Since March, more than 20% of all U.S. businesses have closed for good. For those businesses that have stayed open, revenue is down 30% for the year. Meanwhile, big corporations like Walmart, Target, and Amazon have seen their profits spike 80% to 100% during the pandemic. Now is the time to support small businesses! Not only does this allow your money to stay within the community, but you can often find unique and meaningful gifts that you wouldn’t be able to find elsewhere!

In this Small Business Holiday Gift Guide, I’m sharing some of my favorite women-owned, small businesses for you to consider when making purchases for the holidays! These small businesses are mostly located in Virginia and Maryland with a couple of others outside those areas that I love.

If money is tight this year, there are also many free ways to support small businesses. These include writing a positive review, telling your friends and family about the business, following them on social media, engaging with their posts, sharing about the business online, and signing up for their newsletter.

Happy Small Business Saturday! I hope you enjoy this CJ Photography Small Business Holiday Gift Guide.

Source: Fortune, “How we can save small business from coronavirus-induced extinction.” 9/10/2020

Lambent Woodworks

My dear friends, Brittany & Adam, are located in Norfolk, VA and have started a business making beautiful decor out of wood! They have some gorgeous and really unique pieces that are definitely worth checking out.

Karissa Creates it All

Kari is an incredibly talented baker based in Norfolk, VA! She makes holiday cakes, cupcakes, cereal bars, hand pies, and brownies. Not only are they delicious, but they are also beautiful. Check her out and order some treats or cakes for the holiday season!

Hannah Sue Crane

Hannah is a gifted artist based in Norfolk, VA. She specializes in creating watercolor, acrylic, and oil wall pieces. I love her work and own multiple pieces. If you’re looking for a meaningful gift, Hannah creates custom home paintings and couples portraits as well!

Crafted by Bec

Bec creates lovely handmade holiday decorations as well as macrame wall hangings and plant hangers! She uses organic cotton and hangs them from natural driftwood from Virginia Beach, VA. Check out her shop to find some unique handmade ornaments for your tree or to add some style to your home!

Soft Shapes

Kelsie lives in New York City and makes playful, colorful, light-hearted vases, mirrors, mobiles, coasters, and other home decor out of stained glass. Check out her shop. You will not be disappointed!

Limestone Goods

Angel is located in Richmond, VA. She is the curator of reclaimed home and fashion finds. Angel’s vintage with modern sense of style is flawless and you can count on her to find one of a kind outfits and accessories you’ll love!

Natalie Franke

Natalie has created an incredible community of entrepreneurs with the goal of empowering the creative economy to rise together. She is based in Annapolis, MD. Each month, she partners with a different freelance designer, illustrator, or artist to create one of a kind, limited edition shirts united by themes of empowerment, community, and lifting others up!

Gather & Adorn

Shannon owns a calligraphy and design studio in Chesapeake, VA! She creates modern custom calligraphy, gold foil botanical notebooks, floral serving boards, as well as beautiful personalized ornaments. You’ll love her handmade pieces!

Rachel Allene

Rachel lives in Chico, CA and created her business to empower and encourage women through hand-lettered goods and heartfelt business strategy. Rachel creates mugs, shirts, sweatshirts, hoodies, hats, ornaments, calligraphy prints, pins, and more. Her story is inspiring and her shop is filled with heartwarming designs!

Jars of Dust

In 2015, Mallorie founded a small pottery shop and studio called Jars of Dust in Virginia Beach, VA. They offer one of a kind handcrafted stoneware ceramics, including mugs, tableware, planters, vases, ornaments, glassware. You’ll love her unique style!

Stay by Cori & Samuel

Cori and Samuel are known for their gorgeous handmade artwork and home decor. They are based in Virginia Beach, VA. I love their wall pieces and they are also the sweetest couple. Check out their IG to get some home decorating inspiration and check out their work!

Wanderful Boxes

Sara is the owner of Wanderful Boxes, which is also based in Virginia Beach, VA. Sarah artfully curates gift boxes for every occasion and specializes in clean beauty and home items. She can guide you as you create a special gift for anyone in your life and she is also an expert in corporate gifting!

Sugar and Grace Co

Erica’s shop is called Sugar and Grace Co, located in Norfolk, VA in Selden Market. Erica sells non-toxic soy candles and room sprays that smell wonderful. If you’re looking to gift an experience, Erica also offers candle workshops, where you can make your own candles!

Kate Fiore Floral

Kate is an incredible floral designer based in Norfolk, VA. She is known for her garden-inspired textural designs. Kate incorporates the interesting, the unusual, and the exquisite in her arrangements. Consider her as your floral designer at your next event or check out her floral design classes!

Meagan Malpas

Meagan makes beautiful paintings of floral arrangements on tree rounds. You can find her work at Yoders Cafe and Sawdust Road in Virginia Beach, VA or you can purchase from her directly online!

Sunlit Goods

Shannon is located in Norfolk, VA. She curates vintage furniture and home goods and also sells lovely handmade artwork. Check out the beautiful things she makes and finds on IG!

Carly Jean Los Angeles

Carly Jean is based in Los Angeles, CA. She has created the ultimate capsule wardrobe. This is one of my favorite clothing lines! They have great everyday basics, including tops, dresses, denim, pants, outerwear, accessories and more!

I hope you’ve enjoyed this Small Business Holiday Gift Guide! What are some other small businesses that you love? Please share them in the comments below!

New to CJ Photography? Click here to learn more!