A Small Business Christmas

The holiday season is once again upon us and with it, the stress. And this year, with the Coronavirus and the election, there is more of it than ever. Though the season might not look like what we are accustomed to from holidays past, that doesn’t mean that it can’t still be magical. So have no fear, below is a list of 5 small businesses to help make your holiday shopping easy, enjoyable, and safe.

1. The Kind Poppy

The Kind Poppy is a beauty, cosmetic, and personal care online boutique based out of Franklin, Tennessee. It started out as a pop-up stand to help pay the medical bills of the owner’s dad and ended up becoming a success. The boutique offers a wide range of products that are vegan, cruelty-free, and sustainable! They have everything from bath bombs, candles, and soaps, to pet products, hair care products, and kid’s products. What makes The Kind Poppy such a wonderful place to buy from is that, not only are their products amazing, but as the name suggests, The Kind Poppy is all about kindness, not just being kind to yourself and to others, but also being kind in the products that you use. What makes this business special to me, is that I went to high school with the owner. Autumn Grant is one of the most hard-working people I know, is insanely generous and never gives up, even in times of adversity! She is involved with various charities and when a tornado hit nearby Nashville in March, she donated products and portions of the proceeds to help aid in relief efforts. When the pandemic hit, she created care packages for nurses on her shop, giving shoppers the option to sponsor them. And, this holiday season, she even had an option to sponsor a soldier as well. No matter the season, The Kind Poppy should be on your go-to shopping list!

Shop online: http://www.thekindpoppy.com/

Visit their store: 117 3rd Avenue N

Franklin, Tennessee 37064

2. CHRISTlike Designs

CHRISTlike Designs is a new shop that opened in June of 2020. It specializes in jewelry items, drawings of various mediums, and seasonal items. The shop came about from the owner’s passion for art and creativity, that she finally decided to share with the world. What makes CHRISTlike Designs one of my top 5 small business picks is that it is a Christian based business, and all of the products are handmade and customizable. Not only that, but the owner is self-taught, and exceptionally talented as well. This business is special to me because the owner, Jessi Bathon, is my best friend. She is kind, hard-working, and has a huge heart. She is passionate about helping those who cannot help themselves and strongly advocates for bringing an end to sex trafficking. Please consider checking CHRISTlike Designs out for your holiday shopping needs, or shopping needs in general this year.

Shop online: Etsy- https://www.etsy.com/shop/CHRISTlikeDesignsCo

Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/CHRISTlikeDesign/

Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/christlike_designs/

3. Crown Brew Coffee Co.

Crown Brew Coffee Co. is an award-winning “craft coffee” company located in Marion, Illinois. After years of outreach projects, both nationally and globally, the founders saw that wherever they went, coffee played an important role and realized it could be used to help build and cultivate a community and create a positive impact in their own area. With this in mind, they got to work and in 2017 opened the first “craft coffee” shop in their region. In just three years of being open, they have built a large following and have won almost a dozen awards and accolades. What makes Crown Brew a staple in the community is that as a “craft coffee” company, they use premium coffees, teas, and products with intentional and unique brewing methods and recipes, and it doesn’t hurt that they have impeccable customer service skills as well. As is the case with many small businesses this year, the Coronavirus has hit them hard, so please consider checking them out this holiday season.

Shop Online: http://www.crownbrewcoffee.com/

4. Britemake

Britemake is a new, black-owned, queer-friendly business that was created last month after the owner quit his job as an RA at his university in order to stay safe and healthy during the pandemic. Britemake operates on Instagram and is dedicated to the craft of fiber art. From custom made knit beanies and crocheted headbands, to seeing the owner try to untangle yarn or make a blanket with a little too much wine, his page is a fun place to hang out. What makes this business special to me is that I went to college with the owner. Ziggi is the kindest human I have ever met and lights up a room instantly. This year has been hard on a lot of people, and Ziggi is no exception. College is difficult enough, but add to that the stress of navigating this new reality at the same time, and it just takes it to another level. As with any small business, especially a new one, it needs a lot of support to help get it launched and that’s where you (the reader) come into play. So, if you’re interested in helping a college student out for the holidays or know someone that would love a beanie or headband, then please consider buying from Britemake.

Shop online: https://www.instagram.com/brite.make/

5. Rendleman Orchards

Rendleman Orchards is a family-owned and operated orchard in Alto Pass, IL that has been operating since 1873. Starting out as a family farm with just 88 acres, it has now expanded to over 800 acres and become an enterprise, all while staying true to its family farm roots. In 2002, the owners opened the Rendleman Orchards Farm Market and were able to expand in a new way. They began selling their own produce and fruits in the market, but also added apple butters, apple crisp mixes, salsa’s, jellies, barbecue sauces, t-shirts, candles, apple cider donuts and slushies (in the fall), etc. In recent years, they have even added a U-Pick Zinnia and Sunflower field, and, this year they added a U-Pick Pumpkin patch, making it a popular destination location. What makes Rendleman Orchards such a wonderful place is the fact that it’s family oriented, the atmosphere is down to earth, and you always feel welcome there. Why did I choose Rendleman Orchards you may ask, especially since it’s bigger than the other businesses listed above? Well, this past fall, I worked at the Farm Market and fell in love with it. The primary owners of the farm (Wayne and Michelle) are so kind and approachable and treated everyone with such respect. They made me feel like I was family. Not only that, but when the pandemic came, and local farmers took a hit, Michelle created and sold t-shirts to show their support for farmers during this difficult time and donated proceeds from the sales to the American Farm Bureau Association. So, if you’d like to support a family business and farmers at the same time, please consider supporting Rendleman Orchards when buying gifts this year.

Shop online: http://www.rendlemanorchards.com/

P.s. December 15th is the deadline for most shipping companies to get gifts to their destinations by Christmas.