If there were ever a time to shop small, it’s now! This is a value that my parents engrained in me from a very young age and I couldn’t be happier that they did. Shopping small not only helps supports families and dreams, they also sell products that are more unique and higher quality than those from big corporate brands.
My parents have owned a small business since I was in elementary school, which means I’ve seen just how hard it can be to build, grow and maintain a business in good times and bad. And the really unique part of their business, is that they help people buy and sell small businesses, so our entire family’s life has hinged on the success of small buisness. In a way, small buisness has inspired my entire set of personal values– dedication, hard work, loyalty, personal growth, and more.
It’s no secret, that this year has been extra hard for small businesses and moving in with my parents during the quarantine, I saw it first hand. These business owners have been THROUGH IT and it’s time to help them like they’ve never seen it before. Below are 10 small businesses that I’m supporting this year.
10 Small Businesses To Shop Today
1| Hamptons Handpoured: This has been one of my favorites for a few years now and if you are a Long Island native like I am, there is no reason you shouldn’t be shopping these candles for your family and friends this year. I already bought the Tates candle for a friend and plan on getting the Hampton Bays candle for my mom.
2| Currations: This is a brand started by the blogger behind, Style by Samantha, and it is a brilliant idea. Currations carries different carefully curated bags sourced entirely from small businesses around the country. They’re currently selling (3) different bags, one for fashion, one for health & wellness and another for beauty. I’m hoping to pick up a few for some of my co-workers this year.
3| Will Power Strength & Nutrition: Owned by my cousin, William, WillPower Strength & Nutrition is a personalized fitness program company. Will works directly with clients to build programs that are tailored to your personal goals and lifestyle. This is a PERFECT gift for your fitness-obsessed friend, and perfect for their new year resolutions.
4|By Alyssa Hallie: Owned by sorority sister, Alyssa, Made by Alyssa Hallie is an artist turned entrepreneur who sells her artwork in many forms. As a Massachusetts native, everything she sells is New England-inspired, which I absolutely love. While I may not live in New England, I do live down by the water, making the wave art perfect for my apartment. I picked up the handpainted ornament for our tree this year and the jewelry dish.
5|Two Bees Cashmere: Every prepster should have some Two Bees in their closet. If you are shopping for any cashmere this year, look no further, this should be your only stop. I love that they have a wide variety of simple cashmere pieces as well as statment pieces. My personal fave of their holiday collection is the Angel Ruffle Sleeve if you are more of a simple gal and the Ski Sweater if you are looking for more of a statement.
6|Vie En Bleu: This is a brand that I discovered on Instagram and immediately fell in love with. Their products are super luxe but extremely budget friendly. If you love accent pieces with pearls and over-the-top designs, this is your shop. I added the Valentina Pearl Huggies, Yolanda Hoops and Mia Studs to my list.
7|Kelly Elizabeth Designs: Ah! I’ve been dying to shop from Kelly Elizabeth Designs for month and it is finally the perfect time! Her designs are absolutely adorable no matter, which one you choose but my TV-obsessed heart is gravitating towards some of fandom mugs that include little illustrations from my favorite TV shows like Gilmore Girls, Friends, The Office and Schitt’s Creek. I won’t say which (because I know she is an avid reader), but I’m getting one of these for my sister for Christmas!
8|ACoupleOfPuns: Earlier this year, I highlighted Angelica Hanley, the owner of ACoupleOfPuns as a part of my pandemic Prep Talk series and ever since, I’ve been obsessed. She creates greeting cards with clever sayings on them and her holiday collection is absolutely hilarious. Not only will I be securing a few holiday cards to send my friends & family, I also think her bundles are a super cute stocking stuffer.
9|Alexandra Winbush: The one-stop shop for that friend who obsesses with all things Self Care. This Black-owned business mostly sells candles and tea, which are two of my favorite things for a weekend in and we know these days, that is basically the norm. I personally love their sets where you can buy the tea and candle together for less than $40, perfect for that secret santa you need to shop for.
10| ThePreppyMAG Boutique: Okay, I know this is a shameless plug, but I would be absolutely remiss to not share ThePreppyMAG Boutique as a small business to shop this year. I’ve been absolutely AMAZED by how supportive this little community has been of the shop this year and I could not be more thankful but honestly, I have a LONG way to go to make it worth it for me both financially and mentally so if you haven’t, head on over to the Boutique and shop my holiday looks.
