Supporting Small Business with a Few of my Favorite Things

You’ve probably already heard it a million times, but if there ever was a Christmas to support small businesses, 2020 is the year.

Here’s a short list of some of my very favorites. These are all products and services I use and love, and the fact that they also have an ethical, sustainable, or give-back mission makes me love them even more.

They’re woman- or family-owned which means you’ll want to act quickly. Handmade means stock may be limited, staff are extra busy, and word on the street in Canada and the US is that both postal systems are experiencing delays, so allow plenty of time for your package to arrive. I promise, all of these are well worth the wait! If shipping wait-times freak you out, consider purchasing a gift card.

Some of these businesses are also having Black Friday or seasonal sales. Please check their website (by clicking the company name) or Instagram profile (by clicking the corresponding photo) for possible discounts.

Calgary and Area (All deliver to US and Canada, except Black Earth*)

Black Earth Floral Gallery*

Gorgeous fresh flowers, plants, and gift items. Delivery in Calgary and the surrounding area. Karla’s arrangements are stunning and she has a special selection of seasonal arrangements, perfect for the holidays.

Hartman Leather

Handmade leather belts, bags, and accessories from full-grain, vegetable-tanned cowhide for women and men. I was tired of my husband buying crappy belts from the department store that were completely falling apart in less than a year. Last summer, we found this little shop on Granville Island in Vancouver, BC. Unfortunately Dave's physical storefront is closing, but his online store is not!

Lamb’s Soapworks

Hand-crafted, small-batch, natural bath and body products made with the highest quality, sustainably sourced, vegetable-based butters and oils, natural colorants, essential oils and phthalate-free fragrances. I’m currently loving the Canadian Maple bar soap and Pumpkin Spice Hand & Body lotion. #yum And 1% of all Lara’s online sales support Ronald McDonald House Charities of Calgary/Southern Alberta.

Maya Corona Art

While mostly known for her watercolor commissions, this year Maya is offering hand-painted glass Christmas ornaments too. Since I always buy my kids an ornament each year so they have their own collection when they move out some day, I jumped at the chance to buy this year’s gifts here. And, of course, I had to snag one for myself too. #selfcare

Milk Jar Candle Company

Hand-poured, small-batch candles using clean-burning coconut soy wax and natural wood wicks so they crackle like a real fireplace! Scented with phthalate-free fragrance oils or pure essential oils, these are the only candles I can burn in my studio that don’t give me a headache. They’re also the same candles I send to my clients. Hygge (vanilla, tobacco, & cedar) is my fave! Committed to community, Holly donates $1 from every candle to a local charity.

Tribal Vanilla

I’ve lost track of how many bottles of this Mexican vanilla my daughter has used as she’s baked her way through Covid. High-quality vanilla extract and fair-trade vanilla beans, and less expensive than the previous bottles I bought at Costco. #gofigure

Canadian-based

Core Love Sunday Shift

Every Sunday, from Nov 29th through Dec 20th at 9:30 am MST, join Kaye for a FREE, short (under 10 minutes) bit of movement to shift your energy and move stress out of your body. Sign up here. Minimal equipment needed and accessible for all fitness levels. Kaye’s one of the incredible women in my Marketing Mastermind, and you’ll love her compassionate, down-to-earth approach.

hernest project

Sustainable fibers, ethical production, and unbelievably soft. I’ve literally lived in hernest joggers since purchasing my first pair last March. From now until Nov. 30, spend $100 or more and receive a free gift (while quantities last), and for every order received, Cass will donate a garment to Mamas for Mamas, a Canadian charitable organization that supports mothers in crisis as they face various poverty-related struggles. No code needed. And her new zero-waste scrunchies? They’re made in Winnipeg by two organizations helping new Canadians launch careers as sewing machine operators. Cass is also a founding member of Marketing Mastermind, and it’s a joy to watch her making a difference in the fashion industry!

US-based

Dubsado**

Dubsado is a complete Client Relations Management (CRM) software system that you may have read about here. It's stinkin' amazing and does so much—contracts, invoicing, questionnaires, online scheduler, client portals, bookkeeping, automatic workflows, and more. Everything is set up as templates so you don't have to start at square 1 every time. Plus their customer service is awesome. From now through 2:00 pm PT, Dec. 1, plans are discounted to $30/mo. or $300/yr. (Regularly $35/mo. or $350/yr.) Plus receive an extra 20% off the first month or year through this link only. **This is an affiliate link. If you sign up for Dubsado, it gives you an extra 20% discount and also gives me a small discount on my subscription. #mydubsado

Ugmonk

Known for their simple style and functionality, Jeff has built a company full of beautiful things. My favorite is the Premium Leather XL Mousepad. I have the original version with the ampersand logo, but a year and half later it still looks brand new. The 9 x 11” size is perfect for all-day mousing. Like my husband’s belt (see Hartman above), I expect to have this forever.

Thank you for considering ways to support other small businesses. Even if you don’t make a purchase, remember that following them on social media and sharing or commenting on their posts helps also!

I’d love to know what small shops are near and dear to your heart. This year has been challenging for all of us, and I’m so grateful to you and everyone who has continued to support me. Let’s keep supporting each other as we wrap up this heckuva year! 😉