Each Holiday season I like to promote small businesses. I have either worked for or owned a small business over the past 20+ years. Small businesses will always have my heart. I understand first hand the impact that shopping local has. This year I wanted to shine the light onto some amazing Canadian, Black, and Indigenous Owned Businesses. Rather than our money going strictly to the big (predominantly White owned) companies, who already have a lot of money, support, small, local shops that need our support more now than ever. The Instagram algorithm is known for hiding black and brown faces and bodies. This means that BIPOC businesses just don’t get that same visibility as White owned businesses. The more we support them with social media follows, likes, mentions, comments, and ultimately, our dollars, the more we contribute to their success.
So this year, while you may need to get the odd item from a mainstream shop, think about broadening your shopping this year. Think small. Think local. Think Black and Indigenous owned.
Black Owned, Canadian Businesses:
Alora : Gorgeous jewelry for the everyday woman and so well priced.
Batiqua : Artisan made textiles for home decor. Handmade and handpainted throw pillows, placemats, and table runners.
Chokitem : Beautiful up-cycled brass jewelry and cotton masks.
Kasandy : A shop with a little something for everyone. Baby items, home decor, masks, fashion totes, Christmas ornaments, jewelry, and more.
Love & Nudes : Skin tone nude intimates for women of colour.
Msichana : A stunning collection clothing, jewelry, and accessories designed in Canada and made in Africa. Their prints are incredible..
Oge Ajibe : Size inclusive and ethical clothing. The new collection will be launching in December.
Seventh and Oak : Hand poured, small batch candles. They are made with a vegan blend of natural soy and coconut wax that is smooth, creamy and burns evenly.
Studio Natoyaista : Beautiful art work, prints, hand dyed and painted totes, greeting cards, and vintage items. Her newest offering is The Women – Book of Portraits. Find it here.
Sunday Afternoon: Curated and hand selected vintage clothing and decor.
The People’s Mask : Adult masks, kids masks, and even some masks offering glamour.
Tilda Kimono : Adorable handmade kimonos and 2 piece sets.
Indigenous Owned, Canadian Businesses:
Cheekbone Beauty : A sustainable, green, cosmetics line. I’m obsessed with their lip colours!
Indigenous Face Masks: Face masks for adults and children with beautiful Indigenous prints.
Kokum Scrunchies : Kokom Scrunchies was created by a talented 9 year old, Mya. She makes sure that each Kokom Scrunchie is handmade with love. What started off as an idea, has taken Mya on a path of bringing Kokom Scrunchies to everyone.
Land of Daughters : Handmade, hand poured 100% soy wax candles. Vegan and clean. They also offer up crystals and socks. Hygge vibes for sure.
Manitobah Mukluks : Mukluks and Moccasins for adults and children.
Mini Tipi : Cozy and delicious blankets, shawls, and mittens. They offer up a selection of children items and handbags too.
Mother Earth Essentials : Natural beauty products, soaps, essential oils, and candles.
Satya Organic Skin Care: Natural, organic skincare that includes products like Eczema Relief.
She Native : A Saskatchewan fashion brand. The Gratitude Collection handbags are incredible!
Sḵwálwen Botanicals : A collection of natural bath salts, face and body oils, lip balm, facial clays, hand sanitizers , and more.
Spirit Bear Coffee Co. : A coffee company offering 100% Fair Trade and Organic bags of coffee as well as compostable pods. Check out their many causes they give back to.
Warren Steven Scott : A stunning collection of acrylic and sterling earrings.
Yukon Soaps : Handcrafted soaps, bath and body oils, shampoo, and shave soap. They use gorgeous ingredients like wild rose petals and juniper berries.
No Comments