“When you support a small business, you support a dream.” – Anonymus
Whether or not you get that giddy feeling as you notice the holiday decorations being stocked in your favorite place to shop, we all know that it’s almost time to start thinking about what to gift our friends and family this holiday season.
I think you’ll agree with me when I say that this part of the holidays is what always gives me the most anxiety. That being said, I’ve decided to make your shopping a little less stressful this time of year by gathering a few small businesses you and your loved ones will adore.
Why Shop Small Business
Yes, doing your online shopping with the big corporations can feel easier, but purchasing from a small business makes a substantial impact on a real person. When you shop small business you’re creating a real connection with another human being, something I know we can all be thankful for after the past year and a half.
Besides all this, it feels good to support your neighbor or friend grow and succeed in the path they’ve chosen for themselves.
If you can’t afford to shop small business this season - have no fear! There are other ways you can show your support. Here are a few free methods to raise awareness for your favorite small brand, making it easier for them to be seen by others:
Follow them on their social media accounts.
Like and comment on the content they create.
Join their email list for future updates and products.
Give testimonials on the products you’ve purchased.
Write a review on Yelp!, Google, or Facebook.
Tell your friends and family about them!
Where to Shop Small Business
Create with Cait
Caitlin, owner of Create with Cait, is an innovative individual who creates made-to-order products. I’ve worked with her in the past on fashionable custom t-shirts and she’s always been able to make my vision come true.
Not only can you work with her on shirts, but she’s also very capable of making home decor such as customizable signs, glasses, charcuterie boards, ornaments, and much more. Recently, she’s been fulfilling a lot of orders for charming wedding decorations and gifts.
Whatever you think up, she can make it happen!
Anuket Luxury Apothecary
If you know me, you’ve probably already heard me rave about Anuket Luxury Apothecary and their amazing fragrances. Ashlee, owner of Anuket, founded her company after backpacking through Egypt and coming across a small perfumery that sold rare and essential oil fragrances.
I absolutely fell in love with her company the very first time I smelled Anuket’s signature scent, Pure Papyrus Roll-On Fragrance (of which she is one of the only sources in the US). Now I never leave the house without wearing it! Trust me, if smell-a-vision were a thing, I wouldn’t even have to sell you on this amazing product.
On top of everything I’ve just said, all of Anuket Luxury Apothecary’s fragrances are gender-neutral, making this an easy pick for any of your friends and family.
Happiness Crystals Co.
If you’re looking for a unique gift for your more spiritual loved ones, look no further than Happiness Crystals Co. Kaitlyn, the owner and designer, creates gorgeous healing jewelry, spiritual spa accessories, crystal decor, holistic gifts, and much more.
I recently received the Spiritual Spa Soak in Pumpkin Spice Blend and couldn’t believe how relaxing the aroma was.
Inspire positive energy in your friends and family by choosing from one of the many beautiful choices that Kaitlyn has to offer.
YoyoFactory
Give the gift of simple, pure fun with a yoyo! YoYoFactory has top of the line yoyos that make learning more accessible - from easy beginner responsive yoyos to professional unresponsive bind-return yoyos.
Tyler and I purchased from this small business during the lockdown and enjoyed days of trying to learn new tricks and one-up each other. The yoyos we purchased were the DV888 (responsive yoyo, meaning it will come back up into your palm) and the Wedge (unresponsive yoyo, meaning you have to learn how to bind-return).
Their store has everything from yoyos to accessories, and you can even purchase a Beginner to PRO box set that includes everything you’ll need to master this hobby.
Truly a gift great for all ages.
CC Jewelry Shop Co.
Ciara, owner of CC Jewelry Shop Co., creates adorable handmade polymer and resin jewelry. I had the pleasure of meeting Ciara at a local market in St. Petersburg, FL where I got to see all of the wonderful creations she’s come up with.
The pumpkin earrings I purchased have a 24k gold plated hoop and are extremely lightweight. Just like all of the testimonials on her Etsy, I always get so many compliments on my earrings!
Although the earrings I purchased are currently out of stock, I’d suggest the Real White Flowers & Gold Resin Hoop Earrings as a gorgeous alternative.
CC Jewelry is a great option for your friends and family who positively love statement earrings.
Prickly Pear Cosmetics
Prickly Pear Cosmetics was founded in 2018 when Brandi, the owner, decided she wanted to get behind the creative process of formulating cosmetics. Her products are vegan, cruelty free, and made to be as clean as possible.
Furthermore, the products’ formulas strive to be hypoallergenic - they’re phalate free, sulfate free, and gluten free.
The part that I found most interesting about Prickly Pear Cosmetics is that all of Brandi’s products are made-to-order. This means you’ll always have the freshest cosmetics that are made specifically for you!
photo credit: K.D. Gonzalez Photography
MUA: Let’s Slay MUA
models: Kara Leigh, Clare Elaine
Original photos coming soon! Photo credit: https://marissafaithart.bigcartel.com/
Marissa faith art
Marissa, owner of Marissa Faith Art, is a creative individual who sells products that feature her art in the form of shirts, stickers, pins, and keychains. I was recommended to check out Marissa’s small business by a friend and immediately fell in love with her designs.
I would especially recommend the Marissa x Alyssa Collab Sticker Pack, pictured here, as a fun and unique stocking stuffer.
On top of all this, Marissa is a licensed tattoo artist! If you’re near the Waterbury, CT area I would definitely suggest looking her up.
Real live Human Shop
Lynn [the Alien], owner of Real Live Human Shop, is another unbelievably talented artist that sells bunches of cute charms and supplies. She currently has over 300 items in her shop and will soon be adding jewelry-making materials.
Lynn has such a wide range of products that you will be able to find adorably personal items for any of your friends and family. I purchased the Raver Charm Bracelet for myself as a bit of a laugh, but you can find other charm bracelets or charms for keychains, tassels, jewelry, decoration, and much more.
She has even added some darling seasonal charms for you to pick from!
Downtown Dogs
Do you have a furry friend you plan on shopping for this holiday season? The first time I walked into Downtown Dogs in Hyde Park Village, I immediately fell in love with their high-quality, charming products.
They have everything your precious pet could need - collars, leashes, harnesses, toys, treats, and a ton more. Plus, all of the products include kitschy-cute designs!
Tyler and I personally chose the pink cherry collar for our puppy and have been since loving how adorable she is in it. Although this collar is no longer in stock, you can find a similar style with the Pink Strawberries Collar.
Recently voted Best Pet Store in Tampa Magazine’s Best of the City, you really can’t go wrong when shopping with this small business.
Ganapati
Ganapati is a handicraft company founded by Yian (pronounced Ian) after she moved to Florida from Taiwan. She has traveled the world, finding many beautiful hand-made products and making connections with the vendors along the way.
Now, she has brought these handicrafts to Florida markets and has recently opened up her own shop right here in Jupiter, FL. Pictured here is the adorable Felt Safari Animal Baby Mobile I purchased as a gift.
You can find something for everyone with her products including Christmas decorations, home decor, fashionable rattan bags, children’s toys and products, lovely jewelry, and so much more.
Each hand-made product has its own story, making it the perfect gift for the holiday season!
Studio 824 Beauty Lounge
Niecey, founder of Studio 824 Beauty Lounge, is a talented makeup artist and licensed esthetician. At her beauty lounge located in Grand Rapids, MI, you can receive many different services including event makeup, facials, henna, lash tints and lifts, brow tints, lip waxing, and so much more.
I’ve worked with Niecey on a couple collaboration photo shoots where she did an amazing job creating gorgeous makeup looks for our models and I absolutely stand by her services.
Besides a trip to the lounge, I would highly recommend checking out her personal skincare line, Simple & Savvy Skincare, as a top-of-the-line gift for the skincare enthusiast in your life.
Her product line’s mission is to provide a simple, effective skin care routine and to take the guesswork out of searching for the right products for you or your loved one’s unique skin.
Nikki Visuals
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention my own small business, Nikki Visuals! I’ve done a wide variety of photoshoots including couples, engagements, weddings, portraits, and much more.
If you, a friend, or family member are in need of new or updated pictures, I would absolutely love to make that happen. Currently, you can find me traveling between Southeast Michigan and Southwest Florida - but I’m always open to a little adventure.
Be sure to reach out to me via the website, DM, or email. Let’s create together.
Well hey there, thank you for reading this far!
After all that’s been said, I hope you enjoy yourself and your loved ones over the holidays. If you have a small business you'd like to shout out, be sure to leave a comment. I'd love to support your favorite person this holiday season!
For more content and updates on what I’ve been working on, be sure to follow me on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram.
All the best,
Nikki
Founder of Nikki Visuals
