I have been thinking about doing a blog on small businesses that are bringing me so much joy this winter, but talked myself out of it more times than I can count. I don’t want to make it seem like I am promoting anyone, or leaving anyone out, or not acknowledging my own privilege that I am even able to support others right now. Then I stopped overthinking it because I think most people who follow and know me know I care so much and never come from malicious intent, but also that supporting small businesses is such a big part of my joy that maybe others are looking for suggestions and want me to do this blog.
My husband and were finally able to cancel our Amazon Prime membership and are now fully immersed in the world of supporting small businesses, and just in case you are trying to do the same I just wanted to share what companies are saving me right now for gifts for others and for myself. I am sticking the ones in the last month or so and have opted to keep it simple and do only what I use pretty regularly. Enjoy my top 13 list of what small businesses that have been lifting me up as of late.
- Octopus books have been saving me! I use to order so much off of Amazon and now I have shifted it to support this small business. I am trying to spread my love to others like Black Squirrel Books as well, which I have heard is also amazing! Check them out at https://octopusbooks.ca & www.blacksquirrelbooks.ca
- East Cast Lifestyle! A good friend turned this company onto me and I have become obsessed. Their sweaters are something I now live in, and I asked for two more for Christmas from my hubby. I get them in a larger size as I like to swim in them. Check them out at https://eastcoastlifestyle.com/
- Terra Knots! I have 3 of her pieces and counting and I really can’t get enough. She is a mala maker too and has such a unique style! Check her out https://terraknots.com/ & https://www.instagram.com/terraknots/
- Free Spirit Threads! I bought one of these Kimonos for a friend and mentioned one I liked to my husband that showed up on my birthday from a friend and I just love it. Check them out at https://www.instagram.com/freespirit.threads/ and https://freespiritthreads.wixsite.com/shop
- Aidan Bliss’s monthly forecasts. I have done a few of these as of late, and I have to say, I love getting my little personalized video reading on the 1st letting me know what sits in and around my energy field. It’s a little pick-me up and gives me some much-needed perspective. Check her out at https://aidanblissmorton.com/product/your-monthly-energetic-forecast/
- Crystal Wicks Candles! I am a candle person. I keep them lit all day, and Crystal Wicks lets me do refills on my candles so I can do it waste free! She also just opened a new local shop. Check her out at https://crystalwicks.ca/ and https://www.instagram.com/bayandbalm/
- Serenity Salts. A friend gifted me some salts for a birthday gift and I am loving steeping in them every single night! Check her out at https://www.instagram.com/serenitysalts_gifts/
- I just ordered a new tracksuit (yes, yes I know), but these days it’s all I wear! I am pretty excited because this small business has some serious style! Check her out at https://www.instagram.com/rare.collectives/
- Rachel Ricketts recommended an ethical company owned by woman of colour called the Lip Bar and I splurged and bought myself 2 lip-glosses, check them out at https://thelipbar.com/
- One company I support pretty regularly is https://prettyspirits.com/. Owned and run by two black woman, I have two of their oracle decks (highly recommend) and I have now ordered two jourmals.
- Lastly, my amazing sister in law launched her new business and I bought myself a new mug made by her and I love it so much. Her pieces are so unique and sell out fast. Check her out at https://www.instagram.com/lagadoueceramics/ and https://lagadoue.ca/
- I bought myself a wand from https://www.instagram.com/driftwood_ornaments/ and to be honest I use it way more then I thought I would. Okay I actually bring it everywhere. I tap my tarot cards with it, I cut chords with it, and lets just say I am having way too much fun with it. Check out her pieces, they are really beautiful.
- One thing I have done for myself this winter is enrolled in an unlimited, interactive virtual yoga program. Not only is my body thanking me, but it is helping me to get up earlier which is something I have always wanted to do, but just never done. I am working with Jas, a love filled Leo who pushes me, but is also just so kind! Check her out at https://www.instagram.com/yogawithjas/ and https://www.yogawithjas.com/bookings-checkout/yoga-meditation-1
I am sure I have forgotten someone, and if I did truly it wasn’t intentional. These were the first 13 that came to the forefront of my mind. Sending out so much love, joy, boundaries, (these are a must with family this time of year) and down time!
Love,
Candice
