‘Tis the season to start shopping small businesses for holiday gifts!
One of the things I love to do is support other small and women-owned businesses when shopping for gifts. The economy is shaky here in the US, and I know personally how important it is to support other businesses based here-- especially now.
So I have compiled this gorgeous list of some of my favorite small woman-owned businesses that could really use your support during this holiday season of gift giving.
So without further ado, let’s get to supporting each other:
Ah-Shí Beauty
A trailblazer in her own right, Ahsaki is the Founder/CEO of Ah-Shi Beauty, the first Native American owned and operated luxury skincare and cosmetics brand in the United States.
In Navajo, Ah-Shi means: "This is me. This is mine." Ah-Shi Beauty - This is my Beauty! Where her customers set their own beauty standards. She makes it her responsibility that when her customers look in the mirror, they see themselves, feel empowered and continue to love the skin they are in.
Effie's Paper Stationery and Whatnot
This is my go-to place for women empowerment gifts for myself, my friends, my nieces, my team! Plus my pal Kalyn Johnson Chandler is the CEO and I love to support my friends' businesses. :-)
At EP, we believe that from the door to her desk, a woman should be surrounded by pretty things that make her heart leap! Our products are a unique mix of casual elegance, motivation and social conversation that make using them fun and engaging. Although named after Kalyn’s grandmother, Effie’s Paper::Stationery&Whatnot is not your grandmother’s lifestyle brand!
Glim and Glow
Tinika Green, owner of Glim and Glow, produces scented candles and reed diffusers made from renewable American Soy Wax, premium, phthalate-free perfume and essential oils and lead-free, all cotton wicks. She uses recycled glassware when possible. Their products are perfect for enhancing your surroundings, setting the tone, and elevating your experience!
Hobo Bags
Who doesn't love a good mother-daughter duo? This family-operated handbag brand was launched in 1991 by Toni Ray and her daughter Koren with the purpose of bringing authentic leather goods to the world that are made to last.
Bolé Road Textiles
New York based designer Hana Getachew started Bolé Road Textiles out of a desire to merge her love of Ethiopian handwoven fabrics with her career in interior design.
During her eleven years at a major New York City architecture firm Hana realized her affinity for vibrant colors and graphic patterns was a direct result of her upbringing in a home filled with amazing traditional Ethiopian textiles. Her designs for Bolé Road are an homage to that cultural inheritance and a reflection of her own personal global modern aesthetic.
I love her pillows in fun, geometric prints!
Bixby & Co.
I met Kate McAleer at the Tory Burch Summit and fell in love with her chocolate! Bixby & Co. is an organic chocolatier and chocolate-maker based in Rockland, Maine. They make bon bons, truffles, toffee, and even lobster-shaped chocolates! I loooove their Bixby bars, try the white chocolate pistachio!
Are you vegan? Well they have options for you as well!
I love her advent calendar-- it's allllll chocolate!
The Naked Botanical
Anna is an ex-real estate lawyer who traded in her suits for overalls when she grew her first tomato fifteen years ago. She likes to tell people that she is still digging in the dirt but a different type of dirt.
Her mission: help people to feel good so that they can do good. The world needs that right now.
I've used her face mists (the lavender is heavenly) and even got a custom flower essence she made just for me!
The Silver Sculptor
Jo Simmons is our Studio Manager. She is also the owner of the Silver Sculptor and is committed to sourcing materials from ethical and environmentally responsible companies. She uses metals that are recycled and place importance in understanding where the gemstones they use come from, to ensure that those involved are compensated fairly for their labor and that they are environmentally mined or created in a lab.
Her jewelry is bold, contemporary, and elegant. Here is a glimpse of her new collection:
Zou Xou Shoes
Katherine of Zou Xou shoes is dedicated to what's called "slow fashion." This means each pair of her shoes is handcrafted by Argentinian shoemakers using age old techniques and premium leathers. Produced in small quantities, the shoes are made to last and reduce waste and energy as part of responsible manufacturing practices in the slow fashion movement.
Tracey Tanner
Tracey Tanner has been putting her unique spin on small leather goods for over a decade. With an emphasis on the highest quality leathers, detailed construction, and simple design, She creates droolworthy pieces that are at once functional and beautiful.
Her pouches keep my backpack in order with fun pops of color and sparkle. I feel like I'm carrying magic!
Storehouse Tea
Since 2007, Storehouse Tea Company has been sourcing, blending and distributing some of the finest organic, Fair-Trade loose leaf teas available anywhere.
We wanted to offer clean, fresh, high quality, organic loose-leaf teas that were not only full of flavor, but also accessible to the American palate and priced for everyday enjoyment. My decision to start Storehouse Tea has made an impact on my family's overall health and well-being and so too for our enthusiastic customers that drink them.
My favorite is the Ginger Lime! SO GOOD!
And last but not least…
Metalicious
Metalicious is first and foremost an ethical jewelry brand with a commitment to recycled materials and ethically-sourced gemstones in all of our pieces.
All materials that we use are sourced from companies that we trust, which are mainly small-batch, family-owned casters and metalsmiths who adhere to our strict environmental and sustainability standards.
Looking for a Metalicious piece for the holidays? Check out my latest Holiday Specials, limited editions available only through Dec 31st!
We have launched so many new pieces, choosing a favorite is like trying to choose my favorite child. I've been wearing my Enchainted pieces every single day, it makes me remember the links and bonds I have with others and that I'm not alone.
Hope you loved this gift guide with heart! I love championing brands I believe in, who support the same standards and ethics as I do. It's a win-win!
Let me know what you choose for your special people!
With Love,
Stephanie
