How a TikTok Ban Could Affect Small Latino Businesses in the U.S.

On April 24, President Joe Biden signed off on legislation that would give aid to Israel, and the policy included future restrictions on TikTok. While ensuring national security is an influential factor in this bill, removing a social media app like TikTok, which has  millions of active users, could pose problems to small business owners. 

Since its creation in 2016, TikTok has become a powerhouse in the digital world as its particular format and tools have created space for online communities to emerge. Those who are small business owners have taken advantage of viral trends to market and grow their following. 

Three small business owners share their thoughts on how TikTok has helped them grow and what it would mean to get it taken away.

From passion to business: The journey of Koco’s Boutique in Chicago

In Little Village, it is common to find small businesses offering locals job opportunities in order to grow professionally and personally. Many small business owners take their role as an entrepreneur seriously, wanting to give back to the people that allow them to prosper financially. 

“Of course, it would affect me, and I wouldn’t want them to make such a selfish decision without thinking about all the people who contribute money to this country because in reality, we are the ones who contribute,” said Kocoy Malagon, owner of Koco’s Boutique.

Malagon has felt a before and after effect with TikTok. Ever since Malagon started posting consistently, she has had new clients stop by her shop after falling in love with her work through social media. 

Although Malagon has used other social media apps likeFacebook to grow her following, she believes TikTok has allowed her to reach an audience outside of Little Village. Since moving out of the Little Village Discount Mall back in March 2023, she has made it a goal to grow outside her neighborhood, as keeping up with the business maintenance is expensive. 

Malagon feels a disconnect between politicians and small business owners; she worries the potential national ban on TikTok will hurt her business. She explains that although national security is important, not dialoguing with owners who rely on TikTok as a tool to make ends meet reflects selfishness. Since this is her only business, Malagon explains she spends hours creating different video ideas to promote her business, which could change in the future. 

Bringing Mexico to Chicago: The cultural impact of Colores Mexicanos’ unique offerings

Although there are many communities in Chicago where you can get glimpses of Mexican culture, there are not many businesses that encapsulate the diverse customs that are seen across states in Mexico. Colores Mexicanos calls itself a hub where different Mexican cultures and customs can be found. 

“We will be disappointed to lose TikTok. We have clear proof from our everyday experience that it’s benefiting our store based on people who come in and have seen our page or seen posts about us,” said Colores Mexicanos owner Gabriel Neely-Streit. 

Neely-Streit is one of three owners who run Colores Mexicanos and is very proud of how far this business has come. Leti and Erika Espinosa are two sisters who emigrated from Mexico over a decade ago and joined forces with Neely-Streit to bring artistic and Indigenous Mexican traditions to Chicago. 

Neely-Streit shared how social media has been important to the growth of his co-owned business and that TikTok has allowed him to create versatile content. However, if TikTok is banned in the U.S. he has hope that there may be another app to take over. 

Quesabirria Jalisco Tacos: A culinary journey through birria tacos in Chicago

“TikTok got me here,” said Ventura Orozco, owner of Quesabirria Jalisco Tacos. 

Orozco has traveled all over Mexico to promote different small businesses, and he is now the owner of one that brings many smiles to community members. Quesabirria Jalisco Tacos was born out of the ambition to give the community of Pilsen an authentic quesabirria experience.  

Utilizing social media apps to grow a following base is nothing new to Orozco;he has been doing this for over 15 years, but TikTok has allowed his business to reach new heights. Similar to Malagon, he says this platform has made his content go viral and reach groups of people outside of Pilsen. 

Heading into the unknown and finding solutions

TikTok  has helped both Neely-Streit and Orozco, but they believe that a similar app will take its place if it is restricted. A potential ban on this platform would only mean that these two owners would have to pivot and utilize other platforms to keep growing their followers. 

Malagon on the other hand, could not hold back her disappointment if TikTok is restricted in the country since it has a direct correlation to her livelihood. Malagon is not ready to say goodbye to it, but has enough experience to think of ways to keep growing outside her community. 

Despite these business owners having different levels of reliance on TikTok, they all shared how much the platform has pushed them to produce creative content and expand their businesses.

With only months left until a complete restriction takes place, these owners are among many who await what is going to happen with TikTok.

Header by Alexis Phelps