A collection of small businesses to support this Small Business Saturday and in to the holiday season!
Shop Local
Now more than ever, small businesses need our support. I’ve rounded up my favorite local (to the Twin Cities!) makers for you to consider supporting this holiday season!
Looking for something delicious to drink this holiday season?
Look no further.
The Vine Room has you covered with expertly curated wines from genuinely incredibly people. When I say that, I mean it: the staff, and in particular the founder and culture curator (now THAT is a title!), Ali, is pure solid gold. Kind, thoughtful, and accommodating, this team is ready to help you find your new favorite sip.
Check out The Vine Room & The Vine Shop Holiday Gift Guide for some unbeatable gifts for the wine lovers in your life.
If you’re looking for a delicious night in, check out the simple boards & bites to go from The Vine Room and bottles to go from The Vine Shop.
2. K Mama Hot Sauce
This local hot sauce company is the product of rich family history and plenty of soul. KC Kye started K Mama Sauce after being unable to find authentic Korean food and sauces after moving to Minnesota. Missing his mother’s delicious homemade cooking, he took matters in to his own hands and tested over 100 variations until finding the winning recipe!
The very talented Erin of Denim & Ink Design offers custom illustrations that make the perfect gift or family memento. Whether you’re looking for a unique holiday card to send out out to loved ones (and then frame in your home!), a beautiful gift for someone special, or just an excuse to treat yourself, Erin’s talents ar not to be overlooked.
If you’re interested in a custom design for the holidays, act fast as she’s only accepting a limited number of clients for the remainder of the season. However, she also offers other illustrations and cards on her website if you’re not looking for a custom design.
p.s. My wonderful portrait illustration that she did for me is below on the right!
ThisFem is made up of friends and family that like to get involved in our communities. They believe equality is a no brainer and use apparel as a tool to help share that message. With roots in both MN and MI, their brand and message hits close to our hearts and hometowns.
I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that the incredible owner and founder, Sara, is my best friend. I am beyond proud of what this brand and my BFF represents through This Fem, and proudly wear my (multiple pieces of!) gear.
Throughout the month of November, the entire site is 25% off which is GREAT news for us all. As if you would need any more reason to support them, ThisFem contributes a part of their proceeds to support organizations in our communities that promote equality. They’ve also supported Planned Parenthood MN, SD, ND, The Trevor Project, The Her Initiative, Best Buddies, and Dress For Success Twin Cities, among others.
A company that was founded and inspired by two strong and powerful women, Jac & Violet strives to and succeeds in driving meaningful change.
For the amazing woman behind the brand, Andrea, each Jac & Violet collection is dedicated to and inspired by friends, family, artists, legends, and movers and shakers that live (or have lived) boldy in their own truth, love fiercely, and are a gift to the worlds they influence. Her stunning jewelry is truly artwork, and should be worn by anyone seeking power, style, and bold embodiment of what it means to be one-of-a-kind.
Beginning 11/27/20 through 12/4/20, she will be offering 15% off all orders, with the first 20 orders in that timeframe receiving a free 3-pack of studs.
With strong family ties to the country of Turkey, Kisa provides shoppers with unique European finds. With a stunning collection of home goods and beautiful baubles, Kisa can serve as a one-stop shop for your holiday gifting.
Kisa is currently offering bundles of their Turkish Towels and Turkish Hand Towels, both 4 for the price of 3. These beautifully crafted towels grace my kitchen, and I love that they offer a variety of colors, or a “Surprise Me!” option when you place your order.
One particular item on my wish list is their incredible Byzantine Coin Necklace. Coming in a variety of sizes, they are stunning when layered! Lucky you, you’ll get 15% when you use the code HAPPYYOULIKEIT15 on any non-bundled order (i.e. the Turkish towel bundles).
Balanced Roots Retreats is dedicated to creating connection with others, inspiring change within yourself and transforming your thoughts into actions.
I’ve had the absolute privilege to be part of some of their incredible events, and cannot say enough positive things about the connections that I’ve made and resources I’ve been given to lead a more purpose-driven life. Its owner, Katie, serves with a sincere desire to help others be their best. Her immersive growth-focused weekend retreats have had to be reimagined with this unpredictable year. That said, however, she still delivers on her purpose of nourishing minds, bodies and souls through a combination of good food, nature, creative expression, life coaching and of course – good coffee & wine.
Whether it’s a treat to yourself or an experience with family and friends, consider the DIY At Home Retreat Kit, complete with all the goods you’ll need (made by Minnesota female-owned small businesses) for a moment of self care.
Stay tuned on Black Friday for a special unveiling of a 4 week course dedicated to helping you discover your purpose, create your vision and write your goals. It launches January 7th! New year, new you.
“Everyone has a story. We have a story. You have a story.” Mend Jewelry puts the consumer at the center of what they create: stories, beauty, and meaning serve as north stars to carefully curate a collection of stunningly beautiful jewelry. The epitome of a powerhouse, Mend’s owner, Jordyn, is dedicated to blazing a trail for other young women who aspire to run their own companies in the future.
All of Mend’s designs are currently made by an all female production house in New York. Mend will be announcing amazing Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals this Friday. Get shopping!
Create a legacy of doing good: one drink at a time. The mission of Her Spirit Vodka is to change the lives of women who believe they can, so they do. Each year, they donate 50% of their profits to The Half Back to Her Grant, a non-profit that funds women entrepreneurs.
The wonderful owner, Kjersten, is driven, light hearted, and HER spirit is what makes this amazing brand come to life. Find out where you can purchase Her Spirit Vodka here.
If you’re looking for a fun and active way to support an amazing small business in the New Year, this is it.
The Minnesota Brewery Running Series put on incredible in person (and now, virtual!) running/walking/movement-focused events that support local breweries. With a portion of their proceeds going back to local non-profits, this purchase is truly a no-brainer.
They’re currently offering a holiday promotion on their packages which allow you to “spend” your races any way you like (read: to share with friends, too!). Check out their Run For Beer In The New Year event, happening now. Catch me at 12 events and get an almost 25% discount!
From personal experience, Haute House needs to be your go-to for holiday decor.
Marsha and Bridget, the co-owners of Haute House Studio, are magicians when it comes to stunning fresh flowers, fresh holiday wreaths & garlands, as well as other home decor components that will make your space feel festive.
Their Online Holiday Boutique offers inspiration and and stress-free solutions to all of your holiday decorating (read: joy-filling!) needs.
At Hoyo, Somali mothers are the heart of everything they do.
“Hoyo”, which means “mother” in Somali, was founded with the purpose of employing and empowering Somali women. They hire mothers to make one of their favorite dishes, sambusa. This way, they are able to share a piece of their culture with the Twin Cities community while also providing for their families. Sambusa are savory pastries; Hoyo offers both beef and lentil options. They also offer basbaas, as sauce is made of jalapeños, cilantro, onions, and a touch of lemon juice. They compliment each other perfectly and are packed with delicious flavors. Find where you can purchase their amazing products here.
Stôke Wellness is built on three pillars: to burn, to fuel, and to grow. Its owner Jaclyn is an unabashed, strong, and fierce woman who will stop at absolutely nothing to make you feel ignited and ready to take on and meet the biggest badass version of yourself.
Check them out for amazing options for virtual fitness classes. I can say with honest sincerity that Stôke Wellness will kick your butt, hold you accountable, and will keep you smiling the entire time!
14. San Jose Chocolate
After 100 years of cacao tradition, the 5th generation was left to wonder: if we have the best cacao beans in the world, isn’t it time to make the best chocolate?
And so they did, harvesting the best cacao beans from their fields and turned it into Chocolate Hacienda San José® just for you.
Their chocolate is pure and rich, smooth and creamy: it’s total indulgence. Do yourself a favor and either gift those on your list or YOU yourself these luxurious bars of chocolatey goodness. They have incredible gift boxes available this holiday season, and also offer gift cards! Talk about a sweet gift.
