It’s no secret that small businesses got hit the hardest during the pandemic. They lost the usual foot traffic to their brick-and-mortar locations and many had to quickly shift to conducting business online.
The good news for us as consumers is that we can help these small businesses right from the comfort of our couch! Here are some of our favorite brands and goodies to buy when you start to feel the online shopping urge:
For Hanging at Home:
This company, based in Portland, Oregon, sells everything you need to spruce up your home – plants, candles, jewelry, you name it. If you need these everyday objects anyways, make sure that they’re beautiful too (and that you’re supporting a small business owner while you’re at it).
If you’re spending more time at home, there’s no better time to buy some extra decor to keep things cozy. Pendleton carries a number of comfortable throws and blankets with tons of patterns and textures to choose from. Shop for blankets by Native American artists as well as blankets that support the National Parks and American Indian College Fund.
This Glacier National Park Blanket is ultra soft and cozy!
If this pandemic has you wanting to undertake a home painting project, make sure you pick the right color! Clare founder Nicole Gibbons noticed that most paint brands were not offering an easy way to shop for pant. So, she decided to change that and create a reimagined paint shopping experience. Clare offers colors curated by top interior designers, mess-free paint swatches and high-quality supplies shipped straight to your door.
If you’re like me, you probably get overwhelmed trying to make decadent cocktails at home. Luckily, all of the work has been done for us by With Co Cocktails – they measure, muddle, strain and chop fresh ingredients for delicious drinks. All that’s left to do is add ice and liquor.
Beauty & Health:
This small skincare company made it their mission to use high-quality, natural products in their toners, treatments, face masks and other skincare essentials. While browsing their site, you can sort by skin type to find the right purchase for you. Their products are small enough to fit right into a travel makeup bag!
If your skin has been feeling dry, try this Glow Mask! Photo Credit: CLN&DRTY Instagram
Continue to reduce your carbon footprint with a bamboo toothbrush and travel case. Perfect for a weekend trip, these brushes are easy to travel with and great for the earth. The company also has a number of skin care items, laundry essentials and sustainable bundles for the shower, shopping, etc.
Books & Clothing:
Whether you’re braving the beaches this summer or lounging by the pool, treat yourself to a new bathing suit! Castamira has given the classic one-piece suit a modern edge. Jamaican-born model Chantel Davis, the founder, has an insider’s view on what works when fitting a swimsuit on a women’s body, so you can trust Castamira to have the right fit for you.
Indie bookstores could use your help right now, and there’s never been a better time to start checking books off of your “to read” list. Online bookstore Mahogany Books specializes in books written for, by, or about people of the African Diaspora. Their motto? #BlackBooksMatter.
MahoganyBooks Owners & Founders (L-R: Ramunda Young, Mahogany Young, Derrick Young) Photo Credit: Kea Taylor, Imagine Photography
Brands That Give Back:
Looking for a new way to support the environment? Lotus works to eliminate single-use plastic from shopping with their stylish and eco-friendly reusable bags. They’ve developed a sorting and carry system of bags to help you stay organized while you shop. Plus, these bags are machine washable and insulated. The best part? Lotus donates part of their sales to non-profits protecting the oceans, as a part of 1% For The Planet.
For every purchase from Bombas, one item is donated to someone affected by homelessness. This company’s goal was to perfect socks and T-shirts to make them soft, cozy and comfortable to live in. Right now, they are selling Pride socks. Buy a pair and another pair will be donated to someone in need in the LGBTQ+ community!
Bombas is celebrating Pride with a new collection of colorful, bright socks.
Photo Credit: Bombas
On-the-go:
Topdrawer offers a variety of different products for nomads and world travelers, including everything from weekend bags to bento boxes. Why not take the time while you’re hanging at home to stock up on all the travel essentials you keep forgetting to grab? Or, snag a photo album and create a scrapbook of your favorite trip! Topdrawer even has a selection of Japanese house shoes that are perfect for lounging around the house.
Doing more yoga these days? Treat yourself to a new mat, and better yet, make it an eco-friendly one. Jade Yoga mats are made sustainably with natural rubber. It’s super compact, which makes it easy to bring with you when you’re on the go. JadeYoga also sell yoga blocks, mat straps and mat wash, so you can get all of the yoga necessities in one place!
This Jade Yoga mat is portable and super convenient when you’re on the go – plus, we love the bright and fun color!
These are just a small sampling of the incredible companies that are still shipping products online. When in doubt, Etsy has a large selection of handcrafted and unique finds made by independent creators. It’s a great site for buying wall art, specialized T-shirts, and gifts for friends and family.
Research small businesses in your local community that are still doing curbside pick-up, or shipping as well. We also recommend checking in on nearby cafes to see if you can grab a to-go cuppa joe or a gift card for future purchases (and the same goes for local restaurants!)
Of course, it’s important to be supporting black-owned businesses. In addition to those we’ve listed, check out this extensive list of 125 black-owned businesses to buy from now.
You also can start your own small business, whether you live stateside or abroad! Nomads and those homebased alike can find lucrative opportunities to try launching their own businesses to help support local economies.
How are you supporting local businesses right now? What are some of your favorite travel brands? What’s the best thing you purchased online recently?
