How To Support Small Businesses From Home

 We’re living in some unprecedented times right now, and I think it’s safe to say it’s a bit different feeling this holiday season. With that being said, I’m trying to keep a sense or normalcy and try to remain upbeat. I’m also trying to do what I can to help other small businesses during this time. I wanted to share a topic that’s been at the forefront of my mind lately: how to support small businesses from home.

I’ve had the incredible privilege of discovering and working with some pretty amazing small businesses through this unconventional job of mine. And now more than ever, they need our support.

If you can shop small, excellent! I’m curating a list, at the bottom of this post, featuring tons of small businesses (a large number are local to Houston). But if you’re not in a position to be able to shop right now, don’t worry. I’ve got a few tips that can make just as big of an impact!

How to Support Small Businesses from Home

Like their social media posts, share those posts and tag others! 

Spending more time than usual on your social media mindlessly scrolling? Turn that mindlessness into action! Go through and like brands, restaurants, bloggers’ social media posts and leave comments. Share the ones you love and tag others so they can see the posts too. Such a simple, yet impactful, way to help small businesses without ever leaving your home.

Leave a Facebook, Google or Yelp review detailing why and what you love about the business. 

Did you know a lot of small businesses and family-owned restaurants thrive on reviews? Positive reviews not only help the business potentially attract new customers, but can also help their ranking on Google. For example, leaving positive Google reviews for a business, helps Google rank the business higher in search engine results. Even just 2-3 sentences sharing a positive aspect can help. And it only takes a few minutes or less.

If you own something from a small business, wear it or use it at home! Share it on your Instagram stories or via a Facebook photo and tag the brand! 

Another super simple way to help get the word out about small businesses from home. Snap a picture of yourself wearing a piece from the small business and post it on Facebook, tagging the brand! If you like to post to Instagram stories, share something from home with your followers. For example, I have a coffee mug with a great saying on it, so whenever I use it, I’ll post a photo of the mug with a tag for the brand. A simple way to share the brand and get others clicking!

Simply send a message or two to your favorite small businesses on Instagram or Facebook and thank them. 

If the above suggestions are still too much, then simply send a thank you to your favorite small business or restaurant. Log onto Facebook and send them a message. Don’t have social media? Most businesses have an inquiry page on their website, send them an email with a thank you showing your support. A little snippet of positivity can go a long way!

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Here’s a running list of small businesses that are online and easy to shop or support from home. Let me know if I’m missing any of your favorites in the comments.

Beauty + Fashion

à bientôt // One of my favorite gift & clothing boutiques in Houston. Female-owned and located in River Oaks. But if you’re not local, you can also shop online or call in-store and place an order.

Ann Mashburn // River Oaks boutique offering classic clothing and accessories.

Charlie Fresh Activewear // Female-owned small business, I absolutely love their tees and sport bras.

Cotidie Clothing // See this previous blog post featuring Cotidie clothing here.

Crab & Cleek // Makers of some of my favorite canvas tote bags. Make a great gift idea.

Duffield Lane // I love Duffield Lane, a female-owned clothing company. See previous posts wearing their clothing here and here.

Emilia Collection // Houston-based, female-owned, clothing company specializing in bespoke embroidered tops and dresses.

Frock Shop // Female-founded, Houston-based online and brick + mortar boutique featuring fabulous clothing finds.

HiHo // Inspired by Caribbean life, a clothing line featuring casual and comfortable tops, sweaters and dresses along with a men’s line.

Hunter Bell // Houston-based, female-owned clothing brand that has fabulous pieces for now or later.

Mirth // Houston-based, female-owned clothing brand featuring artisan textiles with a purpose.

Neely & Chloe // Female-owned small business specializing in beautiful leather goods and bags.

Saint Bernard // A Texas favorite, tons of finds for her, him and kids. Shop at their brick & mortar stores in Austin, Dallas and Houston OR shop online.

Switch2Pure // Local Houston clean beauty shop, love their CBD beauty products. Learn more about the founder Estella in our Working Women We Adore series.

William Grace // Female-founded and owned American lifestyle brand featuring gifts, jewelry and more.

Jewelry

Andrea Montgomery Designs // Female-owned, Houston-based jewelry designer creating elegant, simple jewelry that’s handmade in Texas.

Asha // Female-owned, small business specializing in jewelry and accessories inspired by art and travels.

Espacio // Female-owned, Houston-based fashionable jewelry business started by two friends. Learn more about Espacio in this Working Women interview.

Golden Thread // Female-owned, Houston-based small business featuring luxe accessories, both fashion and high-end.

Goldenstrand Jewelry // Female-owned, Houston-based online accessory shop.

Hazen & Co // Female-owned, Dallas-based jewelry company specializing in handcrafted pieces that are timeless and easy to wear.

Le Mel // Female-owned by two sisters, one based in Houston. Everyday jewelry that’s designed to layer.

QuayL Designs // Female-owned, Houston-based jewelry brand specializing in chic earrings and other accessories.

Home decor, Gifts, etc.

Bering’s Hardware // One of my favorite stores in Houston. Find everything from hardware, gifts and china, stationary and coffee! Not in Houston, shop online at Berings.com

Biscuit Home // Female-owned, Houston-based home decor and furnishings store. Shop in-store or online the variety of linens, decor and gift items.

Ellion Candles // Female-owned, Houston-based handpoured candle business. Ellion is so kind and makes some of my favorite candles. Learn more about Ellion in this blog post.

Emerson Sloan // Houston-based party goods store that houses a variety of fun paper goods, balloons and other giftables for the perfect celebration.

Manor // Female-owned, Houston-based home decor store with curated finds for yourself or others.

Mostess Box // Shop a curated line of boxes for staying at home or to send to friends & family.

The Avenue // Female-owned, Houston-based decor, clothing and gift boutique. Shop at the River Oaks area brick and mortar or shop online.

Renovate Houston // My favorite neighborhood home and gift spot. Mother-daughter owned and Houston-based. Shop online or in-store.

Rigby Home // Female-owned tableware brand dedicated to quality of craftsmanship.

River Oaks Bookstore // A local Houston bookshop that has a variety of reads to keep you turning pages!

The Monogram Shop // Female-owned, Houston-based gift and monogram shop featuring wonderfully sourced baby items, home decor and gifts.

FOr the Guys

Beafish Designs // Some great gift ideas for men, locally designed in Houston.

Dos Carolinas // Men’s guayabera maker for him with ready to wear and bespoke designs.

Paris Texas Apparel Co. // Family-owned, Houston-based men’s clothing store with tons of great gifts for him.

Sid Mashburn // Lifestyle brand, featuring bespoke tailoring on-site at their Houston store.

Tecovas // Austin-made boot brand. See Rick’s favorite Tecovas boots in this blog post.

Other small businesses to know about

Ashley’s Cakes // A family friend owns this local Houston-area bakery. Ashley made the groom’s cake for our wedding! Tons of adorable holiday themed baked goods available.

Advanced Living Environments // Shameless plug for my husband’s home renovation and remodeling business! Have a home project you’re thinking about tackling? Give him a call and mention this blog post for an exclusive discount.

Bodyrock Pilates // A local Houston workout studio I enjoy. Offering virtual and socially distanced classes!

Contracts for Creatives // My friend and fellow blogger, Ashlee, can help with your contractual needs if you have some questions on contracts during the holidays or beyond.

Cuteheads Kids // Female-founded, Houston-based children’s clothing line. And while I’m not a mom yet, these pieces for little girls are just too cute. Learn more about Esther in a previous Adored by Alex post here.

Define Studios // One of my favorite workout studios in town! Define also sells clothing & accessories and offers gift cards.

EcoModern Concierge // Female-owned, Houston-based organization business. Amy, the owner, is absolutely amazing at what she does and I highly recommend her services to local Houstonians! Learn more about Amy in this Working Women We Adore post.

Highnote Designs // Female-owned strategic brand and web designer. Lisette and I worked together on this recent blog update and she is beyond talented.

MHCO Bakery // One of my dear friends owns a small bakery business and is extremely talented. Book her for future cakes! You can see one of her amazing cakes in this previous blog post.

Smart in the Kitchen // Houston-based, female-owned cooking school. The owner Marcia is a friend and her recipes are absolutely delicious. Plus her cooking classes are now offered online, too! Learn more about Marcia in this Adored by Alex interview series.

Revolution Studios // One of my favorite locally-owned spin studios.