As we approach the onset of Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from September 15th to October 15th, we shine spotlight on a remarkable group of Latinx entrepreneurs who have made significant strides in the beauty and wellness sectors. These trailblazers not only excel in their respective fields but also bring their rich cultural heritage as a source of inspiration and innovation.

Kathleen Fuentes (Kathleenlights)- Lights Lacquer

Kathleen Fuentes, a prominent Cuban entrepreneur and esteemed beauty influencer, is the driving force behind Miami-based Lights Lacquer. Her brand, Lights Lacquer, is a haven for those seeking vegan, cruelty free, and Twelve-Free nail lacquers, as well as press-on nails, jelly lip balms, and nail care essentials. Beyond cosmetics, Light Lacquer offers a captivating range of apparel, accessories, home decor, and lifestyle items, all infused with the vibrant spirit of Kathleen’s Cuban roots. Her entrepreneurial journey and Lights Lacquer have received accolades from prestigious publications such as Forbes, Teen Vogue, and allure.

Albisa Candles-Honoring Latin Heritage through Scent:

Albisa Candles, a Latina-owned premium candle brand, pays homeage to Latin heritage, particularly the nostalgic essence of Cuban culture, through its renowned Cuban-bread scented candle. As a tribute to Hispanic Heritage Month, Albisa introduced “Cultura y Tradiciones”, a collaboration with Fanesha Fabre, a Dominican-born multi-media artist celebrated for her vibrant illustrations reflecting the Latina experience in NYC. This fusion of art and fragrances celebrates the diversity within the Hispanic community while highlighting the common bonds that unite us. Albisa’s unique approach has garnered attention from media giants like The Today Show, NBC News, Refinery 29, and Thrillist.

Vanessa James- Amplifying Diversity in Voiceover:

Vanessa James, a voiceover actor, multimedia entrepreneur, and CEO of VJ Media, recently assumed the role of promo voiceover artist for the nationally syndicated daytime talk show “Tamron Hall”. Vanessa’s journey is especially remarkable as she contributes to increasing diversity in the voiceover industry. As an Afro-Latina, she is paving the way for other Afro-Latinas, having lent her talents to renowned brands such as Netflix, Infiniti, The CW Network, A&E, Amazon, JetBlue, and more. Her recent projects include voicing the Audible Voice Actor for Hip Hop’s 50th anniversary contributing to shows like Fox Network’s “Stars on Mars” and MLB’s Network Promo. Vanessa’s inspiring story has been featured in We are Mitu, Insider Business, and Variety Magazine.

Ylette Luis- XIO by Ylette, A Jewelry Subscription Inspired by Heritage:

Ylette Luis, the founder of XIO by Ylette, has created a unique monthly jewelry subscription bag that draws inspiration from her love of astrology, Cuban culture, and her grandmother, Xiomara. To pay homage to her Cuban heritage, XIO features pieces named after towns in Cuba her family left behind. Each jewelry piece carries the essence of nostalgia and love for the homeland that her family had to leave behind. Notable pieces in her collection include the “Latina Necklace” and “Spanglish Hoops”. XIO’s distinctive approach to jewelry has garnered attention from publication like Cosmopolitan, Good Housekeeping, and Forbes.

Virgi Schiffino Kennedy- Lux Voyage, A Luxury Travel Consultancy:

Virgi Schiffino Kennedy is the founder of Lux Voyage, a Philadelphia-based, Latina-owned private luxury travel consultancy. Her entrepreneurial journey took her from being a finance attorney to pursuing her passion to travel, eventually launching Lux Voyage in 2015 with her childhood friend, Lisa Malla. Lux Voyage specializes in designing highly personalized and memorable travel experiences worldwide, meticulously tailored to clients lifestyles, tastes, and aspirations. Virgi’s dedication to delivering meaningful and seamless travel experiences earned her prestigious Conde Nast Top Travel Specialist for 2023 Award. Lux Voyage has grown from a duo to a team of nine, with travel designers based in various locations, including NYC, Spain, Italy, and Colombia.

These remarkable Latinx entrepreneurs inspire us not only through their business acumen but also through their commitment to celebrating their heritage and fostering diversity. As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, their stories serve as a testament to the power of culture, passion, and innovation in shaping the entrepreneurial landscape.