It should go without saying that we should be shopping from small businesses year-round. We “vote” with our money and if we’re just handing it over to Jeff Bezos via Amazon, then there’s little hope for mom and pop businesses to survive. I think there’s a time and place for buying from Amazon and I’d be lying if I said I didn’t order from them myself, but this year I especially want to support small businesses as much as possible. COVID has hit these small shops the hardest and it would mean the absolute world to them if we could show our support.
I try to shop with small businesses whenever I can, especially ones that are located in my city. Being that it is Small Business Saturday, I wanted to feature some of my favorite small businesses! If you are also interested in supporting female-owned and Black-owned businesses, I have included quite a few of those in my list this year — look for a ” ** ” next to their name or a note in the description!
Speaking of Black-owned businesses, if you are local to Seattle or gifting someone local to Seattle, Black-owned restaurants need our help too! You can find my roundup of Seattle restaurants here and the list of Black-owned restaurants here that could use a gift card purchase or you could order some meals from them for yourself!
This Instagram account has been so helpful in helping me to discover talented BIPOC artisans, so I highly recommend following the account and perusing all of their shares. To shop additional small Black-owned businesses, this is an amazing resource.
Rebecca Plotnick
I have been a fan of the Every Day Parisian blog for years (given my Francophile nature and obsession with all things French / Parisian)! As her blog name indicates, Rebecca shares ways to bring French culture into your everyday life, but what may not be as obvious is that she owns her own photography / print business in which she captures the most lovely snaps of Paris which are available in her print shop. If you’re anything like me, your wanderlust must be out of control after being cooped up in quarantine this year, so the Parisian prints can help to mentally transport you every time you look at them.
Inslee Fariss
I adore Inslee’s artwork. I have multiple prints and desk calendars from her, but I also commissioned a Christmas ornament from her to commemorate our wedding in 2018 — it’s one of our most cherished ornaments! She sells her originals as well as prints of her work and I believe that both of her 2021 calendars are still available if you hurry!
Stephen Selzler
This artist is new-to-me this year, but after my husband saw his art showcased on Land Rover’s Instagram account earlier this year he expressed extreme interest in having those prints in our house! The Land Rover pieces were not available in Stephen’s shop yet, but when I DM’ed him on Instagram to inquire about a purchase, he was very quick to respond and super helpful! I was able to customize our order and gift the prints to my husband for his birthday… we were both very impressed with Stephen’s art and his level of care.
** EveryDay Print Co.
I love this artist’s modern pieces, especially the female outline studies and the fruit… so beautiful!
Vivi et Margot
I can’t get enough of this company that sources and sells the most beautiful French homegood pieces — I basically want their entire shop! (this market basket has been in my cart for months… I just need to pull the trigger already!!!).
** Bolé Road Textiles
The modern bohemian style of these textiles is so fun! It’s like the small business version of West Elm / Anthropologie. Check out their website for the full offerings!
Woodlot candles and Sydney Hale Co. candles
I have shared both of these brands in my Best Candles & How to Care for Them post — they’re worth mentioning again. Check out the post for candle accessories and maintenance tips!
French Girl Organics
Excellent quality organic body care products… I especially adore their “Sea Soak” and and “Sea Polish“. It’s like having a spa treatment at home!
** Gilded Body
I absolutely love this cult-favorite marble dry brush — I’ve had it in my cart for a while and I think it’s finally time to make my purchase!! Such a gorgeous body care tool; I love when beauty and function come together to make something wonderful. I also think these candles are absolutely stunning in their marble jar (which can be reused with a replacement candle insert)!
Beekman 1802
Natural self-care brand made with goat’s milk. If you or a loved one have sensitive skin, this brand would be perfect for you! My father-in-law discovered it and swears by the brand as both he and my sister-in-law have very sensitive skin and this has been the only brand that doesn’t cause them to have allergic reactions. They both work in the medical field and are often washing their hands with harsh soaps so the hand cream in particular saves them from having dry, scaly and cracked hands! My father-in-law also swears by their shampoo and conditioner to combat dandruff. (The brand also has a “Schitt’s Creek” themed collection right now if you’re into that!)
** LuvScrub
I feel like everyone I know has one of these and says that they are better than using a loofah or sugar scrub! I’m super tempted to check them out for myself. This would make a great gift or stocking stuffer!
Dudley Stephens
This has been a favorite brand of mine for a while — women-owned, stylish, and sustainable! I mention the brand at least once a year when I share my Eco-Friendly Favorites around Earth Day, but their pieces are definitely some of my favorites in my wardrobe… particularly in the cooler months! I own and love both of the “original” turtleneck styles: The Park Slope and the Cobble Hill, but I am very intrigued by their new “in-between” style: the Greenpoint!)
Mi Golondrina
Another new-to-me brand that I fell head-over-heels for earlier this year! Female-owned and ethical company (providing fair wage to the artisans that they work with) making the most beautiful hand-embroidered tops and dresses. My grandmother (who was half Mexican and grew up in Mexico) wore these types of pieces often and I always loved them on her… so happy that I now have access to authentic Oaxacan hand-embroidered cotton tops and dresses which are especially perfect for the summer months!!
Loeffler Randall
I have been an admirer of Loeffler Randall for a few years now, but because of my hyperhidrosis I just haven’t been able to bring myself to pay for her gorgeous shoes… until she had a sale this year and I jumped on these gold lamé heels that are the *perfect* party shoes (obviously no parties happening while under quarantine, but I can’t wait to pop them on in 2021!!). The brand is now offering AfterPay so you can pay for these gorgeous, well-made shoes in 4 affordable installments. I could not recommend them more!
Twinnks
A female-owned business that is on a mission to defeat VBL (Visible Bra Lines)!! I ordered one of their bras recently when they launched their No-Show Bra in Cream and it has quickly become a favorite for wearing under t-shirts or basically anything clingy that might reveal a bra line.
Olive & Piper
I love the sparkle of this jewelry company! If I had known about them for my wedding I would have absolutely worn pieces on our special day! They have everything from classic and simple to more statement pieces — all of which are classy and tasteful.
** Lace and Pearls Jewelry
This brand is a triple threat: a Black female owned business based here in Seattle! This jewelry artist seems to offer both simple and classic pieces along with fun ones (like the image above!)… I love the combination!
** Omi Woods
Not only is this beautiful jewelry company owned by a Black woman, but all pieces are made with Fair Trade African Gold and Globally-Sourced Conflict-Free Fine Metals! These pieces are absolutely heirloom status.
** Tiny Tassel
This female-owned boutique that sells super cute products. The owner also makes the most adorable handmade jewelry (mostly featuring tassels, naturally!). I’m not typically one for a statement earring, but these are cute enough to make me change my mind! These would make the most adorable gifts and stocking stuffers!
BearPaw Silver
Appropriately self-described as “Handmade jewelry made for the wild spirit” these handmade jewelry pieces are beautifully crafted. I absolutely love the intricate details on all of her pieces… so much care. Follow her on Instagram for exclusive pieces!
Sweet & Spark
This women-owned business sources mint-condition previously-owned vintage luxury pieces such as handbags, jewelry, and scarves (and occasionally homegoods like vases or ring dishes!) as well as selling classic modern clothing. I absolutely adore perusing their shop online hoping to snag something vintage for my collection (beautiful Louis Vuitton bags and the most stunning Hermès scarves!).
Julia Rose Consignment
Speaking of secondhand mint-condition luxury pieces, this female-owned business also sources gorgeous legitimate luxury items from high-end brands and sells them at a fraction of the cost of the new version. All items are either brand new or mint-condition… if there are any minor flaws she will always disclose them. Oftentimes she has rare, hard-to-find pieces that you can’t get anywhere else! I definitely recommend checking her Instagram Stories daily to see what she has available. (The items go very quickly so jump on them as soon as possible!!)
Pamela Munson
This female-owned business sells the most stunning hand-woven rattan, raffia, and cornhusk bags. I own an Isla Bahia tote and I absolutely adore it. It’s amazing for summertime — picnics, beach trips, and everything in-between! So well-made and absolutely beautiful pieces of art.
Peter Beaton
I. Love. These. Hats. The shapes are perfectly classic, preppy, and timeless. They’re incredibly well-made and the ribbons come in a bazillion colors and are interchangeable so you can change them to match any outfit. I have the large-brim Wauwinet style and it’s amazing for sunny days… I feel like Jackie Onassis when I wear it. 😉 I highly recommend these investment pieces if someone you know is in the market for a gorgeous hat.
** Shades of Shades
This brand has created a luxury line of nude eyewear that is inclusive of every skin tone. Love this! I’m all about the nude sunnies in a classic and flattering frame shape. Nailed it!!
Loopy
I attribute never dropping my huge phone to this miracle-worker phone case. My hands were starting to hurt / cramp from using PopSockets… this solution puts so much less strain on your hands and is way more ergonomic and natural-feeling. They make cases for every kind of phone and in multiple patterns and styles — I can not recommend them more!
Support small businesses and shop local this holiday season, friends.
Sending hugs!
xx, Natalie
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