Shop Small This Holiday Season

 

During these unprecedented times, it's more important than ever to support the small businesses, the local family owned shops, the minority owned brands, and the brands that are helping to make an impact and drive change. Here is a list of some of our favorite shops.

If you have a suggestion for us, please send it our way at info@beejoya.com.

 

APPAREL

MeUndies - We've been fans of this underwear and loungewear brand since 2015. We love their mission of fueling authentic self-expression and their super soft fabrics, fun designs and collabs, and array of styles are a definite bonus. They even sell matching bandanas for your pup friends. To top it all off, through their MeUndies Gives program, they partner with organizations that help lift systemic barriers.

Piccolina - If you have a budding RBG in your life, this brand will be right up your alley. Piccolina is a mission-driven lifestyle brand dedicated to empowering young girls. Their kids apparel celebrates important icons and movements such as Malala, Black Lives Matter, Rosa Parks, etc. A few of the designs even come in adult sizes. A portion of proceeds go to non-profit organizations focused on empowering and education children in need.

 

BATH & BODY

Dosa Naturals Skin Care - Founded by three sisters, this company focuses on handcrafted skin care products that are plant based and colorant free. Even better, they are environmental stewards promoting waste free values and sustainability. (We met these ladies at a product expo and were instant fans.)

Natural Red - This Detroit-based company was started by a stay-at-home mom of 5 searching for all-natural products that fit into her budget. The full product line uses only high-quality natural ingredients and is made without parabens, aluminums, and other toxic ingredients. The company makes a positive impact through providing micro-loans and work for marginalized women. 

 

BOOKSTORES

Parnassus Books - We are huge fans of independent bookstores, so much so that we often have rousing discussions over the best ones (#nerdalert). But one thing we all agree on is that Parnassus is definitely top of the list. It's an independent bookstore based in Nashville and a book browser's paradise.

Semicolon - Walking into an indie bookstore is like walking into the mind of the shop owner. You get an immediate look into the owner's vibe and what they themselves are reading, and boy do we dig the vibe of Semicolon. One of the few black woman-owned bookstores in the country, Semicolon also has a literacy-focuses non-profit called Paren(t)thesis where they donate funds and books to Chicago Public Schools.

 

GOURMET

Diaspora Co. - A direct trade, single-origin spice company dedicated to decolonizing the spice trade. If you're a cacio e pepe fan, buy a jar of their Aranya Pepper and thank us later.

Mouth - This site sells small-batch gourmet foods from across the country. In addition to selling individual products, they also have great themed food boxes perfect for gifting during the holidays.

Spicewalla - Based in North Carolina, this minority-owned spice brand focuses on small batch, hand-packed spices sourced directly from quality suppliers. We particularly love this brand for its signature blends which are selected and blended by the owner, a 4-time Jame Beard nominated chef, need we say more?

The Very Best Cookie - This cookie company was born during quarantine which makes us love it even more. In a mere 7 months, this company has garnered thousands of fans for its flagship chocolate chip cookie which uses both semi-sweet chocolate and dark chocolate. Even better, the company donates a portion of sales each month to various social justice causes.

 

HOME

Frères Branchiaux Candle Co. - This DC-based home fragrance company is not only minority-owned, but it was started by the three cutest brothers ranging in age from 10 to 15. Their flagship product is their premium soy based, vegan hand-poured candles. 10% of profits are donated to homeless shelters nationwide.

 

PETS

Dog & Co. - This NYC dog boutique specializes in quality pet products from independent designers. They have a great selection of holiday products for your furry friends - think turkey shaped chew toys, Hanukkah bandanas, and more. Dog & Co. partners with a number of animal rescues and welfare groups and is a strong advocate for the pet adoption cause.

Wild One - If you're looking for sleek yet functional pet toys, look no further. Wild One focuses on eco-friendly, healthy, and sustainable pet essentials all while ensuring they are aesthetically pleasing. The company also contributes a portion of proceeds to sponsor a rescue pet each week.