Max Herman/Borderless MagazineFrom handcrafted items to wine, we compiled a list of local Chicago businesses to consider when shopping this holiday season.
With the holidays around the corner, Borderless Magazine has compiled a list of immigrant and minority-owned businesses to consider as you shop for your loved ones.
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Vinoteca, 3035 N. California Ave.
For the wine lovers in your life, I highly recommend a bottle of wine from Vinoteca in Avondale. The owner curates a wine selection from Spain, Portugal and her home country, Mexico. This red wine from Mexico’s wine country—Valle de Guadalupe, Baja California—caught my eye as someone from Northern Mexico. VinoTeca’s wines could make a great gift for Secret Santa or an addition to a posada this holiday season. –Aydali Campa, environmental reporter
Espacio 3628, 3628 W. Armitage Ave.
Espacio 3628 in Logan Square is a new artist-centered gift shop and gallery space where you can find various art and hand-made items. Founded and opened in October by Evelyn Medina, Espacio 3628 features T-shirts, cards, crystals, jewelry, cups, bags, plants and prints. You can also purchase paintings and other art on display from each month’s featured artist. This Logan Square gift shop is an ideal spot to support local artists and makers. Medina also co-owns the jewelry business Las Crafty Anties. – Max Herman, Visuals editor
Bon Femmes, 4917 N. Damen Ave.
If you’re looking for cute trinkets and accessories for your friends and family, stop by Bon Femmes, a small Black woman-owned shop in Ravenswood. You’ll find art, clothing, accessories, skincare and more. My personal favorite is their stationary selection — one can never have enough stickers or notebooks. They’re also hosting holiday events! Omotola Akinbiyi, the owner of Bon Femmes, believes in giving back to the creative community and highlighting female artists. Stop by and get the perfect holiday gift today. – Sarah Luyengi, Development and Impact Manager
MM Beauty Salon, 3801 W. 31 St.
If you’re struggling to find the perfect gift, you should consider giving someone quality time at the beauty salon. You can’t go wrong with a multiple-service salon like MM Beauty Salon. Owned and operated by Marisela Maciel, she offers hair cuts, hair dyes, painted nails, acrylics, depilation and lamination of eyebrows, dyed eyebrows, makeup and perms. Prices start at $20. – Samantha Nicole Monje, Medill reporting intern
This holiday season, I invite you to support my mom’s business, JAD Fashions Design, a Lebanese and woman-owned online boutique in Chicago. JAD’s designs specialize in beautifully crafted leather handbags and scarves that celebrate elegance and practicality. I’m especially in love with her handbags in earthy tones. They’re stylish, versatile and perfect for any season. Check out her collection on JAD’s Instagram. (Diane Bou Khalil helps her mother curate content for JAD Fashions Designs’ social media accounts.) – Diane Bou Khalil, Marketing and Engagement Manager
Gathers Tea Bar, 1214 W. Taylor St.
Anyone who knows me knows I love boba. But I also like making fun drinks for myself at home, too! So, I’m recommending you check out Gathers Tea Bar. Their tea is top-notch and the owner, Peter, grew up in Chinatown and Bridgeport after his parents immigrated to the U.S. from Guangdong, China. Other than its delicious drinks, the Little Italy shop also offers a matcha tea set, which includes a matcha whisk, bowl, spoon and whisk stand. The matcha-making set is the perfect gift for any friends or family who love or want to try making matcha tea or lattes at home — plus, you can treat yourself to a yummy cup of passionfruit green tea or rose tieguanyin when you’re there, too! – Katrina Pham, Audience Engagement Reporter
For a one-of-a-kind gift, Worms N Dirt Studio is a Chicago-based, queer and Filipino-American-owned small business run by Ariana and Anne, who have been best friends since middle school. They are deeply passionate about creating art that celebrates whimsical creativity and connecting to their inner child — both of whom aspired to be Junie B. Jones. Their work includes jewelry, keychains, hand-printed stationery and fiber arts. You can find them on Instagram at @wormdirtsudio and on Etsy at wormsndirtstudio.etsy.com! – Siriluck Poontong, Finance and Admin Manager
Central Port Emporium, 2324 S. Wentworth Ave.
Are you looking for stocking stuffers? Traditional Japanese Maneki cats, known as bringers of good fortune, can be found at Central Port Emporium. These friendly beckoning cats, only $4.99, can serve as fun desk decorations. – Miguel Tsang, Medill reporting intern
Colores Mexicanos, 605 N. Michigan Ave.
Colores Mexicanos is a charming gift shop in downtown Chicago that celebrates Mexico’s deep artistic traditions. Inside, you’ll find an array of vibrant, handcrafted items ranging from art and home decor to jewelry. This shop brings the spirit of a lively Mexican street market to life. Owned by sisters Leti and Erika Espinosa, who immigrated from Mexico over a decade ago, and their partner Gabriel Neely-Streit, Colores Mexicanos partners with artisan families from across Mexico to showcase authentic craftsmanship. These unique pieces are perfect for brightening up any home or accessory collection. – Fiona Wu, Medill reporting intern
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