my holiday wishlist: supporting small business

i love that small businesses saturday falls on the weekend after thanksgiving, when so many of us start our holiday shopping. it's a great incentive to support our local shops and find unique gifts for our loved ones!

as we all know, we should be supporting small businesses as much as possible throughout the year and even more so this year than previous. sadly, due to the worldwide pandemic, 20%+ small businesses have closed their doors and many more are struggling. i feel compelled to do my part in supporting the ones that are still hanging on.

personally i prefer the unique gifts that small businesses offer. i love buying from a person whose passion parallels their career. there's nothing like receiving a hand written note, thanking you for an order. you're not a number or a statistic to analyze for their demographic reach, just a person who fell in love with an item enough to purchase it.

these are some of the businesses that i have found over this past year that i love. they not only support our community but many are owned and founded by women and BIPOC.

happy holidays and happy shopping!

*you may want to grab a snack for this one*

Sohya is a Filipina woman-owned small business operating out of Northern California. Each candle is made with luxury coconut apricot wax for a cleaner burn, and is also vegan and cruelty free.

Firefly Candle Co is a candle company based out of Nashville, TN where i discovered them at a local antique store just outside the city in Franklin. I can vouch for the Linen Rosewood. I have about 10 (not kidding) in my cabinet right now and two currently burning daily.

Jam + Rico is a BIPOC woman-owned brand whose jewelry is inspired by her Jamaican and Puerto Rican roots. my personal favorite earrings are the Zon sunburst hoops.

Seeker & Slade is a woman co-owned small business that specializes in pop culture and magical apparel and accessories

Trufflin is a Black woman-owned small business founded by a French woman with a family history in the truffle business and an Atlanta-based chef. i mean, truffle salt ... do i really need to say more?

Just Bee White Birch candle is the best winter scented candle. and honestly, i'm very picky about scents to the point that robb is doesn't even look at candles for our house unless it says patchouli or tobacco. but this one is A+. it's family owned by a husband and wife in the Midwest who only make small batches of clean, cruelty-free and bee-friendly products.

Leon & Son Wine and Spirits out of NYC. where do i start? firstly this amazing company owned by Chris Leon, is supporting local restaurants that have closed through its Leon Circle wine club. and as though thats not reason enough to support this small neighborhood wine shop, he curates a killer selection of super high-quality wines from all over the world that will ship right to your door.

Indulgence Chocolatiers out of Milwaukee, WI put together virtual wine-and-chocolate pairing nights on facebook live, how amazing is that? their handmade chocolates are available to ship, but you'll have to get the wine from your local neighborhood liquor store (or Leon & Son!).

Maple Craft is a family owned business out of Sandy Hook, Connecticut. they began their syrup company after tragedy struck their home town and decided to go in a direction that would benefit their community. the gingerbread maple syrup is phenomenal but if you love pancakes and waffles as much as i do, i suggest checking out their other flavors too.

The Primary Essentials stocks everything from minimalist furniture to Vermont-made jam; but, apparently a top pick comes from the store’s meticulously edited beauty section: this all-natural, locally-made moisturizing salve. i have yet to try but i love a good moisturizing body salve, especially one with real ingredients and locally made.

La Ligne Bonne Nuit Pajamas are my splurge sleepwear but so worth it. the company was founded by former Vogue editors Valerie Macaulay and Meredith Melling, and Molly Howard, rag & bone’s former head of business development. worth every penny, i promise you.

Toa.st speaking of cosy loungewear, i must introduce you, my lovely readers to this fabulous site. TOAST began with loungewear and nightwear, designed in a farmhouse in Wales. Originally founded by James and Jessica Seaton in 1997, the collections reflected a sense of ease and a slower, more thoughtful way of life. Today, led by Suzie de Rohan Willner, TOAST creates and curates simple, functional, beautiful clothing, homeware and editorial.

Dara Artisans founded by media veterans Dan and Dara Brewster seek to share the work of incredible craftspeople worldwide. They believe that handmade designs have the power to enrich our lives with beauty and meaning. connecting artisans with the global marketplace their work deserves, enables them

to make larger contributions to their own communities.

Sarah Britton's My New Roots Cookbook is my favorite plant based cookbook inspired by the changing seasons and their harmonious relation to nature.

Brightland Olive Oil founded by AIishwarya Lyer and her husband. Brightland was born out of a desire for better, more honest food production - and a deep belief in the land and what it provides. her ancestors were salt farmers in South India; the land provided for them, and in turn they provided salt for people in the South. i'm not much of a foodie gift giver or receiver, but this olive oil brand is hands down my favorite i've ever used.

The Loomia found by Nilay and her husband Fahri, wanted to bring the beauty of Turkish textiles to the world and make connections with the many people who appreciate the quality and variety of hand-woven Turkish towels and throw blankets. i recently bought these for myself and for my mother, who i pray doesn't read this... seriously they are incredible and available in such lovely colors and patterns. i cannot recommend their products enough, they make amazing gifts and stocking stuffers.

Beau Rush Ceramics, founded by Brooklyn based artist Cameron Bishop embraces the aesthetic of imperfection in ceramics for everyday functional use. i found this company though the social networks of the internet and fell in love with her storm plates. a bit pricey but that's why it's on my wish list (wink).

Etsy is a site we all know, and sadly they take a large portion of their shops profits. however some of the shops on Etsy have their own websites that you can buy from directly. there are so many small, individually owned businesses on here that have beautiful gift items for the holidays. my favorites list on there is slightly overwhelming... maybe i'll share some in another post (teaser). However, I always recommend checking there for whatever you're looking for.

last but not least, check out your local shops! we all know i have a very serious vintage addiction. i love searching for antique warehouses in my local area, and every time i go to one, a dealer or consumer recommends more places in the area to check out. i'm happy to direct anyone who lives in the tri state area to some amazing shops for turkish rugs, vintage mirrors, patina furniture, ancient clay vessels & stunning chandeliers as well as everything in between, just shoot me an email.