Kalejunkie’s Holiday 2020 Women-Owned, BIPOC & Armenian Owned Gift Guide

Now more than ever it’s important to shop small, and support women-owned and BIPOC businesses. And if you haven’t been following what’s been going on in Artsakh, in a nut shell, my fellow Armenians were recently at war with the Azeri people over a piece of disputed land called Nagorno-Karabagh. Although the war is technically over, many Armenians were forced to leave their homes and their land behind. And many Armenian soldiers were killed. The Armenian businesses that I’ve chosen to include in my gift guide are all donating a portion of their proceeds to the Armenia Fund, to send money to where it’s needed most: to help rebuild and support the Armenian people. If there’s one thing 2020 has taught me, it’s that we are all in this together. Love and support ALL people, everywhere.

So here’s what we’ve got in my gift guide!

1. Jam & Rico Sol Earrings $70 – Jam & Rico is a small, female & Black-owned business that I discovered back in April. I ordered these Sol earrings and I have worn them on the regular. They are so damn cute!
2. Luv Scrub Mesh Body Exfoliator $15 – This Black-owned business sells an award-winning mesh cloth that will clean and exfoliate your skin like no other. I have two of these and my life has been changed. I will never use a wash cloth on my body again, because nothing does the job like the Luv Scrub.
3. Tania Sarin x Styleguise Silk Mask $35 – My friend Tania designed these cute silk masks in collaboration with Styleguise, and I am obsessed. I ordered one, and last week I ordered 3 more. Take a look and get ready to fall in love…with a face mask. Yes, I really said that.
4. Glowtopia Face Oil $45 – Another Armenian brand that’s making a buzz is the Glowtopia face oil by Diana Madison Beauty. It helps smooth the look of fine lines, treats hyperpigmentation, and protects skin against environmental stressors. Its star ingredient Prickly Pear Seed Oil is the ultimate beauty oil and a powerful, soothing moisturizer, which contains a high amount of essential fatty acids Omega-6 and Omega-9.
5. Made By K West World Bracelet $139 – On my wish list this year is the World bracelet by K.West. I discovered Kira’s Instagram page this year, and I was drawn to her passion for travel, fitness, wellness, and her overall zest for life. She recently created a beautiful collection of jewelry, including this World bracelet, which has all 7 continents.
6. Holly’s Keeping It Real All Natural Deodorant $15 – If you are looking for a great non-toxic deodorant, one of my favorites is Holly’s Keeping It Real. I have been using Holly’s deodorant in my rotation for the past few years and it never fails me. She’s a small woman owned business that you should definitely support, and these make the best stocking stuffers too!
7. Elcie Glow Enhancer Dry Face Oil $48 – I just ordered by bottle of Elcie Glow Enhancer by Lilit Caradanian, and I am in love! The Glow Enhancer Dry Face Oil is a lightweight dry oil that softens the skin while illuminating with tiny shimmering minerals. I love face products with shimmer!
8. McBride Sisters SHE CAN Wine Sampler Pack $23 – McBride Sisters is one of my favorite Black, female-owned wine brands! I ordered a case a few months ago, and recently discovered that they now sell cans of wine, which are perfect for when you don’t want to open a bottle. Treat yourself or a friend the SHE CAN wine sampler!
9. F*ck Flawless Tube Socks $15 – Oui The People is a Black, female-owned business, founded by Karen Young. This brand is super aligned with my beliefs and values, as they create products that are designed to help people feel good in the skin they are in – no need to change anything! I especially fell in love with these tube socks – the perfect quarantine accessory to go along with my sweat suits 🙂
10. PurHome Non-Toxic Multi-Purpose Cleaner $15 – I discovered PurHome cleaning products earlier this week, and I am looking forward to trying them out! They have received great reviews. All of the products are non-toxic, and by ordering from this brand, you are supporting a small, Black and female owned brand. Hell yeah!
11. Gilded Glamour Body Balm $24 – I’m not sure about you, but my skin has been super dry this year; which means I need a heavy duty, ultra moisturizing body balm. Enter the Gilded Glamour Body Balm, the first body balm that I’ve owned that’s heavy duty, yet NOT sticky. Because no one wants to stick to their clothes.
12. Dose of Colors Matte Lip Gloss $18 – Dose of Colors is an Armenian, female-owned beauty brand. Lately I am loving the matte lipglosses. While I am normally a glossy-type-of-girl, the matte look is totally in, and I’m digging it. Browse around and find your favorite color – I recommend Knock On Wood, it’s a fantastic neutral!
13. Sweet Little Nothings Custom Cards $5-$35 – I am always on the hunt for cute greeting cards; especially ones that aren’t mass-produced. Sweet Little Nothings makes the cutest cards, and by supporting this business, you are supporting a small, Armenian and female owned brand! Click on the link and browse all the unique cards and stationary sets.
14. Kanda Chocolate $21 – I discovered this chocolate brand a few weeks ago, and OMG, it looks so good, I want one of everything! I will be ordering bars as stocking stuffers and for family members. Because who doesn’t like chocolate?!
15. Ani Nail Polish $14 – Ani Michele is an Armenian-owned brand that makes nail polishes that come in so many fun colors. It was hard for me to select just one to include in this gift guide, when the reality is, I want them all!
16. Elisabeth Bell Diamond Necklace from Moda Nashville $1950 – Ok, so I know that you are looking at that price tag and wondering if that 0 after the 5 is an accident. No, it’s not. This is a pricey piece, but it is my most prized possession and I wear it every single day, and I plan to wear it every single day for the rest of my life. So in that case, I think it pays for itself. Not only is the designer a female, the cute little store in Nashville that I purchased it from, Moda Nashville, is a female-owned, and Meredith has become a personal friend.
17. Splash Cocktail Mixers $64 – Last month, I was gifted some Splash cocktail mixers and we loved them! We made mojitos at home and had the best time. This is a female-owned company and their mixers are fantastic. I definitely recommend this set for all the virtual happy hours I know you are all having! 🙂
18. Henry’s Coffee $16 – Henry’s Coffeehouse is a San Francisco institution. They make fantastic coffee, including Armenian coffee, which is super strong and delicious. They also have a Holiday blend, which I’ve linked, which is a medium roast with a nutty flavor, that will transport you right into Christmas.
19. Seka Hills Specialty Foods $various – I recently discovered Seka Hills Specialty Foods, a Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation. They use sustainable practices, and sell products like olive oil, wine, honey, nuts, vinegar, hummus, and more. When you purchase from this community, you are supporting the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation tribe. I will be stocking my kitchen with everything under the sun from this brand!
20. Wellness Teas & Spice Blends from Fit Men Cook $37-40 – I have been following Kevin Curry on Instagram for years, and I absolutely love him! Not only does he share drool-worthy, healthy meals, he also has a full product line of amazing spices. And, he just launched a brand new wellness tea collection, perfect for times like these when taking care of ourselves is so important!

I hope you loved this gift guide! Be sure to leave a comment below and let me know what brands/businesses you’d like me to feature next year!