Because supporting small businesses, especially ones led by females and/or are philanthropy-driven, is super important…
On Small Business Saturday last year, I shared a few dozen small businesses to my IG Stories and it was a huge hit! I decided to do a big blog post for 2021 featuring small businesses run by women (and one super amazing Black teen boy trying to help get rescue dogs adopted!) and I hope you guys love it. Every brand here is run by a truly amazing human (I know most of them personally!), and I’d love to hear what you end up buying! xo
The Best Buys for Small Business Saturday
BEAUTY
Bath bombs inspired by female heroes
After seeing these bath bombs on this year’s Oprah’s Favorite Things list, I knew I had to add these into my blog post. First of all, I love that this Mississippi-based brand makes it a point to employ people in recovery, people with disabilities, or those in need of a second chance – something I think more companies should do. Second, these sulfate and paraben-free bath bombs are beautifully packaged and pay homage to the likes of Rosa Parks, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Frida Kahlo, Amelia Earhart and Maya Angelou. Each bath balm has a magnet inside as a bonus!
Though this set isn’t currently on sale, they do have a sale section with products up to 30% off!
Museebath Women of Change Bath Bomb Bundle, $45
A major treat for your feet
I’ve raved about Barefoot Scientist since they launched a few years ago (the co-founder Dana Ward has been on my podcast!), and if you haven’t already tried these products you really, really need to. Your feet will thank you later.
A few favorites: Twinkle Toes Deodorizing Purification Spray, PREHEELS+, Sleep On It Overnight Moisturizing Gel Socks, and Dream State Magnesium Sleep Spray
A luxury treat for your skin
My friend Allison truly created a gem when she started MARA beauty (she’s also been on my podcast as well). This clean, celebrity-loved skincare line really, really is that good.
A few favorites: Sea The Glow Radiance Duo (the perfect gift!), Algae + Zinc Sea Kale Sunscreen Serum SPF 30, Evening Primrose + Green Tea Algae Retinol Face Oil, and the Spirulina + Ashwagandha Volcanic Sea Clay Detox Masque.
TheMaraBeauty.com (20% off site wide)
Glowing, healthy skincare that doesn’t go stale
Full disclosure, Fresh Chemistry is one of my clients but that doesn’t affect my opinion on how great these products are. The concept is simple, yet revolutionary – just like food, skincare gets stale, too. Many of the powerful ingredients in all our products break down and lose strength over time. But with Fresh Chemistry, you activate the ingredients on your own time, so you can be confident that you’re getting strong, potent, freshly activated skincare with every use. Genius, right?
FreshChemistry.com (20% off site wide with code THANKFUL)
A blush and highlighter hybrid that is celeb makeup artist-approved
Celebrity makeup artist Jamie Greenberg, whose clients include Chelsea Handler, Rashida Jones, Kaley Cuoco, and more, created this literally genius blush/highlighter hybrid that gives you the perfect subtle glow. It’s also clean, vegan, Leaping Bunny-certified cruelty free, and made in the USA.
Listen to Jamie G. on my podcast HERE 🙂
Jamie Makeup Blighlighter ($34)
HOME
Reiki and crystal infused candles
My friend Courtney is, one, an incredible artist and two, just an all around kind and amazing person. I ordered one her super cute star sign candles (I’m a pisces, natch), and then I also asked her to create a custom zip code candle using my late father’s Long Island zip code of 11542 (photo at the top of this blog post). They both smell like heaven and I can’t recommend them enough!
These candles are made with 100 % pure soy wax, wooden wicks or orangic cotton wicks, clean burning fragrance and essential oils, and natural stones. Each candle is reiki charged and hand poured in small batches in charming Ipswich, Massachusetts.
A few favorites: Light + Keys Custom City Vibes Candle and the Light + Keys Star Sign Candle
LightandKeys.com (with every $60+ purchase during Black Friday/Cyber Monday, you will get a free 3 oz. candle!)
The most gorgeous coastal chic decor
My friend Meg started Cailini Coastal right at the start of COVID, but has seen massive success! The decor company offers a distinct design style that blends the airy simplicity of California coastal with that timeless East Coast elegance – seriously, everything on the site is just gorgeous and there are plenty of perfect gifting ideas as well.
Listen to Meg Young on my podcast HERE.
A few favorites: literally their entire holiday collection, this gorgeous white ceramic party bucket, this vintage dough bowl, this petal frog vase and their insanely chic Tulum round tray.
CailiniCoastal.com (20% off $200+ orders with code BFCM21)
Affordable interior design services
My BFF Gaby has always loved interior design and recently started offering consultations for anyone looking for luxe interiors for less – no $2,000 coffee tables here, friends! She is honestly a master at finding those affordable finds, and I can’t recommend her enough.
Sassy products that help your soul
My friends Chrissy and Nicole just launched a super fun brand that makes products that truly speak to my black soul, lol. This candle is my favorite just because it’s a reminder that we can all use, you know? In the words of the co-founders, “Learning how to get the f*ck out of our own way has been an inner personal journey for both of us in similar yet different ways. We have both experienced anxiety, traumas, and have had to figure out how to pick up the pieces along the way.”
A few favorites: Let Go candle, Fucking Fantastic Notecard Set, and Get the F*CK out of your own way notebook
FASHION
A super chic cell phone case and strap
My friend Jess launched THE most genius invention. This happened after one too many of her phones were stolen from her and her friends at concerts; Jessica was in the market for a cute, crossbody strap to attach to her shiny new iPhone for Coachella. But when her extensive search came up so-very-short, the idea to create a SIDEPEACE was sparked!
My personal favorite (above) is the Allie card keeper – it’s black so it matches everything, and I love how it also can hold a credit card and some cash money.
SIDEPEACE by Bows (use code OMG for 50% off on Black Friday)
My favorite statement and every day jewelry pieces
My friend Alexis always make the chicest jewelry pieces, and good quality to boot. I’ve been wearing her pieces for years and the compliments never stop.
A few favorites: I love the Beatrix butterfly pendant, the custom script name plate, the Melissa pendant necklace, and the large Mia earrings that I wear ALL the time.
Eklexic.com (30% off site wide with code HOLIDAY30)
Cute and vintage-inspired lingerie
My friend Kelley is one of the best lingerie designers in the country (her resume speaks for itself). And her line of vintage-inspired lingerie is just so adorable, yet also sexy and fun.
A few favorites: The leopard shorties (above), the black cotton butterfly thong, the red lace tanga, and the motion seamless bralette.
BehindClosedDrawers.co (35% off the Almost Gone collection)
The chicest multi-functional mask chains
My friend Lara started selling camera chains a few years ago. But, when COVID hit, she knew she had a new genius idea on her hands – mask chains. Sarah Jessica Parker and Kesha are fans, and Kesha even did a collab with the brand (photo above)! The best part is that the chains are not only chic, but also so versatile…can we talk about her vaccine card and ID holder?!
Listen to Lara on my podcast HERE.
A few favorites: Kesha x PC Ying Yang multi-use necklace, Nikki mini face mask chain, and the Sequin x Pretty Connected evil eye charm (I wear this one ALL the time)
PETS
Dog and cat treats created by a black teen entrepreneur
Ava is one of the most talented 14-year-olds I’ve ever seen. She wanted to create a healthier world for our pets, planet and people because she loves pets, the same way they love us. Her treats are made with simple, organic and all-natural ingredients to keep pets happy, healthy, and feeling great.
AvasPetPalace.com (20% off with code SMBIZSAT)
Adorable dog (and cat!) bows for a good cause
In 2017, Sir Darius was moved by the devastation of Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma. So, I wanted to do his part to help. Learning that some rescue dogs were being transferred from the devastation in Texas and Puerto Rico to the ASPCA in NYC, Sir Darius thought of a unique way to use his passion to create bow ties to help displaced dogs look dapper and adorable. This helps them stand out so they can get adopted faster into fur-ever homes.
During his visit at the adoption center, Sir Darius learned that hundreds of dogs are euthanized daily. Also, some shelters due to overcrowding. He was devastated to learn this horrific reality. As a dog lover, this started Sir Darius’ PAW-SOME Mission to help save shelter pets lives by donating his handmade bow ties to animal shelters across the nation.
Sir Darius has used his platform to help raise over $300,000 to support animal shelters. Also, he helps sponsor adoption fees and donate to the Make-A-Wish Foundation to sponsor a Puppy Wish. He also gives thousands of bow ties to shelters and adoption centers across the USA, United Kingdom, and Thailand. The PAW-SOME Mission has helped countless shelter pets find loving fur-ever families and homes. For every bow tie purchased, Sir Darius donates a bow tie to a shelter pet.
A few favorites: Rose buds bow tie, Seasons Greetings bow tie, and Night on the town bow tie
SHOP
