My Favorite Small Businesses

If you’re here and reading this I’m going to bet you have your own list of favorite small businesses which… is awesome! I want to share my favorites in case you don’t have your own list or if you’re like me, always looking for more dreamers to support.

Artsy friends:

Becky Denny @beckydennyart - Becky is one of the most hilarious people I have ever met. I laughed until I literally cried the first time I talked to her. She’s incredible and fun and so is her art. I have personally commissioned two dog portraits from her and 10/10 recommend. She and her daughter have a product business called Digs Design which again… full of personality.

Maggie Blevins @margaretnicoleblevins - Maggie is a talented painter and a really sweet person. She paints beautiful etherial abstract landscape paintings. They are sophisticated, interesting, and complex - true treasures. She sells originals, prints, and just released painted ornaments.

Juliet Meeks @julietmeeksdesign - I found her on instagram years ago and we messaged back and forth… realized her family lives in Jasper, AL. I ended up meeting her mom (who is also an artist). Small world connection but Juliet lives in New Orleans and is another really kind and genuine person. Her paintings and products are whimsical, fun, happy, energetic, delicate.. I could go on but see for yourself.

Juliann Choe @juliannchopaints - Juliann is a fellow public school art teacher. We met through a design group I’m a part of here in Birmingham. We had a working critique meet up and I was so impressed with Juliann’s work right off the bat. She has since moved to Seattle but I have loved following her on instagram and watching her work grow and expand. Her work is very inspired by nature and travel.. and so colorful.

Anna Gregory @anna.gregory.design - I don’t know Anna personally but I am fascinated with her work. She is a woodworker and designer. I most definitely want to get one of her wooden cacti soon. They are beautiful and minimal and just yeah… check her out.

Calli Robinson Ernst @calabungapottery - Calli is my husband’s sister and my former roommate/tenant (haha she lived in my basement for years). Calli creates wheel thrown pottery at her house. She loves experimenting with glazes. She takes commissions so if you’re looking for something in particular, hit her up.

Greg Robinson @coilkingceramics - My husband! Greg makes hand-built pottery in our basement (in Calli’s former room!). He’s slowly replaced all of the dishes in our house with his pottery. He’s really inspired by other cultures’ pottery traditions. He’s entertaining so you should give him a follow.

Product-based Pals

Ember & Onyx @emberandonyx - I met Sangeeta at a creatives workshop here in Birmingham. She is a SanDiego native and recently moved back after both she and her husband finished up their PhDs (!!!) at UAB. Sangeeta is one of the warmest persons I have ever met with an infectious smile and attitude. Besides being beautiful and brilliant she makes rad jewelry. I have purchased multiple pieces from her and will forever.

Elidia the Label @elidiathelabel - Another Cali girl but living in Birmingham is Talaya. She makes sculptural, chic, and ethically made leather goods. These are heirloom worthy pieces. Talaya is also one of the most caring, thoughtful persons. When my husband met her for the firs time he told “she’s a really good listener.” Coming from him that is a huge compliment but also very accurate.

Yat Cat Print Co. @yatcatnola - I don’t know Jenna personally but I have bought several of her handprinted shirts for myself and as gifts. She recently moved to Denver where she has a cute brick and mortar! She designs and prints all of her products herself and I really love seeing her business thrive.

Wild Spirit Candle Company @wild_spirit_candle_co - The owner, Kyle, is a friend and also my sister-in-law’s boss in their day job lives. Even though he likes to troll me he did make me a candle from an idea I had last year that you can purchase this year called Thick Mint. So thank you Kyle and also you’re welcome. But really Kyle is one of the nicest, most generous dudes around.

Lou’s Libations @louslibations - I don’t know them personally but I saw a friend on instagram bought some of their handcrafted cocktail mixes. I ended up buying three for Christmas gifts last year and they were a big hit. I bought another as a thank you gift for friends and I will continue to buy more. Cheers!

El En Collection @elencollection - Lauren is a fellow Floridian living in Birmingham. She makes bold handmade jewelry featuring brass and natural elements. Again… wonderful, kind, funny human being. My favorite earrings I own, she made!

My Favorite Local Shops that Ship!

Botanica: House plants - the owner, Caitlin, another gem of a human I’m happy to call a friend
House Plant Collective: House plants - the owner, Jessica, is my neighbor and so supportive of makers
Thank You Books: Books - in my neighborhood and a great addition to our community
A’mano: Gifts, homewares, etc - I always find great gifts there and cute ornaments
Golden Age Wine: Wineeeeee - focus on natural wines, really nice selection
Domestique Coffee: Coooffffeeee! - hands down the best coffee and that’s coming from a snob
Sojourns Fair Trade: fair trade gifts, art, and goods in my neighborhood