21 Indian Queer-Owned Small Businesses On Instagram You Should Bookmark Immediately

Their products will make your friends ask, "Where did you get that from?"

Just as this list is not, by any means, exhaustive, Pride doesn't just end with June. Support your local queer-owned businesses and artists all year round so as to give voice to those from the marginalised sections, and help uplift the community! 🌈

1. The Madeleine Store | @themadeleinestore

instagram.com

Owner: Alvia and Kiki

Pronouns: she/her

The Madeleine Store sells adorable custom handmade accessories that are super affordable and will make you reminisce your childhood.

2. eclaypse | @eclaypse

instagram.com

Owner: Bani

Pronouns: she/her

@eclaypse is a handmade polymer clay jewellery business based out Delhi that ships pan-India. Their beautiful collection of conceptual jewellery is a must-have!

3. sarah | small business | @sarahsinhal

instagram.com

Owner: Sarah Sinhal

Pronouns: she/her

Sarah is a digital artist who makes everything from custom phone cases and pop sockets to greeting cards, t-shirts, sweatshirts, and hoodies!

4. Kris | @merchbykris

instagram.com

Owner: Kris Chudawala

Pronouns: they/he

Kris is a digital artist who takes up art commissions and makes custom queer merchandise. They also make t-shirts, tote bags, mugs, and notebooks with some cute AF designs.

5. Parth Pawar | @artwalahoe

instagram.com

Owner: Parth

Pronouns: they/them

Parth is a non-binary Dalit artist and activist from Delhi. They use their art as a medium to raise awareness and critique social issues. They do paid commissions and also work as an art director for a South Asian online magazine called "The Phosphene", that publishes the works of queer artists.

6. Firdous Organic | @firdousorganic

instagram.com

Owner: Moazzam Reza

Pronouns: he/him

Firdous Organic offers a range of body butters and organic soaps made from pure camel milk, goat milk, and red wine. These products are one of a kind as they are concocted to help your skin retain its natural nutrients and moisture.

7. Moazzam Reza | @moazzam_reza

instagram.com

Owner: Moazzam Reza

Pronouns: he/him

Moazzam Reza, the founder of the aforementioned Firdous Organic, is a graduate of the National Institute of Fashion Technology, Kolkata and also runs his own fashion label. He describes his atelier as one "without any rules". He lets the materials and fabric ignite the vision of his garments and they come to life once his client dons them.

8. clayssic._ | @clayssic._

instagram.com

Owner: Avanee

Pronouns: she/her

@clayssic._ is a hand-crafted clay jewellery business and their line includes chokers, earrings, and keychains inspired by floral and animal designs.

9. Tara ✰ Journals and More | @ofcovensandhavens

instagram.com

Owner: Tara

Pronouns: she/they

Start your journaling journey with these beautiful journal kits that are customised and curated by Tara and will ABSOLUTELY fit your aesthetic and budget! They also make wooden pins and jewellery.

10. 𝘉𝘭𝘶𝘦&𝘎𝘳𝘦𝘺 𝘚𝘵𝘶𝘥𝘪𝘰 (๑･̑◡･̑๑) | @bluengrey.studio

instagram.com

Owner: Raashi

Pronouns: she/her

Raashi makes handmade accessories like chokers, earrings, rings, and hair clips. She wishes to expand to K-pop, K-Drama, and anime-centric accessories in the future.

11. Blank Canvas | @_the_original_blank_canvas

instagram.com

Owners: Srish and Shweta

Pronouns: they/them and she/her

Shweta is Srish's mother and together, they make personalised and waterproof shoes and t-shirts that are SO unique. They have a special pride month collection out right now, which includes cushion covers, socks, and tote bags. It's time to fill your life with all the colours in the world!

12. Balakrishna / Balu | @yogampottery

Instagram: @yogampottery

Owner: Balakrishna Vallepu

Pronouns: he/him

Balakrishna believes that the versatility of clay makes it possible for people to express themselves in their own unique ways. In order to make this aforesaid versatility available to everyone, he started yogampottery in 2018. The store offers a plethora of ceramic products which vary in design — from simple, elegant, and functional wares to unique, individualistic, and intricate pieces inspired by traditional Indian art forms.

13. rigo | @aesthu_bits

instagram.com

Owner: Rigo

Pronouns: she/her

Rigo is a self-taught artist who makes customised illustrations and videos, along with personalised gift hampers. These are available digitally as well as physically.

14. neon | @sticksandstonees

instagram.com

Owner: Neon

Pronouns: Any pronouns

Channel your inner goth with these accessories that are made from leather, chains, and clay. @sticksandstonees makes chokers, harnesses, garters, earrings, bracelets, septum/nose rings and even clip-on lip rings. There's something for all your whims and moods.

15. Shriya Uday | @shriyaaarghart

instagram.com

Owner: Shriya

Pronouns: Any pronouns

Shriya is a unique and talented artist who loves exploring her creativity through different forms like embroidery, cross-stitching, crocheting, and digital art.

16. CROCHETED APPAREL | @azabysan

instagram.com

Owner: Saniya

Pronouns: she/her

Saniya makes incredibly cute crochet clothing that you'd want to get your hands on right now. The idea behind her store is to create slow and sustainable fashion.

17. Sanskriti | @sanethetics

instagram.com

Owner: Sanskriti

Pronouns: she/her

Sanskriti loves everything from brush lettering and macramé, to resin and wire jewellery. She believes that pride is all year round and this belief is reflective in all the pieces she creates. She has recently decided to donate ten percent of her earnings to the Trans Community Kitchen in Chennai.

18. Bakery | @_ministryofsugar_

instagram.com

Owner: Eshani

Pronouns: she/her

If you just can't get enough of sugar, this Bombay-based chef sells delicious varieties of fudge brownies, cookies, and assorted macarons. YUM!

19. medusa 🔱🌈 | @medusa_pridestore

instagram.com

Owner: Purab Brahma

Pronouns: he/him

Based out of Assam, Purab runs Northeast India's first queer clothing brand that comes with a wee bit cheeky but adorable messaging.

20. Gagged | @_.gagged._

instagram.com

Owner: Rudraksh Rawat

Pronouns: he/him

Fresh out of college in 2020, Rudraksh started this store with the aim to promote fashion which is free from gender norms. In doing so, he has curated a collection of unique patterns, colours, designs, and aesthetics. Moreover, all these pieces are thrifted, so he is also contributing towards his goal of making fashion more sustainable.

21. Love, Shim. | @loveshimtrinkets

instagram.com

Owner: Shimona

Pronouns: she/they

Apart from crocheting like a pro, Shimona makes alt and kawaii jewellery from materials like clay and metal. The best bit? A part of their proceeds from sales goes towards feeding stray animals.

Which ones did we miss? Share below!