I wanted my first gift guide to be focused on small businesses. Many of them have taken a hit this year. On the flip side a lot of people had time to launch their businesses and pursue their passions during this pandemic. I love seeing these success stories and people reaching for their dreams, as well as those who started their business prior to the pandemic. If you want unique gifts, custom, handmade and high quality, shop small! Below is a list of businesses that were submitted to me or I picked out, and I’m happy to help these owners in any way possible. Most of these businesses I know the owners or have some connection to them, and that means a lot to me. Hope you all enjoy. Leave any other small businesses you love in the comments!
Clothing & Accessories
Iris Laws Jewelry
Iris and I both went to Wake Forest University together, but we didn’t meet until we were both in my childhood best friend’s wedding. When Covid hit, she started her jewelry line and it keeps getting better and better as each new line comes out.
From Iris: Ever since I was two my family has been taking an annual trip to Estes Park, Colorado. It was there that I was able to learn how to make jewelry, and how healthy and invigorating it can be to take a creative break from real life. Normally you would not pair “tax advisor” with “jewelry designer”, but it’s exactly that inherent difference in what I love that keeps me going on both fronts.
This business is something I’ve been wanting to do for years now, but was only made possible by 2020’s virtual work environment. I’m trying to do something positive for myself and my family, while hopefully bringing a little joy in a time that needs it.
When it comes to the jewelry itself, I always want to deliver designs that are a little unexpected. I’m currently loving all things gold, and how they can read both casual and formal. The one thing I’ve noticed from my over abundance of Zoom meetings is that even with a casual tee, if you pair with a striking earring you come across as put together and professional.
One of my favorite things I’ve been doing is to name the different designs after friends and family members. I try to match each person with a design that reminds me of them, and it has been a fun way to pay tribute to everyone in my life that has encouraged me and supported me along the way!
Visit Iris Laws Jewelry Website | Follow Iris Laws Jewelry on Instagram
Use Discount Code: Prettyallaround for 20% off!
CharleyMadelyn Boutique
My friend Chelsea, who I met through blogging, opened up her online boutique this year and has just recently signed a lease for a retail space in Cameron Village in Raleigh. She has the cutest clothes and really amazing faith based books and gifts as well.
From Chelsea’s website: “I am Chelsea, the owner and founder of CharleyMadelyn, LLC. If you would have told me when I was younger I would be launching my own boutique I would have definitely doubted you. Not because it wasn’t my dream (I always loved clothes) but because I didn’t believe I had it in me. I am so grateful for a God that reminds us that all we have to do is rely on Him for strength and that We can Do all things through Christ that Strengthens us. After obtaining my law degree, I started working in the pharmaceutical field. Shortly after, I started my faith and fashion blog titled “A Fashionable Believer.” It was then that I learned that I could talk about two of my favorite topics – faith and fashion. In 2020, I said yes to surrendering my plans to God and no to fear and decided to step out on faith and open CharleyMadelyn. I hope you feel empowered and encouraged and I hope you don’t let anything stop you from pursuing your dreams. Here’s to conquering this world through faith and looking fabulous while doing so.”
Visit the CharleyMadelyn Website | Follow CharleyMadelyn on Instagram
Blooming Wildflower & Co
One of my friends from growing up, Toni, started her own clothing line for adults and children. She hand sews each piece and is continuing to expand her line!
Words from Toni: “Blooming Wildflower & Co has been in the works for quite some time now since I fell in love with sewing a few years ago. The inspirations behind my sewing addiction are my 3 wild children. Blooming Wildflower & Co was created with not only children in mind, but moms and dads as well because who doesn’t like coordinating outfits. Each piece is designed and ethically made in Alaska. I handpick each fabric to ensure the best quality for you and your family.”
Her favorite pieces right now: The slouch beanies and the adult joggers.
Visit the Blooming Wildflower & Co Website | Follow Blooming Wildflower & Co on Instagram
Sami Anne Clothing
I discovered Sami Anne Clothing through a childhood friend who models for her. The clothing and accessories are so cute and affordable, and her retail location is in Dunn, NC which is the town that I used to go shopping in with my grandmother. This town as really stepped up with Sami Anne. 🙂
From Sami’s website: “I realized that I wanted to share that love of fashion and style with others and so the dream became Sami Anne Clothing. My style is fashion for the everyday girl, and the goal is to give you that extra little boost of confidence you need. You know that feeling when you hate your outfit and feel defeated the rest of the day. I want to fix that because we have all been there. I don’t want your outfit to be the cause for any bad day. I want to make sure when you go home with a dress, or top from Sami Anne Clothing that you feel good in it. That you feel like you are able to give your very best self to anyone you meet, or in any situation you are walking in to and I truly believe that the clothes you wear make that little difference.
My hope has always been that through my style, all girls no matter what age will enjoy a life of dressing well, feeling well and doing well.”
Visit Sami Anne Clothing Website | Follow Sami Anne Clothing on Instagram
Bofemme
Bofemme is a jewelry line local to Raleigh, NC. Carolyn the designer is gorgeous and so sweet, and her designers are so on trend, and would make the perfect gift this holiday season.
From Bofemme Website: “My name is Carolyn, the designer behind Shop Bofemme. Raleigh girl born + raised. I am happiest when I am creating handmade keepsakes for you! I started Shop Bofemme in 2017 with all the support from my husband Ken. I describe my style as boheme + feminine which is where the name Bofemme originates from. I am completely self taught and find my inspiration from nature and the sun. Each piece I make is a true refection of myself and truly one of a kind. I hope you enjoy!”
Shop Bofemme’s Website | Follow Bofemme on Instagram
Home Décor & Furnishings
Embellished Organics
Hannah, the owner of Embellished Organics, is my sister-in-law, and she is incredibly talented. She makes beautiful mosaic artwork and does custom pieces as well.
About Hannah & Embellished Organics: “Hannah Tidechild is a mosaic artist that specializes in putting glass to bone. Utilizing large animal skulls as her canvas, she creates one of a kind statement pieces for the home. By way of an intuitive and meditative process, compositions develop distinct to each animal. Hannah’s aspiration to honor the lives once lived is integral to her work. Positive energy, intention, and southwestern enchantment are poured into each and every piece, and she hopes that they will radiate that magic to you and yours.”
Visit Embellished Organics Website | Follow Embellished Organics on Instagram
RAW Woodworking
Ray & his wife Ashley own RAW Woodworking & Design. They are local to the Raleigh, NC area and do custom work that is absolutely beautiful. The cutting boards are a great Christmas gift.
From Ray & Ashley: “RAW Woodworking & Design is a local Raleigh business started by high school teacher, Ray Watkins, to help support his growing family. They specialize in custom tables, cabinetry, and even smaller gifts such as bowls, boxes, cutting boards, and holiday trinkets. Find them on Instagram @RAWwoodworking to check ou their work or to place a custom order!”
Visit RAW Woodworking & Design on Facebook | Follow RAW Woodworking on Instagram
Gifts
All She Wrote Notes
Megan is from North Carolina and does fun hand-lettering gifts! If you love bright colors and pretty handwriting, check out her website!
Visit All She Wrote Notes Website | Follow All She Wrote Notes on Instagram
Charlotte’s
Charlotte’s is a local to Raleigh boutique. If I need a gift, and I have no idea what I want to give, I always go to Charlotte’s. They have so many cute things from home knickknacks, to personalized gifts, women, men and children’s, jewelry and clothing.
Visit Charlotte’s Website | Follow Charlotte’s on Instagram
Kids
Little & Kind Shop
I had someone message me about small businesses for children’s gifts, so I knew I had to include Little & Kind Shop on this gift guide. Valerie, a co-owner of Little & Kind Shop, is in a blogger group I’m apart of in Raleigh. She and her friend, Julia, launched Little & Kind in the summer of 2019. It’s hard to find local and small business Children’s gifts, and I thought this was the perfect one to feature.
From Little & Kind Shop’s Website: “Inspired by our children, educator backgrounds and our cultural experiences, we have curated a collection that sparks wonder, encourages development, empowers exploration, and brings beauty and magic into your homes and play spaces. We have personally tested every product on this site and hope these toys and books bring your family as much joy as they’ve brought ours.”
Visit Little & Kind Shop’s Website | Follow Little & Kind Shop on Instagram
Dog Gifts
Copper & Lily Designs
One of my book club, well my former book club, friends has Instafamous dogs. She also designs and makes bow-ties and bandanas for the dogs that are so adorable! She creates seasonal collections, and you can get your dog’s names printed on them. I can’t wait to grab some for all the dogs in my life! 🙂
Visit Copper & Lily Designs Etsy Shop | Follow Copper & Lily Designs on Instagram
Health & Wellness
Heart of Wisdom Yoga
Give the gift of Health & Wellness this year! One of my sorority sisters and good friend from Wake Forest started her own yoga studio in Franklin, TN in January 2020, just before the pandemic started. She now offers in person and online classes and you can purchase class passes on her website. I’ve taken a few virtual classes and they are wonderful!
From the Heart of Wisdom Website: “Yoga and barre are the only workouts I have ever found that challenge my body and mind in the same way as horseback riding. I have seen changes in my physical, mental, and spiritual health since starting my yoga practice. I strive to cultivate patience, nonattachment, and clarity in myself and my students both on and off the mat. When I’m not at the studio, you can find me cuddling with my rescue dog, Charm.”
Visit Heart of Wisdom Yoga’s Website | Follow Heart of Wisdom Yoga on Instagram