Get to Know LGBTQ+ Marketplace Famm

Published on Oct 23, 2024 at 2:50 PM

While each product featured is independently selected by our editors, we may include paid promotion. If you buy something through our links, we may earn commission. Read more about our Product Review Guidelines here.

The Expert Edit features interviews with specialists about the products they swear by in their chosen field. For the latest installment, we spoke with Cat Perez and Marianna Di Regolo, founders of LGBTQ+ online marketplace Famm, about their business goals and product recommendations.

Married couple Cat Perez (she/they) and Marianna Di Regolo (she/her) created LGBTQ+ online marketplace Famm after struggling to find affirming brands. “The only time we’d see LGBTQ+ businesses and stories highlighted was during Pride month, and it just felt like we deserved more than that once-a-year spotlight,” Perez tells PS. “We wanted something that could make it easier to find and support these brands all year, and we knew we weren’t the only ones feeling this way. As we’ve gotten older, it’s become more important to us to spend our money with intention, especially in today’s political climate where it feels like we constantly have to fight to be seen.”

Now, Perez and Di Regolo are working on expanding their e-commerce site — which includes a curation of apparel, home goods, beauty, service providers, and more — to a full-fledged community with the addition of an app: Famm Connect. The goal is to create a space where LGBTQ+ professionals can network, find mentors, or even potentially collaborate on their business ventures. Perez and Di Regolo will provide scholarships for founders who may not be able to afford joining the platform on their own. They are particularly proud to watch their partners flourish and succeed with confidence, deeming it their biggest accomplishment thus far.

“The only time we’d see LGBTQ+ businesses and stories highlighted was during Pride month, and it just felt like we deserved more than that once-a-year spotlight.”

The couple, who hail from Northern California, note just how much the initial creation of Famm revolved around safety. “We had just welcomed our baby, recently moved, and were feeling the weight of the anti-LGBTQ+ rights politics and policies passing into law,” Di Regolo says. “Both of us had dealt with challenges at work, like not being able to fully be ourselves or openly identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community . . . Famm wasn’t just about creating a platform for LGBTQ-owned businesses; it was about building a safe space for us and our community to thrive, while also shining a spotlight on inclusive businesses that reflect the values we care about.”

Of course, the entrepreneurial life can be busy and hectic, so Perez and Di Regolo prioritize self-care through many of the products that they’ve outlined below. From spending time with their three-year-old to listening to audiobooks to gardening and birdwatching, they make room for downtime whenever they can. Their biggest piece of advice when it comes to working alongside a loved one is to make room for disagreements, compromise, and celebrate wins. They consistently focus on their shared “why,” exchange advice with like-minded leaders, and remember that success doesn’t happen overnight — persistence is key.

Ahead, learn about Perez and Di Regolo’s must haves that they depend on regularly for their personal self-care routines, entertaining guests, and more.

amazon.comEdible Glitter For CocktailsFancy Sprinkles Fancy Edible Glitter Packets ($15)

“We’ve used edible glitter from Fancy Sprinkles to add a fun, fancy touch to cocktails. It’s a simple way to elevate drinks and make them sparkle, perfect for special occasions or just for fun! It’s unexpected, but always a hit,” Di Regolo says.

Each pack comes with 10 servings and you can shop different colors and flavors, depending on the theme of your party or the type of drink you’re making.

halftimebeverage.comBeerDyke Beer Saison – 4 Pack ($24)

“We love supporting queer-owned brands, and Dyke Beer is no exception,” Di Regolo says. “It’s a tasty craft beer with excellent branding and a great mission, making it even better to enjoy with friends.”

This flavor in particular is available via Half Time in a four-pack and is made with New York State hops, Belgian Malt, and Belgian yeast yielding notes of bubblegum and white pepper. The brand recommends pairing it with curried dishes, fish, or nutty cheese.

amazon.comBrow PowderJoey Healy Luxe Brow Powder ($28)

Di Regolo loves how long-lasting this brow powder is. “The fine texture and natural finish make it easy to shape and define brows for a polished look,” she says. You can shop it in three different shades — Corduroy, a silver-tinged brown; Equestrian (auburn); and Tobacco (chocolate) — and rest assured that it’s waterproof, too.

amazon.comDeodorant BalmAKT Deodorant Balm ($29)

“We absolutely love AKT deodorant. Applying a small amount with your finger took a little time to get used to, but it works so well. The scents are amazing, and we’ve noticed that it keeps us smelling fresh for a lot longer. It’s been a great addition to our routine,” Di Regolo says.

The brand produces plastic- and aluminum-free cream that’s for all genders and has been tested by athletes and active professionals for performance quality. You can even apply it to your feet, forehead, or chest — anywhere you want all-day freshness and protection.

thebarbshop.comPomadeThe Barb Shop Soft Clay Pomade ($30)

Perez swears by this pomade, which keeps their hair styled all day without that added greasy feeling. “It’s perfect for adding texture and hold while keeping things natural,” she says. It’s crafted with natural waxes and plant proteins and it rinses clean with water. While it’s fragrance-free, it still has that fresh-from-a-cut scent to it that we all crave.

ctoanco.comDecorative CandlesCTOAN Thunder Thighs Plus Size Leg Candle ($35)

“These gender-neutral, body-inclusive candles are a must have. They fill the space with gorgeous scents and create a cozy, calming atmosphere, all while being made from natural ingredients,” Di Regolo says. Each one of these candles has imperfections and air pockets that add to the beauty of the art. You can also shop silhouettes from booties to busts to vulvas.

patrickchurchartist.comSingletPatrick Church A.O.Y. Wrestling Singlet ($48, originally $105)

Patrick Church singlets are Perez’s go-to for activities like yoga and swimming. “It’s probably not the first thing people expect, but it’s so comfortable and versatile. Plus, the designs are bold and unique, which makes it fun to wear in settings where most people might not think of it. It’s all about finding pieces that make you feel confident, even if they’re a little unconventional,” they say.

bothandapparel.comDenim ShortsBoth& Ki Denim Shorts ($49, originally $79)

Di Regolo deems these go-to shorts the perfect mix of style and comfort. “They’re designed to fit and feel great for anyone who wants a versatile, gender-inclusive wardrobe staple,” she says.

Available in sizes 29-42, we love that you can check out the fit on different customers before purchasing. The denim is specifically crafted to not chafe, pinch, or ride up. What’s more, the brand’s fit system has been created by working with thousands of nonbinary and transmasc community members to master perfect proportions for a masc fit on AFAB bodies.

lordviolet.caUnique JewelryLord Violet Prairie Queer Rainbow Bolo ($62)

“These necklaces are stunning and unique. Each piece feels personal and meaningful, perfect for adding a little something special to any outfit,” Perez says of Lord Violet. The brand is influenced by alternative subculture, film noir, and erotica and incorporates recycled leather and vintage metal mesh in its luxe, eco-friendly pieces. Everything is created by independent Canadian designer Nicola Dawn out of her Montréal-based studio.

goldbelly.comCheese For EntertainingCowgirl Creamery Classic Cowgirl Cheese Collection ($100)

“This creamy, rich cheese is a household favorite,” Perez says of Mt Tam specifically. “Whether on its own or part of a charcuterie board, it’s a delicious indulgence we always go to for entertaining or picnics.”

This trio that’s available on Goldbelly includes the brand’s most-loved cheeses and won’t disappoint. They’re shipped with gel packs to preserve the quality and you should refrigerate them immediately upon arrival, enjoying in one to two weeks.

goldbelly.comJell-O CakesSolid Wiggles Boozy Aperitivo Spritz Cake ($115)

“Have you ever had a fancy Jell-O shot that could also be on display in a museum? Solid Wiggles offers the most gorgeous, boozy Jell-O cakes and shots,” Perez says.

Solid Wiggles was founded in 2020 by pastry chef Jena Derman and master mixologist Jack Schramm, and the brand operates out of Brooklyn. You can shop their creative, reimagined “jelly cakes” via Gold Belly.

automicgold.comGold StudsAutomic Gold Medium Ball Earring ($268)

Perez loves Automic because their studs are simple, elegant, and made from sustainable, ethical materials. “They’re perfect for everyday wear and work, or for any occasion.”

The brand allows shoppers to purchase a full set or single earring, which is ideal for anyone who has multiple piercings. You can even choose the type of pushback that provides the most comfortable fit. Whether you choose 14k yellow gold, white gold, or rose gold, there’s no denying the versatility of these earrings.

Sarah Wasilak (she/her) is the associate director of Shopping at PS. With plenty of experience in the commerce market, a keen interest in SEO, and 10 years as an editor at the brand, she enjoys writing across the lifestyle and health-and-fitness categories. She has bylines at PS, InStyle, Elle, Refinery29, Who What Wear, Elite Daily, Byrdie, and The Quality Edit and aims to amplify minority voices in all her work.