THINK BIG SHOP SMALL

This Holiday season I urge my mermaid gang to think big by shopping small. Your shopping habits have a huge impact! Do you regularly shop local or do low priced items from chain stores entice you? Maybe this post can give you a new perspective on why shopping small is a big deal and introduce you to some brands I have fallen in love with!

First things first, let’s highlight a few main reasons why you should shop small.

• You’re supporting someone’s dream and passion: Someone was brave enough to go after what they always wanted and you’re helping them do it!
• Their livelihood depends on shoppers like you: Can you imagine the stress that comes along with being a small business owner? They NEED amazing babes like you to shop so they can pay their bills!
• Supporting a small business brings your community together + puts your money (think taxes) back into the community: Chances are the small business you bought from is also buying materials locally to help run their shop. They often network and support your city by participating in fundraisers, donations, and just banding together in a time of need. Also, from a financial standpoint it make sense. The sales tax goes right back to your community to help fund new projects among other things.
• Better customer service: Personally, I have NEVER had a horrible experience with a small business. It’s quite the opposite to be completely honest. They really do value their customers and will go above and beyond to make you happy.
• Offer unique products and diversity: There’s nothing basic about shopping small! The crafters, artists, and designer pour their heart and soul into their projects. Therefore, you won’t find these gems at a chain store. I mentioned diversity because they can usually switch things up for you upon reasonable request.
• They provide more job opportunities: Remember hearing how big companies were laying off thousands and thousands of employees? Small businesses are the opposite! They use all the resources they can get and hire (you guessed it) locals.
• It feels good: At the end of the day you can shop wherever you want! It’s your hard earned money but it really does feel good to know that your purchase made a bigger difference to a person and their family.

Get in loser, we’re going small business shopping!

Nikki E. Designs – Miami, FL

Nicole Escalante is the #girlboss behind Nikki E. Designs. While pursuing her degree in architecture, she channeled other creative outlets one being jewelry making. In 2015, Nikki launched her shop with one single goal in mind: to create beautiful unique pieces for every kind of woman that can be conversation starters while sold at affordable prices. I found Nikki E. Designs on Instagram last year and was instantly drawn to her handmade boho luxe jewelry.

I first purchased the Ava choker and absolutely loved the details of the rosary chain paired with moonstone pendant. After this purchase, I’ve bought numerous bracelets and necklaces as gifts to my friends and family! You can imagine my excitement to meet Nicole during Miami Swim Week after being a fan of her jewelry and speaking with her frequently on Instagram. She truly is the kindest and caring person! I couldn’t help myself and purchased a delicate palm tree necklace to remember my first Swim Week. As if you needed another reason to shop from Nicole, 10% of every sale is donated to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and during the holiday season, 10% of her sales go towards purchasing toys for over a hundred kids of the Chapman Center in downtown Miami.

UPCOMING SALES: CYBER MONDAY – 40% OFF SITEWIDE (if you subscribe to her newsletter you’re eligible to start shopping the huge sale earlier)

Instagram: @nikkiedesigns

Soy Delicious Candles – Miami, FL

It truly is love at first light with Soy Delicious Candles. The various scents and it’s all in one spa treatment makes me love their candles even more. Their candles not only smell delicious but are great for your skin too! Soy Delicious’ all natural, vegan, cruelty free candles contain vitamin E and antioxidants properties that nourishes your skin. After lighting the candle, use the melted soy wax to moisturize your hands, feet, cuticles, and elbows. Can you say total relaxation? My go to candles are Karma and Acai Berry during the Summer/Spring months. While, Oh Xmas Tree and Apple Spice bring those fall winter vibes to Miami for the holidays. Know someone who is always on vacay? Purchase Soy Delicious’ travel tins! I always pack at least three during my travels.

UPCOMING SALES: BLACK FRIDAY – 30% OFF SITEWIDE WITH CODE BF30 & SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY – FREE GIFT WITH PURCHASE

Instagram: @SoyDeliciousCandles

Briland Blu – Miami, FL

Another local babe inspired by her love for the sea is Cristina Covert. After graduating with a fashion design degree from International Fine Arts College, Cristina began designing turkish towels. She named the brand, Briland Blu, after one of my all time favorite islands, Briland aka Harbour Island. This made me love her company even more and I was stoked to bring her melon towel on my Bahamas vacation.

Cristina brings the most luxurious and comfortable towels to life! I was honestly surprised that her slogan “it only gets softer with each use” was true! I received one of her exquisite towels for a collaboration (click here to read all about it) and couldn’t stop using it. Unlike towels I’ve used in the past, Briland Blu is light weight, absorbent, and is incredibly soft. Highly recommend gifting this to someone who frequently visits the beach or hangs by the pool!

UPCOMING SALES: 50% OFF HYBRIDS AND 40% OFF SITE WIDE (HOLIDAY GIFT BOX EXCLUDED) STARTING 11.22 @ 6 PM – 11.27

Instagram: @brilandblu

Salty Kai – Port Saint Lucie, FL

If you’re like me always reading and appreciating quotes written in calligraphy on Pinterest then you’ll adore the Salty Kai. The brand was founded in 2016 and has been blessing my feed with lots of mermaid vibes ever since! Renee’s hand lettered artwork and goods are inspired by the sea’s colors and textures. I love how this babe is able to capture the peaceful essence of the ocean and mystery through her quotes.

The Salty Kai uses recycled paper and eco-friendly materials for their beautiful creations. Renee’s caring and giving heart knows no bounds! After Hurricane Maria, which devastated the entire island of Puerto Rico, she donated (and continues to do so) a 100% of each deep waters print sale! This really warms my heart and hits close to home because I have family who live in Puerto Rico. I highly suggest purchasing this print, not only is the quote deep and meaningful but you’re aiding those in desperate need!

Instagram: @saltykai

The Style Bar – Miami, FL

Remember when I mentioned how small businesses offer unique and diverse products? Well, The Style Bar is the amazing company that changed the garment for me! They printed babes supporting babes for me on a black bodysuit. I love it so much and truly appreciate how kind Emily is! I first found her shop at a boutique and instantly became obsessed with all her products. They’re so trendy and cute that whenever I buy a gift for someone from her I end up ordering myself one too. My classy as fuck wine glasses are always a hit when friends come over!

UPCOMING SALES: BLACK FRIDAY – 30% OFF YOUR ORDER WITH CODE THANKS

Instagram: @thesytlebar_

The Tipsy Gardener – South Florida

The Tipsy Gardener started off as a hobby and turned into a passionate business! Thank God, she did because her creations are absolutely beautiful. I really don’t know which one I want to gift myself because I seriously want them all. The cement planters (seen in first photo) can be customized with different sayings, cactus of your choice, and crystals! Her terrariums come with an air plant, either sand, gravel, or moss, and accessory package. We all know I’d definitely go the nautical route with this one. Among all of The Tipsy Gardener’s creations the geometric air plant hanger road trip buddy is the most thoughtful gift you could give someone whose adventurous soul is always on the road!

UPCOMING SALES: BLACK FRIDAY – 3 FREE AIR PLANT MAGNETS FOR ALL ORDERS OVER $40

Instagram: @thetipsygardener

Alma Aromatherapy – Miami, FL

The babes behind Alma Aromatherapy are two sisters, who use 100% organic ingredients to create their all natural products. The use of plants for medicinal and spiritual purposes is an ancient practice. The extraction of their oils distills the plant’s healing properties into their purest form. This is exactly what Alma Aromatherapy does, utilizes plant’s oils for healing (both medically and spiritually). I love that they list everything used to create their handcrafted products and explain the purpose of each ingredient! I’ve come to find a lot of companies market themselves as all natural and organic, when in reality they are not. I have yet to try Alma Aromatherapy but excited to order a few items for myself and family! Knowing that their creations are free of chemicals, locally sourced whenever possible, and never tested on animals makes this small business my new favorite place to shop skincare. I already know what I’m buying for my dad this year: Alma Aromatherapy’s cedarwood + sweet orange beard oil.

Instagram: @almaaromatherapy

Yerbamala Designs – Miami, FL

The crafters behind Yerbamala Designs. Alexis Oliva and Yanira Lopez, use traditional macramé techniques to create beautiful modern plant hangers and wall decor pieces. Growing up in Havana, Cuba, where many homes had macramé as part of their decor, inspired the two artists. Their unique twist on the decor is seriously stunning! The amount of detail Alexis and Yanira put into their craft is impressive! They make both large and small scale macramé products using environmentally sustainable high quality materials. Yes, that’s right! You can support a small eco-conscious business and have your house beautifully decorated. Can’t wait to buy a small macramé for my sister’s dorm and hopefully attend one of Yerbamala Designs’ workshops!

UPCOMING SALES: 20% OFF SITE WIDE WITH CODE THANKS20

Instagram: @yerbamaladesigns

Woof Equals Love – Miami, FL

Need the paw-fect gift for your furbaby? Woof Equals Love creates the cutest bandannas ever! Elenie Morell is the shop owner and is making all our dog mom dreams come true with her seasonal prints! Have your pup looking festive af during the holiday season with her Christmas collection. As if I wasn’t already in love with her creations, Elenie can even add patches to your furbaby’s bandanna. Look at these happy faces! I CAN’T EVEN.

UPCOMING SALES: 30% OFF SITE WIDE

Instagram: @woofequalslove