Monday, December 18, 2017

Supporting Small Businesses - During the Holidays and Beyond


Supporting Small Businesses (During the Holidays and Beyond)
Thank you PayPal for sponsoring this post. Shop small merchants with PayPal to make your holiday shopping a breeze.

Those of you have been reading here for a while (or know me in real life) know that I am not only a huge proponent of small, independent businesses, but that I've also owned them myself since right out of college. I ran and was the head designer for an eco-friendly clothing label for 15 years, and have also had Bubby and Bean's art and greeting card shop for 7 years now. I know first hand how challenging it can be to run a small business, how much genuine heart and soul goes into small business ownership, and how intensely small business owners appreciate each and every bit of support they receive. I do shop big brands during the holidays, but I always buy at least half of my gifts from small businesses. And when I can do it online quickly and easily, I am doubly stoked.

A few weeks ago, I was browsing different small businesses online with the goal of finding a meaningful gift that I could give to each of the women in my family: my mom, my sister, my stepmom, my mother-in-law, and my daughter. I wanted something special that would tie us all together, from a small business that gives back in some way. When I came upon Mango + Main, I immediately found exactly that I wanted, and from a truly incredible independent brand with business practices that contribute to making a positive impact. I was thrilled. Mango + Main is a fair trade company that sells beautiful handmade products created by talented artisans from Rwanda, Haiti, and Peru. By connecting conscious consumers with these artisans, Mango + Main helps them support their families, improve their communities, and rise above poverty through sustainable business that they create. Pretty great, right?


Those perfect gifts I discovered at Mango + Main were the prettiest colorful stacking bracelets made by the women of Ila Joi in Kenscoff, Haiti from handcrafted paper beads. There were so many colors to choose from, and they even had a child size variety that I ordered for my daughter. I ended up getting one for myself too, so all six of us could wear them in solidarity, and know that we'd not only be adorning our arms with truly beautiful pieces of jewelry, we would also be supporting other bad ass women in the world.

In addition to finding really meaningful gifts for the women in my family that support a wonderful small business, the process of buying them online was a breeze, thanks to PayPal. I am all about anything that makes it so I can (1) avoid crowds of stressed holiday shoppers, and (2) save time during what it truly the busiest few weeks of the year. I mean, what's better than supporting small businesses in the comfort of your home, without needing your wallet and credit card, just by using PayPal as your payment choice? And PayPal's One Touch allows you to pay for items in your shopping basket without having to enter your credit card or billing details. You can't get easier than that. I genuinely feel like this has been the least hectic holiday shopping season of my life, and a huge part of the reason for that has been using PayPal to shop at different online small businesses. For the first time ever, in fact, I am basically done Christmas shopping an entire week in advance. And when it comes to me, that is amazing.


Full disclosure: the bracelets are so beautiful in person, and I was so excited about them, that I couldn't wait until Christmas. I ended up giving my daughter and mom their bracelets a few days ago as early gifts (check out three generations of bracelet wearers in the photo below), and I've been wearing mine daily. I can't wait until all six of us have them. They're some of my absolute favorite gifts I'm giving this year, and I look so forward to ordering from Mango + Main throughout 2018. (And using PayPal to pay for those purchases. Duh!)


What are your favorite small businesses? What small businesses have you shopped this holiday season?


Thank you for supporting the brands that help make Bubby and Bean possible. I was selected for this opportunity as a member of CLEVER and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

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20 comments:

  1. I do less and less holiday shoping every year, it seems - and admittedly, I don't think that's a bad thing. What shopping I do is always done online and what I love about that is the variety of businesses I can access, particularly small ones that may not neccessarily be based in my local community. The internet really has made a world of difference in allowing us to support causes and business that are meaningful to us, even if they aren't close to home - and I think that's pretty awesome :)
    xox,
    Cee

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  2. Those bracelets are beautiful and that company sounds wonderful! Going to check them out.

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  3. Yes! I love shopping online for gifts and love supporting smaller businesses!!

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  4. My favorite small business is this really cute bakery down the street from my house. Im a huge supporter of small businesses. Love the bracelets as well! Thanks!

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  5. I love small shops around my place! My favorite concept store near me is Ron Robinson but I also love all the small shops on Abbott Kinney and Brentwood in California!!

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  6. They are so pretty!! They would make such great gifts for stocking stuffers, little items for friends and even some treats for yourself �� I love supporting small businesses because I know the owners appreciate it and keep them striving for their goals

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  7. I love and support businesses that give back. This year I bought bead bracelets from a local small business that donates a part of the proceeds to help animals in need :)

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  8. I love the idea of supporting smaller businesses for holiday shopping. Unfortunately I’m done with my Xmas shopping but I’m definitely going to focus on smaller business this coming mother’s day and Father’s Day.

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  9. These are so cute and it's definitely a plus that I can shop for them online. Also loving that it's supporting a small business!

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  10. Yesss girl love supporting small businesses!!

    Happy Holidays!
    xo Sabrina

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  11. Nothing better than small business -- I love these bracelets. They are gorgeous!

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  12. I love shopping small!

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  13. I love shopping the boutiques in my area for unique gifts for my family and friends! Such cute bracelets these are, thanks for sharing!

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  14. I'm so glad you support small businesses too!

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  15. Supporting small business is so important. I love to buy from them whenever I can.

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  16. These bracelets are so cute! I'm thinking of doing something differently next year and try to find small business to shop and to be supportive! Thank your for this idea❤️

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  17. Love the idea of supporting small businesses. Thank you for educating your readers on the importance of doing so. Love that you weren't only thinking of those that you love, but giving back in some way as well.

    Xoxo
    www.stylemefancy.com

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  18. I love supporting small businesses as well. Those bracelets are so fun and colorful. Merry Christmas!

    Xo
    Jenny

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  19. When I am shopping I will choose the small business over the big miss this anywhere I can! Those bracelets are adorable and what take great find!

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  20. The bracelets are so adorable! I absolutely love the message too! Supporting small businesses means so much to me as I am a small business owner too! Thanks for spreading this message!

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