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I grew up in Union City, New Jersey, which sometimes gets referred to as “Little Havana on the Hudson.” It’s home to one of the biggest Cuban communities outside of Miami, thanks to waves of Cuban immigrants who settled there over the decades. Walking around, you see it in restaurants like Dos Amigos (where the only thing on the menu is a pan con bistec), the way the Cuban flag flies right below the U.S. one around town, and in the Celia Cruz Plaza on 32nd street. So it’s no wonder that anytime I go home, I have to grab a Cuban sandwich, Cuban links have always been part of my necklace stack, and even my Colombian dad will casually drop an “asere” around his coworkers.
That magnetism is what makes Cuban culture so distinct. With about 1.5 million Cuban Americans across the U.S., their culture quietly (or not so quietly) influences what we see, wear, and experience every day. If you’re looking to support Cuban fashion, try mojo-inspired sauces, or discover more Cuban American-owned businesses worth backing, here are some you should definitely check out.
Clandestina emerged from Havana’s creative underground, blending Cuban humor, tropical vibes, and a commitment to sustainable fashion. Since 2015, the brand has filled a gap showcasing the resilience and everyday joy of Cuba through clothing designed to uplift both community and the planet.
Clandestina Clandestina Denim Dress, $, available at ClandestinaKathleen Fuentes, aka KathleenLights, is a Cuban-American beauty YouTuber who launched her brand Lights Lacquer in 2019 to bring her passion for color and creativity to nail polish. Inspired by her cultural heritage and the energy of Miami, the brand offers vegan and cruelty-free shades that celebrate self-expression through nail art.
Lights Lacquer Out of Office Nail Polish Trio by Lights Lacquer, $, available at Lights LacquerXio by Ylette is a mystical, magic-infused, Miami-made jewelry brand crafting pieces inspired by symbols of luck and the stars, designed to help you communicate and manifest with the universe. Founded by Ylette Luis, each piece is made with love to bring a little extra power and intention to your everyday life.
XIO by Ylette XIO by Ylette's Cubana Necklace, $, available at XIO by YletteAlbisa Candles, founded by first-gen Cuban Americans Isabel and Albert, is a family-run brand that creates hand-poured candles inspired by Cuban culture and heritage. Their cafetera candles capture the nostalgia of seeing a cafetera on the stove during morning coffee, with a warm café con leche scent that feels just as familiar.
Albisa Candles Cafetera Candle by Albisa Candles, $, available at Albisa CandlesBorn from a rich family legacy in men’s sportswear, Cubavera was launched in 2000 by Cuban-born George Feldenkris and his team to celebrate Latine culture through clothing. Taking inspiration from the traditional guayabera, the brand reimagines this iconic style with modern fabrics and designs.
Cubavera Cubavera's Embroidered Guayabera Shirt, $, available at CUBAVERAAlamar Cosmetics is named after Gabriela Trujillo’s Cuban hometown, where her story started before her family immigrated to Miami. What began as a teen passion for makeup quickly turned into a career and, now, a brand that celebrates culture, creativity, and the hustle of paving your own path.
Alamar Cosmetics Alamar Cosmetics' Colorete Blush Trio, $, available at Alamar CosmeticsTres Lindas Cubanas Cigars are more than just premium cigars. They’re a celebration of Afro-Cuban heritage and sisterhood. Founded by Yvette and Yvonne Rodriguez, visionaries who honor their grandmother’s legacy, the brand crafts hand-rolled cigars made with Nicaraguan tobacco and aims to bring more diversity to the cigar industry.
Tres Linda Cubanas Tres Linda Cubanas Assorted Heritage Collection, $, available at Tres Linda CubanasDuring a family pig roast on Nochebuena in 2015, Mario Cruz and his son Kevin experimented with their traditional Cuban mojo marinade to create a spicy hot sauce. Since then, Bárbaro Mojo has grown from a homemade favorite to a recognized Cuban hot sauce admired for its authentic flavor.
Barbaro Mojo Barbaro Mojo Cuban Hot Sauce Gift Pack, $, available at Barbaro MojoStarting in a kitchen in the U.S. after emigrating from Cuba, founders Roy and Ines brought a taste of their homeland to their U.S. Latine community with homemade roasted coffee. What began as door-to-door sales has grown into Café Aroma, a family-run business that’s been serving the same traditional espresso blend for more than 60 years.
Café Aroma Café Aroma Espresso Can, $, available at Café Aroma
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