Now more than ever is a time to shop small and support local businesses. We’re lucky to be a part of the Minneapolis maker community. Shout out to Hayley Matthews Jones with Minneapolis Craft Market for organizing amazing markets year-round -- we can’t wait for her markets to be back up and running once the COVID 19 health crisis is over. In the meantime, a lot of small businesses in the Twin Cities are struggling with the loss of popup market revenue, and we wanted to highlight a few of our fellow vendor buddies so you can check them out online.
1. Third Daughter, Restless Daughter
The dynamic sister duo of Third Daughter, Restless Daughter, Youa and Wone Vang, make hilariously inappropriate cross stitch masterpieces. I’ve bought many as gifts over the years, and Joy and I have one in our apartment that says, “don’t quit your daydream.” Youa and Wone have lots of designs available and also take custom orders. Shop their cross stitch here.
2. Muddy Mouth Cards
Call me old fashioned, but there’s nothing better than receiving a handwritten note in the mail. With the stay at home order, it’s the perfect time to drop a note in the mail to friends and family. Muddy Mouth Cards, run by Angie, has tons of options laced with sarcasm and profanity. She even has kits that are specifically put together for the quarantine. Shop her laugh out loud cards here.
3. Cuchara Chick
I have bought many a stamped spoon from Marlee with Cuchara Chick. She’s a crowd favorite at the farmers markets in Minneapolis. Marlee stamps spoons for every occasion and even does custom messages. Marlee has also collaborated with Fair Anita as a model for photo shoots.
4. Merry Little Bath Co.
Who doesn’t feel the need to stock up on soap in a time like this? Jan, with Merry Little Bath Co., makes some of the best soaps on the market. I love her Eucalyptus mint, French lavender, and calmness sea salt soap. Her facial serums and body oils work wonders in keeping my dry skin soft and hydrated. Added bonuses, Jan donates 10% of her profits to local charities and always has free shipping. You can shop her soaps and other products here.
5. Spoonful of Faith
I’ve gotten to cross paths with Jena Holiday of Spoonful of Faith at many women’s leadership and empowerment events. She’s a talented illustrator and author. Her cheerful, whimsical and uplifting cards, mugs, prints, totes, pillows and towels make great gifts. While Jena’s shop is currently closed due to covid, I’d highly recommend adding yourself to her newsletter to get an update once she starts taking orders.
6. We Shop Amano
Not going to lie, I have been neighbors with Louisa of We Shop Amano at more markets that I can count and have a collection of ceramics to prove it. I love her small ring dishes for storing my Fair Anita rings and stud earrings, and her snack bowls are perfect to portion out a reasonable amount for a snack. I’ve got my eye on a couple of gorgeous planters and can’t wait for markets to open up so I can pick up more one-of-a-kind napkins made from fabric scraps as gifts. Her pieces are whimsical, colorful and cheerful and you can shop her collection here.
7. Black Loon Studio
Within the last year I’ve become obsessed with Black Loon Studio. I met Amanda at a market and quickly fell in love with her gorgeous prints. Amanda also makes buttons, magnets and stickers, which are the perfect little add-on to ship with a gift. You can shop her store here.
8. Twin Engine Coffee
I’ve been drinking lots of Twin Engine Coffee to help me stay alert! I came across this fair trade coffee brand last winter at the holiday markets. I’m no coffee connoisseur, but I think Twin Engine has something for everyone, including travel size packets, cold press coffee bags, and tea. You can learn more about their fair trade mission and check out their awesome products here.