.
Taimi strives to create a safe and reliable online space where queer people can interact, have discussions, make platonic relationships, and form meaningful connections. The site is free from discrimination and harassment.
The site offers full functionality even on a free subscription. However, you can opt to unlock other features by upgrading your membership to a premium. The packages are split into Bronze, Silver, and Gold, and an additional option for a lifetime subscription of Gold.
If you’re wary about making financial commitments, you can always try the Taimi free trial and see how you like it.
5. Bokksu
Thanks to Bokksu and their little packages of goodness, snacking has never been better.
Founded by Danny Taing, Bokksu is a subscription-based platform that delivers Japanese snacks. The platform strives to sustain cultures and bridge people through authentic foods and products.
Since its development in 2016, Bokksu has delivered over a million boxes to over 100 countries worldwide. In addition, there is a physical market that sells teas, snacks, and lifestyle goods directly from local family makers in Japan.
As an LGBT-owned business, Bokksu brags of a highly diverse staff, and most of them identify as queer. Danny, who is the founder and CEO, strove to intentionally create and sustain a healthy work environment where everyone can be their authentic selves.
Through the years, the company has partnered with and donated to different nonprofits that support the LGBTQ+ community.
Conclusion
We can’t ignore it; the LGBTQ+ community is an economic force we must reckon with. Queer business owners are taking the bold stance to defy binary traditions and their capitalization. Other than economic empowerment, these businesses are creating a platform that increases the visibility of the community.
Share your favorite LGBTQ+-owned businesses with us. We would love to hear from you!
