How-To: Shop Small
Ever since the start of lockdown in March 2020, I’ve seen the popularity of small businesses rise. Other than supporting your friend’s entrepreneurship, there are many reasons why shopping small can help you, the creator, your community, and the economy.
Small business creators are unique in the fact that they often cater to the individual. Rather than mass-producing fast fashion items trying to follow a trend, independent creators harness their passion into curating a piece that buyers can enjoy and take comfort that it is made with a purpose.
If you’re shopping locally, small businesses tend to give back to your community more than big corporate businesses. By buying from a local independent shop, your money can be cycled back into your community and benefit your city or neighbourhood. According to Civic Economics, “on average, 48% of each purchase at local independent businesses is recirculated locally, compared to less than 14% of purchases at chain stores”.
By focussing your attention on small businesses, you are helping the economy stray from fast-fashion and big corporate brands. Instead, this builds up these small businesses that made up 41.9% of Canada’s gross domestic product in 2016. As well, by investing your attention and money into these small businesses, they can grow into more prominent companies, sometimes big enough to compete as a Canadian brand globally. On the path to developing an innovative and passionate business into a brand, employment of 8.4 million Canadians belonged to Canada’s small businesses as of 2019.
The small businesses that stood out to me are dedicated to creating unique and made-with-love items, whether a custom jewellery piece or a one-of-a-kind crochet project. Next time you’re interested in growing your wardrobe, investigate your local community and try to shop small.
‘IMELI CO’ by Emily Han, @imeli.co on Instagram
After getting her ears pierced and not finding high-quality but affordable jewellery, Emily decided to take matters into her own hands and make her own. This hobby-turned-small business has grown into IMELI CO, inclusive and affordable! Starting with a sketch on Procreate, Photoshop, or rendering a 3D model, Emily sends her designs to her manufacturer for production. Forming her own unique jewellery identity and hoping to expand her business, Emily is currently studying Fashion Design at Parsons!
14k Pearly White Butterfly Ring
‘Bubbly Crochet by Lisa’ by Lisa Farley, @bubblycrochetbylisa on Instagram
As seen on Sydney Carlson, Mia Regan, and Casimere Jollette, this NY-based small business is the go-to shop for rare and inspired crochet works. As we know, crochet and knitwear are major trends for Summer 2021, but why not carry this into Fall and Winter 2021 as well? After causing such high demand on her Depop, Lisa started her website to tackle all her orders. Lisa fabricates the hats of your dreams while also carrying bikini sets, bags, and custom orders! Taking around 3-4hrs for hats, 2-4hrs for tops, 5-6hrs for bikini sets, and 6-8hrs for bags, it’s commendable how Lisa pours her passion and creativity into every single piece she designs and completes.
Sydney Carlson in the custom white and olive-green checkered hat and bikini set
‘Queen’s Charms’ by Breanna Chan and Simi Okelana, @queenscharms_ on Instagram
Passionate for beaded jewellery, Breanna and Simi upcycle classic pieces with a trendy spin. Having initially wanted to make Queen’s tricolour-themed items, their business took off with house charm bracelets and matching sets. Buyers know that their pieces are one-of-a-kind, paralleling their message that “each piece [we] make is unique: just like our friendships.” Being students at Queen’s University and members of the BIPOC community, these two strong women creators are here to highlight their community’s power and think outside the box. Harnessing phone charms, necklaces, bracelets, and custom orders, Queen’s Charms adds colour and individuality to any look.
Rainbow Charms
‘Rama By Rachel’ by Rachel, @ramabyrachel on Instagram
Made in Ireland, 19-year-old Rachel Hamilton produces handmade, sustainable, and insanely uniquely designed shirts and vests. She uses screen printing to create her products, and every shirt comes with a tag featuring her brand name. Using her website, Depop, and Instagram, Rachel consistently drops new collections featuring Mick Jagger, Twiggy, and other iconic faces of the 1960s and 70s. Rachel recently dropped the limited RAMA Pride Collection, consisting of 1/1 unique pieces, no colour repeats, and 100% of the profits donated to pride charities.
Limited RAMA Pride Collection, dropped June 25th
‘Beads for EDs’ by Kathryn Schmid, @beadsforeds on Instagram
QFIN writer Isabella Hamilton recommends an exceptional small business that sells handmade and sustainably sourced beaded jewellery. Donating 10% of their proceeds to the National Eating Disorder Association, Kathryn advocates for mental health and raises awareness for those who need it. Repurposing beads, chains, jump rings, and other materials, Beads for EDs curates necklaces, bracelets, earrings, anklets, and takes custom orders!