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Shop local this holiday season and support your neighborhood entrepreneurs

Nov 01, 2021 02:41PM ● By Karmel Harper

Soft poseable sloths provide comfort and peace. Photo courtesy of Your Zen Friends.

By Karmel Harper | [email protected]

When it comes to holiday shopping, one of the biggest stressors is finding the perfect gift for your loved ones. While the convenience of a big box store or an Amazon click can make your shopping tasks much simpler, some of the best holiday gifts may come from your neighbor who owns an Etsy shop or from a booth at your local craft fair. Someone once said, “Small businesses are the heartbeat of your neighborhood, the spine of your local economy, and the spirit of your town.” In addition to supporting your neighbors and community, you can give presents that are unique and special. 

Several local Utah entrepreneurs shared their thoughts about owning a small business and invite you to consider their products as you shop this year. 

  • Herriman’s Kaela Batson owns www.kaelabatsondesigns.com and offers custom gifts, apparel and home decor. You can visit their website or Etsy shop under Kaela Batson Designs.
  • Spice up your holiday meals with Hook’s Rubs and Spices which is owned by Herriman’s Jared Hooker. They offer all-natural BBQ seasoning and dry rubs for all of your cooking needs. Visit them at  www.HooksRub.com
  • Visit www.wildberrywaves.com, a women-owned t-shirt shop. Owners Jen and Chelsea screen print their tees in their home shop in Herriman. 
  • Moonshine Crystals, owned by Herriman’s Dallas King, offers various crystals from statement pieces to rough stones to jewelry and tools. Visit their website at www.moonshinecrystals.com
  • Spruce up your holiday festivities with The Balloon Billow, owned by Ciera Binks who creates custom balloon garlands and decor. Visit their Instagram page @theballoonbillow.
  • South Jordan’s Shelly Brewer owns www.bathbombdiva.com which offers fun and colorful bath bombs for all ages.
  • Herriman’s Sweet Violet is a dessert business and food truck that offers sweet treats like ice cream, fancy shakes, and handcrafted chocolate treats. Visit their Facebook page:  Sweet Violet.
  • Alix Law owns Oakriver Crystals and offers high quality crystals and minerals from around the world. Visit their Etsy shop: oakrivercrystalsco.Etsy.com.
  • Dawston, owned by Herriman’s Kaili Ackerman, sells unique accessories like spoon rings and hair claws and clips. Visit their Facebook page:  Dawston
  • Stephanie Brady owns www.paintnightpallet.com which specializes in all-inclusive step-by-step paint kits that bring paint night to your home.
  • Laura Carpenter owns Paper Mill Posies, which offers custom floral arrangements and gifts. Visit their Facebook page:  Paper Mill Posies.
  • Macrame by Tiffany Marie offers locally-handcrafted macrame accessories and decor. Visit their website: www.macramebytiffanymarie.com or Facebook page: Macrame by Tiffany Marie.
  • Add some face painting fun to your holiday shindigs by hiring artist Amy Birkner. Visit her Facebook page: Face my Paint.
  • Herriman’s Kristina Butterfield creates plush, poseable sloths with a bluetooth speaker and lavender inside that are designed to encourage self-love and meditation. Visit her Instagram page: @yourzenfriends or her website: www.yourzenfriends.com
  • Kelsey Moe’s The Elf Kit Co sells complete Elf on the Shelf kits that includes accessories and props for your daily Elf on the Shelf holiday tradition. Visit her website at: www.theelfkitco.com
  • Sherry Jann owns a wreath and home decor business for all holidays and every day use. Visit her Facebook page: Sherry’s Creations.
  • Herriman’s Stephanie Joy Wilkinson sells essential oils and 100% natural health and body products on her website:  www.jadebloom.com. Their retail space is also available for vendor events, paint classes, yoga, and consignment items.
  • Give the gift of relaxation and balance with www.thebalancedsole.com. Mia Rich Merrill specializes in acupressure/foot zone therapy and works out of her Herriman home as well as travels to meet clients.
  • Beverly Weber Constantine offers cooking and baking classes in Herriman. Create memories this holiday season while learning new talents. Visit www.mychunkytable.com 
  • Herriman’s Jen Draughon is the general manager of HOTWORX Riverton which is a 24 hour virtually led sauna fitness studio. Visit www.hotworx.net for more information.
  • Lisa Bodero Call owns Amavi Rose and offers trendy hair accessories such as scrunchies, headbands, claws, and clips. Visit www.amavirose.com
  • Deborah Suliin-Drew owns Salt City Sweet Shop which offers fresh made fudge, gourmet apples, truffles, hand-dipped chocolates, and baked goods. Visit their Facebook page: Salt City Sweet Shop.

In addition to supporting these local businesses, you can support many others by going to the Herriman Holiday Marketplace on Nov. 19 (2 p.m - 8 p.m.) and Nov. 20 (10 a.m. - 5 p.m.) at Butterfield Park. The market will feature over 90 local vendors. Visit the Facebook page Good4Life Markets to get updates on the event. Continue your local shopping on Small Business Saturday on Nov. 27. 

These and many other local businesses rely on your patronage. The website Enterprise League said, “Giving a gift from a small business is giving a gift twice. When you buy from a small business you’re not helping a CEO buy a third vacation home. You are helping a little girl get dance lessons, a little boy his team jersey, a mom put food on the table, a dad pay a mortgage or a student pay for college.”