2023 was a weird year for a lot of small business owners, as the economy hit many people pretty hard. It's so important to shop small for so many reasons - from supporting a person and their family to positively impacting your local community. So this Christmas and holiday season (and every) I'm doing my best to shop from local, small businesses - and you should too!
Here's a list of some of my recent favorite small businesses to shop from:
1. Second Chance At Life (SCAL) (LGBTQ, sustainable, local)
SCAL is owned and operated by my good friend, Mason. He designs one-of-a-kind tees, sweatshirts, scarves, scrunchies, and more from fabrics and materials that would've otherwise been discarded. Check out their sustainable collection at scal.studio.
2. Zoeby's Custom Creations (local, woman-owned)
If you've got friends and fam with fur babies at home, Zoeby's Customs Creations is your go-to this holiday season for custom pet paintings and caricatures. Check out her mini pawtraits, ornaments, and more at zoebyscustomcreations.com
3. White Mountain Crystals (local, woman-owned)
For all your crystal-loving friends, White Mountain Crystals has got you covered. Shop online or in-store at their Plainville, MA location for tumbled crystals, jewelry, candles, and more.
4. Quirky Burp (LGBTQ, woman-owned)
Colorful and quirky greeting cards, stickers, and custom art designed for playful people who love smiling, raccoons, and heartfelt gestures. Quirky Burp Illustrations is run by my good friend Shayna (Shay). Check out her creations quirkyburp.com
5. Lather and Soul Skincare (local, woman-owned)
Ethical and honest skincare, made in small-batches by Pam! Check out her soaps, body polishes, haircare, and more at latherandsoul.com
6. Prairie House Shop (local, woman-owned)
Prairie House Shop is probably one of the coolest and most unique shops to support this holiday season, as all of their goods are vintage and secondhand. Shop online at prairiehouseshop.com.
7. Jacqueline Drake Art (local, woman-owned)
Jacqueline Drake (based in Rhode Island) specializes in Watercolor and Acrylic Paintings, Watercolor Pattern Designs and Watercolor Designed Stationary and Accessories. You can shop her original art, prints, stickers, greeting cards and more at jacquelinedrakeart.com.
8. Etero Scents (local, natural, toxin and cruelty-free)
Etereo Scents, is a Fall River, MA based small business offering room & linen sprays, essential oil blends, soy candles, reiki infused sprays, and more. Shop their natural, cruelty-free, and toxin-free products at etereoscents.com
9. The Cozy Tangerine (local, woman-owned)
And of course, we can't forget about me! Hey - if you don't already know me, I'm Jocelyn and I run The Cozy Tangerine based in Norton, MA. We offer a variety of crochet goods designed to make your day a little brighter. From functional mushroom keychains to DIY crochet kits, there's something for everyone on your Christmas list! Shop our products at thecozytangerine.com.
Have other small businesses you think people should check out?! Leave their names and/or links in the comments below! And let's continue to support our local communities year-round.