Tomorrow is Small Business Saturday, a nationwide event created to give some extra love to local retailers with our holiday bucks. Here in California, there are plenty of amazing small businesses to support, from artisanal farms and distillers to fashion designers and beauty product purveyors. Check out this list of favorites courtesy of Visit California:
Support Local Makers Who are Making a Difference in Crescent City
“Rumiano Cheese and Fog Bank Clothing Company are two Crescent City-based companies where history, innovation and giving back are part of the business plan. Rumiano Cheese is the oldest family-owned cheese company in California, established in 1919, and offers an array of Redwoods Coast cheese selections, gift baskets and even kitchenware online. The Rumiano Brothers are considered the original developers of Dry Monterey Jack Cheese, and their The OG Dry Jack is a popular favorite. Fog Bank Clothing, owned by three friends who wanted to make a difference in their community, sells attire online and in their new retail shop in downtown Crescent City. A portion of every item they sell benefits youth and adults sports sponsorships and scholarships.”
Shop Artisan Goods at The Barlow in Sonoma County
“Popular for its breathtaking vineyards and wineries, Sonoma County is home to The Barlow, a 12.5 acre open-air marketplace in Sebastopol featuring some of the region’s best chefs, vintners and artisans. With over 30 makers and merchants, visitors can find gourmet goods and products unique to the area from businesses such as female-owned and “2020 Distillery of the Year” Spirit Works Distillery, Barge North Company and Williams Cofield Cheesemakers, Sonoma County’s first British style cheesemaker. To learn more about online and safe social distancing shopping, visit The Barlow’s website for details.”
Support Female-Owned Businesses in the Tri-Valley
“The Tri-Valley region is a great place to discover unique artists and designers, including vintage and trendy boutiques filled with local treasures that can be purchased in-store or online. Madeline Hart of Sew Femme is a queer Latinx who creates inclusive modern embroidery with messages reflective of the LGBTQ+ community and STEM enthusiasts. The Made Line features a colorful collection of handmade ceramic dishware by Jessica O’Hearn. Alyssa Tenice’s Vault California is a black-owned clothing, gifts and accessories boutique offering contemporary, everyday styles and clean beauty products.”
Unearth All-Natural Goods from San Luis Obispo County
“San Luis Obispo County is a melting pot of small family-owned businesses producing some of the region’s finest culinary ingredients and wellness products. Marley Family Seaweeds harvests wild Big Sur wakame, kombu and nori in the traditional Japanese method, resulting in high-quality flavorful seaweed. Big Sur nori, Big Sur seaweed ramen kits and San Simeon kombu are available for purchase online. The Luffa Farm grows and sells all-natural luffas and handcrafted baths and herbal products perfect for clean beauty enthusiasts. Known for its small-batch cheeses made from goats and cow’s milk, turophiles can experience Stepladder Ranch & Creamery through its wide selection of cheeses, bundles and subscription services available for online purchase.”
Shop Small in San Diego
“San Diego’s year-round sunshine, walkable neighborhoods and unique small businesses make it especially idyllic for holiday shopping. Jackie’s Jams features healthy California fruit-based jams available for in-store and online purchase. The Cravory boasts the ultimate cookie experience with flavors ranging from traditional chocolate chip to mango and chili, with the most popular flavors and ready-to-bake kits available online. W.D. Dickinson is an organic farm, mercantile and event venue focusing on seasonal organic heirloom fruit, vegetables and herbs, as well as botanical facial steams and soaps that can be ordered online.”
Get more statewide suggestions HERE
