Fashion, Lifestyle, Tips & Tricks
LGBTQIA+ Founded Brands to Shop on Rakuten
Happy Pride Month! Our support of the LGBTQIA+ community is rooted in our belief that all individuals have the right to live full lives, free from discrimination. As a brand, we practice this year-round, and we’re proud to celebrate Pride Month in solidarity with the LGBTQIA+ community. This Pride Month, we are excited to highlight LGBTQIA+ founded brands available on Rakuten.
Andie, Founded by Melanie Travis
Andie, founded by Melanie Travis, launched in 2017 with the hopes of making the often unenjoyable experience of swimsuit shopping easier and more comfortable. The brand’s luxury swimsuits are made by women for women, and the company focuses on well-made, well-cut one-pieces and bikinis. Andie is also committed to sustainability. The company is transitioning all the fabrics for its swimsuits to recycled nylon, and it ships all its products in polybags made from recycled plastics. For all “Never Have I Ever” and “The Office” fans, Andie also recently launched a collaboration with Mindy Kaling, featuring limited-edition styles and classic Andie swimsuits in bright, bold colors. One of our favorites is the Amalfi swimsuit in Splash. The style is timeless, but the bright color and popcorn texture bring a bit of fun and modernity to the suit.
Malin+Goetz, Founded by Matthew Malin and Andrew Goetz
Malin+Goetz was founded with a mission to create high-quality and simple yet effective products for every skin type, tone, lifestyle and gender. Malin and Goetz’s inspiration to make skin care less complicated was their limited shelf space in their small New York City apartment. The brand has moved beyond skin care, and now offers a range of products, including shampoos, fragrances and candles. We recommend the antioxidant-rich Grapefruit Face Cleanser, which is a three-in-one formula that gently removes makeup, dirt and oil while simultaneously toning your skin. Unlike some cleansers that strip your skin of moisture, the coconut-based surfactants and amino acids cleanse and effectively hydrate your skin.
Peace Out Skincare, Founded by Enrico Frezza
Peace Out Skincare focuses on clean, fast-acting skin-care solutions so you can feel completely confident in your skin. After experimenting with countless products and prescriptions to combat his own acne and hyperpigmentation with limited success, founder Enrico Frezza decided to create his own skin-care brand with effective, easy-to-use products. One of our favorite products is the Acne Healing Dots, formulated with salicylic acid, aloe vera leaf extract and retinyl acetate. Simply place a dot on your blemish and wear it for six hours. Zapping zits couldn’t be easier. For Pride Month, Peace Out Skincare has launched limited-edition Pride Acne Dots. Until July 6, $5 from the sale of each box of Pride Acne Dots will be donated to the Trevor Project, which provides 24/7 crisis support to LGBTQIA+ youth.
Bokksu, Founded by Danny Taing
Returning to the United States after living in Japan, Bokksu founder Danny Taing brought with him a suitcase full of snacks to share with family and friends. Everyone loved the treats, but most were impossible to find in America since they were made by family businesses in Japan that did not ship overseas. Within a year, Danny began packing Bokksu Snack Boxes in his living room so more people could experience the snacks. With Bokksu’s subscription box, you can not only taste delicious and difficult-to-find treats, but you can also support family-run businesses in Japan. Each box ships directly from Japan and includes 20 to 22 Japanese snacks and candies, as well as a tea pairing. There’s lots of flexibility in your subscription — you can choose a one-, three- six- or 12-month plan — making it an excellent gift for a loved one or a fun treat for yourself to receive each month.
Beekman 1802, Founded by Dr. Brent Ridge and Josh Kilmer-Purcell
Beekman 1802 specializes in nutrient-rich goat-milk skin-care items, including soaps, moisturizers, lip balms and cuticle creams. The company came to life after its founders, Dr. Brent Ridge and Josh Kilmer-Purcell, relocated to rural Sharon Springs, New York, and the historic Beekman 1802 farm. It was here that they began making goat-milk soap at their kitchen table. One of their bestselling products is the Bloom Cream Daily Face Moisturizer, which is designed for all skin types and helps keep skin hydrated and moisturized beneath the surface. Since it’s a lightweight formula, it can even be used in the muggy summer months to help control oily skin. If you’re not in the market for skin-care items, check out the Kindness Shop on Beekman 1802’s website. You’ll find limited-edition apparel and accessories like this adorable, baby goat tote.
Marc Jacobs, Founded by Marc Jacobs
Marc Jacobs was founded in 1984 with a deep love for fashion and a commitment to quality. The brand garnered recognition for its mix of luxury and streetwear and incorporation of patterns and distinctive bold colors. Marc Jacobs is most known for its clothing and handbags, but it also offers a range of fragrances and cosmetics. A standout bag that has gained popularity recently is the Marc Jacobs Tote Bag, which seamlessly blends practicality and luxury. It’s fashionable yet functional, with a cross-body strap and a top zip closure to secure your most important items with the distinctive brand logo on the side.
Patrick Ta Beauty, Founded by Patrick Ta
Patrick Ta’s makeup brand was inspired by the women in his life growing up who allowed him to be himself. He wanted to make women feel confident and beautiful in their own skin, just as his mother, sister and best friends did for him. The brand has grown since its launch in 2019, with products ranging from eye palettes to lipsticks. The Major Dimension Eyeshadow Palette is a versatile palette with both cream and powder shades in warm and cool tones. You’ll be set for a simple, everyday look or a more glam look for a night out.
The Period Company, Founded by Karla Welch and Sasha Markova
The Period Company offers sustainable menstrual products that are comfortable, inclusive and empowering. Its product range includes washable pads and underwear in sizes from XS to 6XL, with options based on how heavy or light your flow is. The Period Company advocates for access to menstrual products for all people, and it works to break the negative stigma surrounding periods. The High-Waisted Period in Cotton for Medium Flows is great for everyday use and absorbs up to four regular tampons worth of flow.
These are just a few of the many LGBTQIA+ founded businesses you can shop on Rakuten. Head to our Shop With Optimism page to discover even more brands to shop. We are proud to support the LGBTQIA+ community, and we hope you will take a peek at some products from an LGBTQIA+ founded brand on your next shopping trip!
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