10 Small Businesses to Support This Season

For the entire month of December, I’ll be sharing product roundups EVERY SINGLE DAY to help your holiday shopping feel a little more streamlined and accessible, but before we get to quick links and fast shipping, I wanted to take the time to encourage you to shop EARLY and shop SMALL this year. There are so many small businesses that have been birthed during the pandemic, there are so many small businesses that are struggling during the pandemic, and there are so many small businesses that you can support this holiday season.

Here’s a list of some that I’m a fan of!

Dance From Home

Created by former Young, Scrappy, & Hungry interviewee, Megan Bowen founded Dance From Home, a virtual boutique dance fitness studio back in March at the start of the pandemic. I've personally done many of her classes from choreography to cardio, and always have SUCH a fun time shouting at the screen when she tells us to do one more rep. Buy DFH merch, or buy a package of classes for your friends who love to move!

Kayla Creating

If you are looking for STUNNING one-of-a-kind art, look no further than Kayla Haugen, a woodworking artist based out of Denver, CO. Each of her pieces is unique and boasts fun titles that remind me of Friends episodes, such as "The Purple One" or "The Burnt One" (which I may or may not have just added to my OWN wishlist). Also follow her Instagram to get first looks at new pieces and some behind-the-scenes content in the shop!

Let’s Fucking Date

If you don't know Serena Fucking Kerrigan by now, I'm scared you might be living under a rock. Founder of the first-ever IG Live TV Dating Show, Let's Fucking Date, Serena has made the pandemic her bitch, and has become a social media sensation as both a tv host and confidence coach. As a gift to fans and supporters, she created this card game. Though it's truly meant to be played on a date, you can use these conversation starters with any group (though be sure to omit the saucy ones if you're playing with your family). I have it and love it.

Boo•kaY NYC

Like so many other artists, Robbie Fairchild, former New York City ballet principal dancer and Tony-nominated Broadway actor, made a huge pivot when the theatre industry shut down back in March. As a means to stay creative and inspire unity, he began making floral arrangements that he personally delivered throughout New York City. From that, Boo•kay NYC was born. You can still order arrangements if you're in the New York City area, but if you're anywhere else, you can order Boo•kits - a DIY flower arrangement subscription service delivered to your home each month. With fresh florals from Holland and a step-by-step video from Robbie himself showing you exactly how to style your arrangement, it is the perfect gift for someone who appreciates the finer things in life.

Parachute Prints shop

I'd be remiss if I didn't include my own little sister's small biz in this roundup: Parachute Prints. Also birthed during the pandemic, Tara designs and prints each of these waterproof stickers in-house (literally in our house) and ships them out to customers quickly and with love and personalization. They're a perfect stocking stuffer. I'm partial to the pink UCF pegasus and the pink Playbill title treatment.

Chez Gagne

I discovered Chez Gagne a couple years back at the NY Now trade show when I used to work in interior design, and it's truly become my go-to gifting site for birthdays, holidays, and just because. Guys, with a motto of "if you can't make it nice, make it funny" their products boast the perfect tongue-in-cheek tone that so many others brands swing and miss on. With coffee mugs & wine glasses, notebooks, and candles, these make the perfect stocking-stuffers or gifts for your friend you haven't seen in-person since February. Might I suggest this "2020 Moods" lowball glass set?

My Oh My Supply Company

Founded by east-coasters Ali and Lindsey, MOMSCo is a dream e-commerce boutique for any millennial/gen-zer, especially a Disney or pop culture-loving one. With designs a little less on-the-nose and a little more sophisticated, it's the perfect apparel to pay homage to your favorite movies whilst still maintaining your trendy aesthetic of pastels and neutral tones. I have this Bend and Snap crewneck and always get compliments on it!

Tessa’s Table

I obviously had to include a charcuterie vendor in this roundup, and Tessa's Table is someone I just discovered a couple weeks ago, but am absolutely obsessed with. Based right here in Winter Park, FL, Tessa, a former interior designer, exercises her keen eye for color and textures when assembling her boards which range from small, personal boxes to entire grazing TABLES. Definitely send her a DM on Instagram to snag one of her creations for the holidays!

Wall Crawl Orlando

Wall Crawl is the type of business I wish I had come up with. Dynamic husband-and-wife-duo Joshua and Jeanette recognized the frequent snafus that accompany capturing photos for content creation: inclement weather, subpar lighting, crowds (etc.) and sought to create a studio where all of those obstacles were eliminated. Wall Crawl is comprised of different backgrounds and scenes perfect for taking photos. They recently debuted their holiday sets and they are SO stunning and SO fun. Book this place for your family's Christmas card - bring your own photographer or get a photo pass from them! Worried about COVID? Their entire staff wears masks, a finite number of people are allowed in the studio during their scheduled slots, and props are sanitized between uses.

Dora Mae Jewelry

If jewelry is the name of your holiday game, then look no further than Dora Mae Jewelry. The pieces in the shop and online are updated antiques - vintage jewelry repurposed to reflect current boho trends and styles. From earrings to necklaces and bracelets, each creation is hand-crafted and one-of-a-kind. I've watched Ansley Schrimsher work and can confirm that her electric and sunny energy is embedded in each piece. I'm convinced she's my spirit animal.

And there you have it! Those are my small businesses to support this season. There are so many more amazing companies with incredible products, and I hope you'll plan early and shop small to support them! Have any you'd like to add to this list? Shoot me a DM on Instagram!

xoxo,