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small business Saturday

As a small business owner myself, I love supporting other small business owners.  It takes a lot of work to turn a vision into a reality and a lot of faith to take that big scary step.  While I’m not a huge fan of the post Thanksgiving gauntlet of sales (although it is admittedly  good time to start your Christmas shopping), I love that there is a day to celebrate and encourage support for small businesses, so I thought I would highlight some of my favorites.  Some are personal friends, and all of them I’ve shopped from for years.

I have been collecting Linen Bee dresses and tunics for almost 10 years.  All of their clothes are custom made to my measurements, so they fit just how I like them.  Their fabrics wash well and their designs are timeless.  They are my go-to pieces for travel, church, outings, and antique markets.  Linen Bee is run by a mother/daughter duo and their passion for their products is clear in every garment.

linen bee | paige knudsen photography | miss mustard seed

 

I have been internet friends with Emily Lex since our early blogging days.  I loved following her commitment to paint with watercolors every day and then watch that bloom into a thriving business.  She is so impressive as an artist and entrepreneur, and is also a wonderful person.   Emily Lex Studio now carries watercolor workbooks, home products, paintable note cards, wrapping paper, and more.

emily lex | miss mustard seed

 

 

I shared about my young friend, Ella, a few weeks ago.  She started knitting and selling hats to make some extra money as a college-age student.  She is such a go-getter, and even built her own website!   She released some new colors for Christmas, so if you need a nice homemade gift and want to support a young cretive entrepreneur, you can order a hat from 31 Stitches. use code SMALLBIZ10 for 10% off. 

31 stitches knit hats | miss mustard seed

 

 

JSH Home Essentials has beautiful fabrics, papers, and accessories for the home.  I admire Jenny so much as a designer and business owner.  Of course, we share the same love for a blue and green color palette.  I have some of their block print pillow cases, wrapping papers, and I buy some of their brass sleigh bells each year.

JSH home essentials | miss mustard seed

JSH home essentials | miss mustard seed

 

I’ve also been internet friends with Laura of Finding Home Farms since my early days of blogging. I knew her as a home blog and crafter, but she is also a part of a family that has been making syrup in the Hudson Valley for four generations.  They are passionate about their products and their syrup really is amazing.  It makes a wonderful gift for people who have everything, who also like pancakes, waffles, and whatever else you can put syrup on.

Laura explained to me that maple syrup is similar to wine and, when you order it from one maker, you get syrup that has a distinct flavor, notes, and undertones.  Typically syrup purchased from a larger seller is a mix of syrup from several different farms and regions.  So, when you buy syrup from Finding Farms, you know you’re supporting a family, small business, and getting a delicious product.

finding home farms | miss mustard seed

 

I have bought most of my stash of antique art supplised from Julia of Ponder & Purchase over the years.  Not only is she a great source for English antiques, but she is a wonderful friend and I got to meet her in person this fall.  She lists some shippable finds on her Instagram page, so it’s a good account to follow if you’re looking for something unique for yourself or someone on your list.

antique charcoal pochade box | miss mustard seed

I’ve purchased several antique kilim rugs from Kilim Rug Home, and they have all been such a beautiful addition to our home.  They are affordable, hard-wearing, and come in a variety of sizes, colors, and patterns.  The runner I bought for my kitchen is my favorite!  Use coupon code MISSMUSTARDSEED for up to 75% off.

kitchen | miss mustard seed

Lastly, if you’re here reading my post, you’re already supporting my small business.  Traffic to this blog is one piece of my revenue pie and I’m always thankful that I get to make things, write, and take pictures, as a part of my living.  So, thank you!

I do have some new products for sale if want to purchase from my small business as well.   On Society6, I have surface designs (papers, home decor, accessories) and fine art prints of some of my oil paintings, which I shared in more detail yesterday.  They are offering up to 50% off products currently, too!

society6 prints | miss mustard seed

miss mustard seed fine art

And, my Miss Mustard Seed & Creative Tees are on sale through December 1.

miss mustard seed dashery store

If you’d like to share your own small business or one that is a favorite, please link to it in the comments.  (I need to approve links so it won’t show up right away, but I’ll bee looking out for them and approve them throughout the day.)

Marian Parsons 

Paint Enthusiast | Writer | Artist | Designer

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6 Responses

  1. I have a question: what are you wearing under the polka dot linen from Linen Bees in this photo? I love that layered look. Thank you. Great post.

    Patty

  2. Thanks for this blog post. I had forgotten about “Linen Bee” but I’ve liked your clothing a lot. I also liked when you showed a new wardrobe from Walmart. They all look nice on you.

  3. Hi Marian! What a great idea to share your fav small businesses – and to give us an opportunity to share favorites of ours. Here is mine. Can’t say enough great things about her products. AND she packages everything up so nicely. GREAT stocking stuffers: https://www.freshasoap.com/

  4. This is a great business selling handmade candles, soaps, hair care products and more. The business owner is currently raising money for her dog Olive’s chemotherapy treatments. https://mavenstl.com/ Thanks for the opportunity to share a link!

I’m Marian, a painter, writer, and lover of all things creative. From art and antiques to home projects and everyday life, I share my journey in hopes of inspiring you to embrace your own creativity and make beauty in the spaces you live.

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