Marina Miranda

If you’re looking for small businesses to support this holiday season as you’re building your gift giving list, check out some of these black and woman owned businesses in and around the Milwaukee area! Whether you're shopping on small business Saturday or just want to surprise your loved ones with something sweet, this curated list has something for everyone. Take it from a lover and lifetime resident of Milwaukee. If you love any of the places on this list, let me know!

I recently combed out my locs so my hair was really stubborn when it came to training it to behave correctly. Thankfully I found products that made each stage of my hair care better (locs, loose natural, straight, curly/braids). After locs, I also got my hair straightened a few times too many and got heat damage so it took a while to get my curls back but the list below should help if you're experiencing the same thing!

I am NOT a skincare specialist. I can't give advice I just share what I've used based on what me and my esthi have come up with after SO MUCH trial and error. I highly rec'd going to see an esthetician before adding any of these items into your routine. We worked really hard to lighten up my dark spots, even my skin tone, moisturize my skin and manage my acne. (I'll tell you the biggest influence was changing my diet--whew). If you can go see a professional, I highly rec'd Brandy Watkins Beauty (Milwaukee, WI--link below)I've also included some of my favorite items for taking care of the rest of my skin and body as well. I'm allergic to artificial fragrance, sensitive to too much heat, and my skin is eczema and acne prone.

In an attempt to make myself get used to trying new things, the Marina Tries $H!T series explores my adventures of trying and reviewing healthy food and snack alternatives (and really whatever else I want) so I can save other people money and time doing so. Follow me at @marina.miranda__ for reviews on my favorite foods, business, activities and more! (mostly based in Milwaukee, WI)

A list of my favorite podcasts as a black, millennial woman living in Milwaukee, WI and growing up in the digital age where we have access to so much information. These podcasts can help you find the language for things you didn’t even know you needed, easily understand complex topics and stretch your mind to understand real people’s experiences. If you’re into learning, growing, laughing and more, this podcast list is for you. Because I lost my mom at such a young age, there was so many things I ended up teaching myself through things like these podcasts, honestly.

Things animals I've owned and pet sat have LOVED! Also tools that make pet parenthood and dog ownership easier. ALL items are things I've used before. Follow my journey on Instagram at @soyouwantapet and see these items in action!

Nothing a trip to target can't fix. Check out the skin and body care products I can't live without! l almost always leave target with something on this list whenever I go.

Tools, apps, gadgets and more that help me keep my mind and body together. I'm much more focused on keeping myself healthy and well with natural methods these days so this list features things I use to make it easy on myself.

Body wash, handwash, sunscreen, face wash, fragrances and more for the girls with sensitive skin. If you have dry skin, eczema, sensitive to fragrance, heat rashes and more and struggle to find products that work for your skin, here's a list for you to start with .

This is my apparel line that serves as a reminder of how to deal with diffucult emotions. It was inspired by the last words my mom said to me before she took her own life in 2017. Althouth the apparel line is only 2 years old, it has helped to change the lives of people all across the world.

Thanks to my benable-backed collab with chewy, I was able to grab some items from brands I love and want to try. Some of the items are great for me to use with my senior dog and also with my Wauwatosa (Milwaukee, WI) pet sitting clients. The pupsicle is always a hit with my high energy clients who need something to do and I wanted to try to make my own for my pup! If you've got any questions, let me know :)

I was born and raised in Milwaukee and I LOVE good food. I'm highlighting some of my favorite spots in the city and the things I love on their menu. I believe I was a true foodie in my past life. I'll keep adding to these as I discover more. Message me to know about my extra special spots :) (none of these are affiliate links)

List featuring some of my personal favorite makeup items and go to's in my routine. All budget friendly and easy to use