As someone running a small business of my own, I may be a little bit biased but I will always root for other small businesses, especially female-owned ones. It takes so much courage, time and effort to create a product you love and set out to make a living from it. Whether it's jewelry, bath and body products, art or beyond, when you support a small business, you're supporting a dream. When buying gifts for your loved ones this holiday season (or year round!), keep your local makers in mind. If you'd like to see some of my favorite small businesses, keep reading:
One of the first brands I ever worked with is Stone Cooper and even over a year later, I'm still so obsessed with their pieces! If you're looking for one-of-a-kind pieces of jewelry, look no further. Whether you're buying for yourself or a special person in your life, you're bound to find something they'll love. Stone Cooper mixes old with new by incorporating vintage charms and chains with various stones such as labradorite (my personal fave!), moonstone and more. You can pick up their jewelry in person at stockists around PA and NJ, or from November 23rd to January 1st, catch them daily at the Holiday Market right by City Hall in Philadelphia. Check out their jewelry online at stonecooper.com!
Black Friday Deal: Going on now! Enter code THANKS15 at checkout for 15% off your order if you spend less than $100. For orders over $100, enter code THANKS20 for 20% off!
Another jewelry brand I love is By Ren Jewelry. If you're looking for everyday staples to add to your wardrobe, By Ren is the place for you. I would describe her work as sleek, minimalist designs with a splash of character. From rings you can mix and match to eye-catching earrings, once you add some of these pieces to your jewelry collection, you'll find yourself wearing them over and over again. I personally can't take off my gold Horizon necklace. You can find By Ren jewelry at several boutiques around Philadelphia and their website, byrenjewelry.com. Be sure to check their event page to see where you can catch them next.
Black Friday Deal: Starting at 12 am on Friday, the entire site will be 20% off, no code needed. Cyber Monday deals are TBA.
If you're looking for vibrant head wraps, unique loc charms and more, Kpellé Designs is the place for you. Her pieces are deeply rooted in African culture and each piece is handcrafted with love. Each head wrap collection is made of fabric from Liberia and named by her followers/supporters, lovingly called Kpellé Posse. Explore all the products Kpellé Designs has to offer at kpelledesigns.com!
Black Friday Deal: Beginning Friday, the entire site will be 30% off, plus there will be two new items!
Gemstones and geometric shapes make up the stunning brass jewelry created by GeoMetricGem. Not only do they create beautiful pieces of jewelry with a wide variety of crystals, they also create hand poured crystal candles! Find them at the Made In Philadelphia Holiday Market from now until January 1st, as well as a variety of stockists including the Philadelphia Art Museum! If you prefer to buy online, browse their online selection on their Etsy page.
Black Friday Deal: Starting Friday running until December 2nd, get 20% off all orders! Valid online only.
I have a confession. I'm addicted to bath and body products. There's no better feeling than leaving the shower smelling fabulous and having baby soft skin. If you're anything like me, you need to get your hands on Mahogany Essentials' handmade body products right away! Over the summer, I spotted their booth at a Penn's Landing and had to stop and smell the soaps. I ended up leaving with a yellow bar with colorful spots called Carnival and I fell in love after one shower. My skin felt good and smelled even better. I definitely want to get my hands on even more of their products because you can't go wrong with natural products made with real ingredients. Visit them at the Made In Philadelphia Holiday Market, or online at mahoganyessentials.com.
These are just a few of some amazing female-owned businesses I adore and can't recommend enough. Whether you're local to Philadelphia or not, there are so many small businesses and shops that deserve your support. Instead of buying that cute mass-produced print from HomeGoods, buy a print from a local artist. Want to get a new scarf and gloves set for your mom? Browse around Etsy or your local craft market. While it may be easier or more convenient to just order that thing your friend or family member likes from Amazon or Walmart but when you support a small business, you are supporting a dream, a passion, a vision. Each and every purchase matters. Each and every product is made by hand, with love. Support your local artist, maker and creator this holiday season (and all year round!)
