Elevate your community, support small businesses
It’s that time of year, folks. All things pumpkin spice and everything nice, holly jolly plastered on every street corner, and Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas” stuck in our heads on a never-ending loop.
As a small business owner, I want to be more vocal and diligent about amplifying small businesses during the holiday season. It’s convenient (and accessible) to rely on Amazon Prime or the pick up services at the likes of Target and Wal Mart, but without small business artists, creators, and makers, the world would be a dreary place.
I adore the gift-giving spirit of the holiday season and hope you’ll join me in supporting as many small businesses as possible this Christmas. Check out my recommendations for shopping small below and let us know some of your favorites in the comments.
Jewelry
LaVida PomPoms
Self care crafts made by Yaqui is just what the doctor ordered. I own half a dozen pair of Yaqui’s designs and let me just say I can’t leave the house without 50 people asking about them. For lovers of bright colors, delicious fruits, and a little piece of happiness dangling from your ears, check out her incredible work here.
Lys Santamaria
Lys’ work defies time and expectations. The detailed beadwork is unfathomable, taking her anywhere from 60-200 hours of work for one single piece. View her memorable rendition of this ancient art form here.
Shape and Form Handmade
Eclectic and ever changing, Myranda Escamilla hand makes contemporary pieces inspired by life and made with love. Shop her designs here.
Makeup
Cheekbone Beauty
Cheekbone Beauty, an indigenous owned and founded beauty line, was created in 2016 by Jennifer Harper. Known for their high quality, cruelty-free products, 10% of the profits from products sold are donated to First Nations Child & Family Caring Society. Shop their purposeful products (like the Bethany lipstick) here.
Dawn Eye Cosmetics
Dawn Eye Cosmetics are a glistening fairy dreamscape! All cruelty free and handmade, with lots of vegan options, this brand is for the sparkle queens.
Glam Goth Beauty
It doesn’t get more glittery than this. Unlike many beauty brands, Glam Goth prioritizes vegan, cruelty free, biodegradable glitter products. Their mission is to provide a creative outlet for the marginalized and misunderstood. Shop their colorful selections here.
GloGirl Cosmetics
After Tosca Hillman learned the ropes and became an expert at all things beauty products by working in the makeup industry, she created her own chic line, including stunning liquid highlighter, boss gloss, and the Goddess eyeshadow palette.
Lipmatic
Lipmatic takes lipstick to a new level. There’s a color and style for every lipstick lover, including mattes, creams, and their unique lipshine collection. Shop all products here.
Clothing/Apparel/Fashion
Cartan’s Shoes
Founded in 1932, Cartan’s Shoes specializes in providing top quality shoes in hard to find sizes in Fort Worth, TX. If you’re in their neck of the woods, grab a vegan treat from Spiral Diner then shop til you drop.
Dope Crochet
Ericka creates incredible contemporary apparel designs ranging from earrings and ties to halter tops and swim suits. Shop her one-of-a-kind crochet work here.
Golden Trash
If thrifting is your calling, look no further than the eclectic, nostalgia-packed finds of owner Danielle’s online thrift store, Golden Trash. I lucked out and bought the MOST Stevie Nicks vibes Free People dress a few months back and it has not disappointed. Turn other people’s trash into your fashion treasure here.
Hello Sailor Tees
While punny, pop culture-driven graphic tees are her speciality, Megan creates enamel pins, art prints, keychains, patches, and so much more! Check out her colorful shop here.
Lola’s Classic Babies
While Lolita Rodriguez focuses on elegant diaper cakes, she offers a wide range of unique products, including handmade bow ties, pacifier clips, bandana bibs, and burp cloths. Shop her wide selection here.
New Origin Shop
When Sierra Lewis relocated to Austin in 2017, she was inspired to create products with a story - a piece of walking art with which people found a connection. Shop her amazing jewelry, home decor, bags, scarves, beanies, and more here.
Miscellaneous
ChosenEyes
I’ve had the absolute pleasure of calling a ChosenEyes a dear friend for years now. She’s the best at what she does as a speaker, teacher, and tarot reader. Book a reading with her here or check out her online classroom to expand your mind.
Space Babes Art
As owner Shanna puts so eloquently, “I always wanted to be an artist, then I realized I always was.” Shanna creates a wide variety of products, including enamel pins, art prints, painted wood blocks, and stickers. Check out Space Babes Art online store here.
Venus in Leo
This holiday season, it’s important to care for yourself as you do for others. Venus in Leo offers luxurious non-toxic body care for a variety of needs. Shop their amazing skincare and body products here.
Shop Waco!
Black Oak Art
If handmade is your jam, BOA is perfect for you. You’ve probably seen their mugs at the likes of Common Grounds or Magnolia, and for good reason. Their custom works are an incredible gift to small business owners. Check out their website for more information on ordering individualized dishware, joining their artist guild, or checking out a lesson.
Katherine Makowsky Art:
Katherine Makowsky Art
Katherine is a freelance illustrator and native Wacoan with a love for nature, magic, and the uncanny. Katherine’s work is all about exploring the native plants and animals in the Southwest, as well as her love for birdwatching, plant foraging, skull collecting. Check out her awesome work on her website.
MC Art Supplies
Jess and Aaron, owners of MC Art Supplies on Washington Avenue, are born & raised in Waco, TX and love their creative community! They had the opportunity to take over ownership of MC Art Supplies from Rose & Clyde Bush and they proudly serve Waco’s local college, public and private school artists, as well as professionals and beginners alike. Stop by their shop and they’ll walk you through some of their favorites (Aaron’s is the MTN 94 Spray Paint because street art fascinates him and Jess loves Tombow Brush Pens, Daniel Smith Watercolors and Caran D’Ache Neocolor II Water Pastels). Follow them on Instagram to stay updated on their cool classes and events!
LaSalle Shoppes
It’s impossible to walk through the magical aisles of this antique treasure store without finding hidden gems you can’t live without. There’s no better place to find amazing collectibles, ranging from the retro and fabulous to shabby chic country home goodies. If you’re checking out Waco for the first time, this is a must-see store. Visit them on historic LaSalle avenue!
Momma Mo Cookies
Momma Mo’s is Waco’s best kept secret, in my humble opinion. Momma Mo opened up shop to preserve the rich history of baking in her family and share her incredible gifts with our community. While her specialty is mouth-watering cookies (like the famous “My Lord”), she offers custom cakes, cookie shakes, and more. Stop by her adorable shop on Lake Air Drive to prepare for the holiday season with delicious treats!
Sabrina Renee Beauty
For all of your cosmetology needs, Sabrina’s the gal to hire. Makeup, hair painting, styling - the whole shabang! Get in touch with her via her Instagram to book an appointment and have your hair goals brought to life.
The Sweet and Crumby Life
Kayci Thomas is making life sweet and crumby one baked good at a time! Kayci’s a mega talented baker who’s created lots of colorful, memorable, delicious cakes for my family (and hundreds of others). She publishes her original recipes (including lots of vegan and gluten free options) on her Sweet and Crumby Life Instagram. Give her a follow to stay up to date on her upcoming projects!
Things from the Heart Resale Shop
Not only is thrifting a more eco-friendly and community conscious thing to do, in this case, it’s for a great cause! Things from the Heart offers a reward program for shoppers and all profit from the shop is used to feed thousands of families each month. Stop by their store to shop and donate!
Wherever you live and whatever you budget is, it’s easy to uplift small business owners: follow their social media pages, like and comment on their posts, share their content, join their email lists, send their information to friends, and amplify their work, especially around the holidays. We have the power to keep independent artists afloat. Let us know about your favorite small or local brands in the comments below.
Bethany Swoveland is a writer, artist, and creative out of Waco, TX. She publishes a monthly email newsletter dedicated to all things creativity and radical vulnerability. Sign up here.