6 Tastemakers on the Small Businesses They’re Supporting This Holiday Season

One positive aspect we can take away from the pandemic and the craziness of 2020 is the emphasis it has put on shopping locally and from small businesses. Not only do they currently need your help more than ever, a small business typically offers many benefits—think curated edits and, above all, personal connection—that you won’t always find in the mass market. Sometimes this is easier said than done, as there are quite a few out there that don’t always get the press they deserve. So we consulted our network, whose creative eyes we wholeheartedly trust, to spill some of their favorite local spots they’re supporting this season.

Pamela Love

Jewelry Designer

“I absolutely love antique lace and Victorian dresses, but they are always so teeny and delicate as a result of their age that wearing them proves very challenging. I love everything from Mr. Larkin, but especially this Victorian-inspired piece made with actual antique lace. I can actually breathe in this one without fear that it will tear! I would love to receive this as a gift. I have been so inspired by Mara Hoffman’s restructuring of her business to focus on ethical and sustainable manufacturing. This sweater is especially important because it is made from actual climate-beneficial fibers and from a totally traceable and domestic supply chain. On top of that, it’s the perfect nubby sweater that satisfies my intense desires lately to either dress like The Dude from The Big Lebowski or Princess Diana at Christmas. It goes both ways! I would love to receive this as a gift. Oh, and don’t forget the hat—I plan to get that for my husband this Christmas.

“Pretty much anything Danny Kaplan creates I’m in love with. I think his aesthetic and taste level are impeccable and he is an absolute genius—and I love Spartan Shop, where you can find his work, so this is a win-win. This piece makes the perfect gift for your chicest friend or anyone who has recently moved and needs a good housewarming gift. Another ceramic genius whose work blows me away is Cody Hoyt. This piece is really next-level—I could stare at it all day. It is a bit of a splurge, but totally worth it. An amazing gift for any art and interiors lover.

“For the spa lover who misses her trips to the bath house, these Linoto towels will make you feel like you’re somewhere far more luxurious than your bathroom. I hope someone gets these for me because I really am feeling that void. I’m absolutely in love with Aesa’s glass pieces, and Bona Drag is one of my favorite online retailers—another win-win situation. I plan to get these for my mom. When I was a kid I wish someone had gotten me a book like this. The Coolest Noise is a book that demystifies some of the obstacles in front of kids who want to play music with others. I’m getting it for my niece and a few other musically inclined kids in my life. This necklace has been a lifesaver for me in terms of gift giving. I haven’t met a lady in my life who didn’t love it (sorry for patting myself on the back a little here). I plan to gift this piece to my sisters-in-law and several of my close girlfriends.”

Sara Larson

Fashion Publicist and Writer

“Batsheva just opened her shop on Grand Street right before Thanksgiving and is pioneering the way to encourage small businesses to stay open and keep going! Her shop has an installation by artist Agathe Snow, along with everything from lame oven mitts to her newly launched Throne chair and ottoman. My favorite piece of hers to gift at the moment is this Square Neck Midi Dress in navy, although it’s hard to choose from her incredible curated selection! A recent discovery and my newest knitwear obsession is Bulgarian designer GIGI. Her pieces are all made consciously by her family-run factory in Bulgaria. She currently has a selection at Horizon Vintage in Williamsburg. The Basket Weave in Smog sweater is so luxe and is a great gift for anyone in your life.

“Thinking about what to wear this NYE? Look no further; Galvan’s ultra-’90s chic silhouettes will make you the life of the party, whether you’re at home or at a socially distanced gathering. I love the Burnt Floral Valetta dress for day or night! Hunting Season just launched a beauty minimalist dream collaboration with Rosie Huntington-Whiteley for Rose Inc. The large beauty case can be worn as a clutch or as a place to hold all of your favorite beauty essentials, like this lip suede from Gucci Westman. These heart drop earrings with diamonds from New York designer Jamie Wolf are la magnifique and for that very, very special person on your list!

“DS & Durga, one of my all-time favorite New York perfumers, just opened a location in Williamsburg. The design of the space is spectacular, and the scents to explore are endless! I love the India Armchair Travel set for gifting this holiday season. It’s a little bit of everything and will be sure to spice up those cozy nights in. One of the most amazing gifts I’ve found for friends in my life is this Hyannis Poplin Cropped Top from the newly launched Cara Cara. It’s perfect for Zoom meetings and can be paired with your favorite denim or high-waisted trousers.”

Darlene and Lizzy Okpo

Designers, William Okpo

Lizzy Okpo: “Ackime Snow is Williams Okpo’s favorite photographer to work with. His creative aesthetic is original and beautiful. He is one to support. The Edge Harlem is one of my favorite restaurants in Harlem, helmed by two sisters creating an original Jamaican-British infusion. Complete Lovers Rock vibe—it is the reason I love Harlem so much. Nature’s Lab is a Harlem-based beauty, hair care, apothecary shop. It’s a gift—all handmade, natural hair and skin products. It’s the only product I use in my hair and my daughter’s hair, and it’s all made within the shop. Also, BK Katering by Beluchi Jeannot is Harlem’s best-kept secret; a word-of-mouth caterer making exquisite authentic Haitian Caribbean dishes with a personal touch on contemporary eating. He catered my baby shower, birthday dinners, Thanksgiving—he allowed my family to continue our own special celebratory moments this year with contactless catering. He provided a beautiful experience and packaged his catering with table-set bouquet flowers for his clients.”

Darlene Okpo: “T.A New York: Great store in the meatpacking district. Love the fact that she was fearless and opened up a store during this time. I love Harriets Bookstore of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania—a bookstore dedicated to Black women authors. EDAS founded by Sade Mims, who has such a warm soul. Love what she is doing with the new hats for the current season.”

Chloe Hartstein

Stylist

“Being in NYC throughout the pandemic has really shed a light on the importance of community and supporting the ecosystem we are a part of. With the holidays approaching, I’m relying on a few of my go-tos for gifts and more. The Lit. Bar is the only bookstore serving 1.5 million people of the Bronx. Their website has amazing suggestions, and they ship and have digital gift cards available. Sincerely, Tommy is located in Brooklyn and carries super-interesting smaller brands at affordable prices. Edith Machinist is a wonderful vintage store on the LES. My friend Edie is the owner and has a great eye for everyday pieces. She made an ‘I Love New York’ t-shirt that’s a perfect stocking stuffer, with proceeds going to nypace.org, a non-profit that provides professional services to small businesses in underserved communities in New York City.

“Not only is New York Vintage a mecca for all things fashion, with an archive that spans a hundred years, but they also have the most exquisite collection of everyday pieces from high-end designers. If you or your loved ones are on the hunt for new eyewear, check out Coco and Breezy. Supercool frames! I think we have all been living in some form of athleisure this past year, and my sweatshirts and t-shirts from Ray’s Bar are always a hit—people stop me in the street to ask where they can get them. And if you’re in NYC, stop by for an outdoor drink and great bar food. They’ve been collaborating with different chefs every weekend and also have industry night every Sunday.

“Sustainable Home Goods has so many great pieces and partners with artisan entrepreneurs, helping to sustain jobs in their communities both globally and locally, as well as creating the potential for new ones. Their aim is to create economic stability, preserve families, and free children to learn and just be children. If you’re looking for a yummy pre-made holiday meal, check out The Smile. They will be offering a range of options from appetizers to desserts (epic pies made by @paris.starn). They also have a few to-go locations with delicious market sides, pastries, and coffee!”

Geri Hirsch

Creative Director, Saie Beauty

“I saw a quote on IG that said, ‘When you buy from a small business, an actual person does a little happy dance,’ and I just loved it so much! It’s so true, and small businesses need our support now more than ever. I’ve made it a holiday shopping goal to shop directly from small businesses as much as possible. Join me?

“The Saie Beauty Super Glowy Gel, Slip Tint, and Mascara 101 are must-haves, IMO! Clean, beautiful, and the perfect no-makeup makeup look. Everything Stella Simona at Haati Chai makes is so beautiful! The Khan chain is on my wish list. And one of each from Janessa Leone, please!”

Top photo: Ackime Snow

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