I think it goes without saying that this year has been devastating on nearly everyone in this world. Some of the people who have been hit the hardest are those who keep their families afloat with their small businesses. Small businesses are near and dear to my heart.

Everyone in my family owns a small business, and I grew up watching what it takes to find success with a business of your own. Small business owners never cease to inspire me. Now, more than ever, they need our help.

This Small Business Saturday I wanted to make it a point to highlight some incredible small businesses that I shop from on a regular basis. Many of these are boutiques or stores in my hometown of Traverse City Michigan, a few are friends and family of mine, and the rest are companies I’ve found throughout the past year. My list is pretty hefty, so I’ve categorized them down for you and I can’t wait for you to visit their sites. I’ve also listed what sales they currently have going on, but be sure to check their site as they may get better after I’ve written this post!

And even bigger than visiting their sites, I wanted to share a few ways that you and I can help these small businesses today and every day.

How you can help in your own community:

Like, comment, follow, and share their content on socials if they have them
Write a positive review on yelp
Gift their items or a gift card to your friends and family who may not know them yet
Subscribe to their newsletter - you might even get a deal out of it ;)

Some small businesses I think you guys would love just as much as me:

*If you live near Traverse City, MI be sure to check out the ones I’ve stared in person as soon as the rona allows :) *

These images are taken directly from the businesses’ social channels listed below.

Treats:

Kilwins - we always use these for stocking stuffers, or gift them to friends for dinner parties during the holidays! If you live near Orlando, FL, you have to check them out!

*Naturally Nutty - the BEST natural nut butter in the entire world in my humble (yet nut butter expert) opinion. The cherry PB and the butter toffee PB are LIFE. CHANGING. Free shipping on orders over $35.

*Good Harbor - try the traverse city fog and thank me later

Clothing and Shoes:

Alo Yoga - up to 70% off site wide with code “EARLYACCESS20”

*Haystacks - free shipping on orders $25+

*Flea - one of my favorite boutiques.

*Ella’s - Love their gift guide! My go to store for nice dresses, jeans, frye boots, and nice tops for T.

*Robert Frost - boutique for shoes and luxury clothing

*Golden Shoes - a go to store for winter shoes in Northern Michigan

Kristin Made - use code “THANKFUL” for 20% off site wide this community for homemakers. Think hair scarves, bags, accessories

*Sweet Pea - the CUTEST baby and toddler clothing. Currently 40% off all tea products (the cutest in my opinion!). My niece and nephew look oh so cute in their stuff! They also sell strollers, toys, etc.

Jewelry:

Junction - the prettiest dainty jewelry.

Bychari - think dainty, gold, simple jewelry. One of my favorite black owned businesses I’ve recently found.

*James C Smith - this is the jeweler we got my engagement band and out wedding bands!

Sweet Mettle - handmade jewelry by my high school best friend :) She also does custom orders! I have a middle finger ring I wear almost every day, and some gorgeous gold earrings.

Wellness:

Golde - a black owned superfood beauty company I found earlier this year. Love the concept of this company so much.

Vanity Planet - gift sets are currently 40% off with code “GSETS40”. I have been dying to try their facial steamer and personal microdermabrasion wand.

*Pavlova Spa Salon - be sure to visit Bastien to get your hair done, he is seriously the best! Also a great place to get a spa gift card. I’ve had facials, manicures, pedicures, and waxing done here and I have loved it all!

The Word Project - a daily mantra card company my friend Bailey started. We all know I love this type of thing!

The Woman Amidst - a blog, podcast, and community started by two of my most beautiful (inside and out) friends. All about inspiration and purpose during periods of uncertainty, challenge, and change (um, hi 2020 in a nutshell?!).

Home Decor:

Alexandra Winbush - the most aesthetic candles! They also make their own tea blends, my favorite!

*Mary’s Kitchen Port - the cutest kitchen store. If you go in person you HAVE to get a gobler, raspberry lemonade, and a nectarine bar for the greatest lunch of your life.

Pots By Jen - the prettiest vases, pots, mugs, and more by my beautiful and talented friend Jen!

Jenny Bean - bring on the Christmas candles!!

Some you all have recently shared with me:

Broken Paddle Studio - how cute are these wall prints?

At Water Designs - the prettiest botanical art!

Okay friends, now its your turn. Share your or your favorite small business in the comments with their IG Handle or their website and let’s spread the small business love!

Small Business Saturday: My favorites and how we can help