In honor of National Small Business Saturday, we’re featuring a list of some of our favorite brands so that you can #shopsmall this holiday season.
What is National Small Business Saturday?
Small Business Saturday is a national shopping holiday that happens every year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, this year it’s on Saturday, November 27.
It coincides with Black Friday weekend, and the main purpose of this holiday is to highlight & support small businesses that may not get as much attention as big corporations, like Amazon for example.
What’s a small business?
Small businesses are privately owned corporations, partnerships, or sole proprietorships (usually self-funded to some capacity) which have fewer employees– like INSERT NAME HERE!
How can I support small businesses?
Review, like, tag, mention and post about your favorite small businesses– your support really does mean the world! FIY: the official tags for the holiday are #smallbusinesssaturday & #smallbizsaturday.
In this season of giving & gifting we urge you to check out the incredible companies on our wish list, and other small businesses this holiday to find the perfect stocking stuffer or gift for your friends, family, and of course, yourself!
GIRLS CREW
LA based Girls Crew was founded by Jina Chang. She and her team of creators & innovators create beautiful original designs that set them apart from the rest! Dreaming up playful, colorful, dainty and intricate designs focused on quality and craftsmanship is their specialty.
What we love about it: With Girls Crew’s unique statement jewels, you are always getting an original design that feels like you.
Our holiday picks: Their jewelry is perfect for any besties or loved ones looking for some new jewels this holiday season. And if you have any Star Wars lovers who would appreciate an out of this world gift this season, we’re totally star-struck over the galactic Star Wars jewels.
ALAMAR COSMETICS
For all you makeup gurus out there, we have the perfect holiday makeup brand for you!
Alamar Cosmetics is breaking down makeup barriers. At three years old, the family of CEO Gabriela Trujillo immigrated to the United States from Alamar, Cuba, to a little city called Hialeah. More than just a makeup company, they are the very essence of beauty - a celebration of culture, an emblem of pride, an avenue of self-expression.
What we love about it: Made by “creators, dreamers, go-getters, hustlers, mamis and papis alike”, with a mission to break barriers, status quos and stereotypes– Alamar creates products that are cruelty-free and cater to Latina, Hispanic, and women of color.
Our holiday picks: Even though all of their products are unique and make cute holiday stocking stuffers, our picks are these products that give you sun kissed vacation vibes year round. Check out Alamar's DesNUDEA Lip Collection & Sun Soaked Highlighter Bundle.
LIGHTS LACQUER
Based out of Miami, FL, Lights Lacquer was created by Kathleen. She, along with the rest of the Lights Lacquer team, draw nail inspiration from nostalgia, Kathleen’s vast makeup knowledge, and the Pantone trends of the season. Committed to flawless results, Kathleen then tests every shade individually!
What we love about it: Lights Lacquer will not only give you some stunning nails, but their polishes are cruelty-free, vegan, and 7-free! Lights Lacquer has all the bold & beautiful shades you need to give you salon-quality results from home.
Our holiday picks: Light Lacquers has it all from colors to nail stickers, but don’t forget to check out their cute bundles like Who did it? and Talk to the hand for holiday gifting. After trying these polishes, you may not see a salon for a while.
CALPAK
California Pak was created in 1989 in LA by Edward & Judy Kwon, with one simple mission: to make quality bags at accessible prices. When their child Jennifer joined the company in 2013, she set out to evolve her family’s brand, and create bags, luggage and travel essentials for the next generation.
What we love about it: CALPAK has thoughtful, modern designs for travel accessories that simplify your life. Functional, affordable & designed with you in mind, they have everything from luggage, to packing cubes, to tech accessories, and now expanding to wellness & apparel.
Our holiday picks: For your bestie who always has wanderlust, your loved ones who go to great lengths for a visit, or yourself for all the last-minute travel plans you may book, the Luka Belt Bag and Mini Clear Cosmetic Case will having you going places & be your new bestie for any distance!
COLOURED RAINE
Loraine R. Dowdy, a Caribbean woman, born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, founded Coloured Raine in 2013. She left behind a very affluent career, and followed her life’s dream of beginning a cosmetic line that encouraged unity, self-expression and embraced broad racial diversity.
What we love about it: Coloured Raine is a vegan & cruelty-free makeup brand that is known for its commitment to broad beauty diversity and self expression. They are committed to breaking down barriers in the beauty industry by creating products that serve all skin tones & types.
Our holiday picks: They’re known for long-lasting lip formulas and highly pigmented eyeshadows made in the USA & formulated for ultimate performance across all skin tones. You can’t go wrong with any of their products, but make sure to check out their cream blush & brush bundle.
KAJA
Kaja (pronounced "kah-jah," meaning "let's go" in Korean) is K-beauty for everyone.
From adorable packaging on the outside to imaginative formulas on the inside, they create made-to-play beauty packed with Korean innovation for all skin types and skin tones.
What we love about it: Hyungseok Dino Ha, Founder & CEO of MBX, wanted to create a breathable and buildable cosmetic line that enhanced natural beauty. Lighthearted and playful makeup for all skin types & tones, combined with thoughtful Korean innovation, Kaja shows off their personality through the cutest packaging & dreamy formulas.
Our holiday picks: This holiday season, get a little playful and gift your makeup gurus with products that enhance all their natural beauty with Kaja products like the Wink Lash Trio Mascara and the Kaja Superstars box!
437
437 launched in summer 2017 by two besties, Hyla Nayeri and Adrien Bettio, out of the townhouse they lived in during their last year of university, 437 Johnson St. The two set out to create swimwear that flatters all body types without having to think twice about skipping any of your favorite pasta dinners or deserts.
What we love about it: 437 swimsuits keep all of your fantastic curves in mind, hugging them in all the right places. They make you feel confident with their detailed cuts, high quality fabrics, and versatile designs.
Our holiday picks: There is nothing better than a new swimsuit to give a little confidence and an excuse to jet off to a warm destination this winter. See what all the rave is about and deck the halls with 437 swimsuits like the Sanders Set, Kenzie Top, and Aubrey Bottoms.
KimChi Chi Beauty
Founded on the belief of beauty for all, KimChi Chi beauty was created by RuPaul’s Drag Race alum Kim Chi. This color cosmetic collection shows how makeup can elevate the way you feel about yourself, and about finding the art in makeup.
What we love about it: KimChi Chi Beauty creates fun makeup products to help you express yourself without breaking the bank. Whether it's subtle or avant garde, this color cosmetic collection is about believing your face can be any makeup masterpiece you want it to be!
Our holiday picks: KimChi Chi Beauty is all about makeup creativity with products that elevate your confidence. Gift yourself or anyone who loves to dabble in makeup with a few Marshmallow Butter Lippies, or the Tailor collection: Blush duo for a new makeup look this holiday season.
Em Cosmetics
Founded by Michelle Phan, Em Cosmetics was created to give you the tools you need to express yourself through color, lines, and any other forms of creativity. Michelle knew from the first moment she drew a line on her own eyes that makeup was a powerful form of expression. Em Cosmetics creates products that are refined, effortless, useful and encourage you to claim your power, share your art, and above all—rethink beauty.
What we love about it: Whether you are a new beauty enthusiast, a seasoned creator, or a bona fide pro artist, Em Cosmetics believes everyone should forge their own makeup journey and express themselves however makeup speaks to them.
Our holiday picks: Between all their shimmery highlighters and bold colored eyeliners, you can create one-of-a-kind statement looks any day of the year. Express yourself during the most precious moments of your life with Em Cosmetics products like their Precious Moment Set this holiday season.
We hope our staff picks list inspired you to check out these amazing small businesses that are built on a foundation of more than just selling products. Remember that gifting is about the thoughtful moments, so shop small and get personal with all your gifting this year.
Your support means everything, so on behalf of small businesses out here– THANK YOU! ❤️
And from us to you have a happy holiday!
