The Beauty in Shopping Small: Holiday Shopping Guide Part 1
Last weekend the 2018 Holiday Shopping Season kicked off with the majority of chain stores and retailers offering great deals on their products. On Saturday, which has become widely known as Small Business Saturday, shoppers were encouraged to shop their local small businesses or entrepreneurs, but supporting small businesses shouldn’t be a one day only event. I encourage all my readers to continue to shop and SUPPORT small businesses not only during the holiday shopping season, but throughout the year. Below I have listed a few small businesses that I have supported and can speak highly of their products and services. Check them out, spread the word and Support!
Don’t know what to get your art-loving loved one? Check Art by Nonye out! Art by Nonye believes in creating functional pieces that are works of art! From coffee mugs to backpacks. They also have custom art work to decorate your house or office. Each piece is designed with beautiful hand drawn illustrations based on beauty, culture, and fashion. Head over and see what is currently on sale on their Etsy shop!
If you’re looking for unique Ankara styles and fabrics, Aso Ade has what you need. Aso Ade is an African inspired lifestyle clothing brand fusing Nigerian royal fabrics and materials with modern style. Their pieces are truly unique and can be worn by men and women. Take a look at the different styles on their website and let the world know that you are ‘Crowned with Style and Purpose’.
If you want to shy away from tangible gifts or want to add a memorable experience to your tangible gift this year, then head over to Baedates. Busy Almost Every Date is a platform that focuses on encouraging millennials to put in real effort that real dates deserve. The brand is the antithesis to lazy dating. Baedates offer great options for every type of date you can think of including stay-at-home dates. They also offer premium services in date planning, proposal planning and/or creative direction for engagement or couple photoshoots. Check their website out and give your loved one the gift of a night they will never forget.
For your teenage loved ones, gift them a copy of Dear Teen Self. Dear Teen Self is an interactive book for teenage girls to explore stories while identifying ways to avoid those situations, assist with coping in a healthy manner and learning what has prompted them to make certain decisions. The author candidly discusses scenarios that she experienced as a teenager while exploring the reasons she felt compelled to make certain choices. This book comes with 30 journal pages, a word bank and multiple activities that accompany the tips written. This book covers topics such as, teen depression, various types of abuse, friendship issues, and much more that can be difficult for a teenage girl to deal with. Along with these components, Dear Teen Self also has motivational content to inspire teenage girls to continue being positive. You can purchase the books on Amazon, Barnes and Nobles and on their website www.teentherapytalk.com.
Need something to wear for the upcoming holiday parties or want to gift a loved one beautiful prints and fabric from Africa, Touch of a Queen has want you need. Touch of a Queen is a brand that shares the vibrancy of Africa through fashion. Beautiful prints, diverse and captivating share a bit of culture with each customer. There is something for everyone. Each piece is carefully given an African name to honor the tradition of naming with a purpose and prophesy in African culture and share this with customers and followers. In a range of prints and styles Touch of a Queen offers customers regal skirts, headwraps, dresses, and dashikis. You can also adorn pieces of African culture and fashion with any of the beautiful accessories Touch of a Queen has such as bags, jewelry, bonnets, peplum belts, turbans, hats, and more coming. Check their website out!
This is only a small glimpse of small businesses that I encourage everyone to Support. Purchase their products, follow their social media pages, and/or tell a friend. Part 2 with more Small Businesses to support will be coming soon. What are some small businesses you support and feel should be highlighted or featured? Leave a comment below!
Forever In Awe,
C. Yejide