My Guide to Shopping Small + Local This Holiday Season!
My Journey into Small Business | A Local Gift Guide | 20% Lenehan Studios Sale | 2020 Workshop Ideas
Big Things OFTEN HAVE SMALL BEGINNINGS…
My involvement in the small business community started when I began decorative painting as a career almost 20 years ago while still teaching art.
I started painting murals for friends and began taking classes in plaster and other decorative finishes so that I could transition to being a full time artist. I always wanted to be a “real” artist but never really knew how to make money painting. Once I discovered the decorative art field, I was sold.
One of my first projects, my parents mantle, 2008.
In 2012, I moved my studio to main street in Ellicott City and the following fall I began an event called “ArtWalk” which highlighted the many art studios and galleries in historic Ellicott City. That morphed into the “Ellicott City Arts Coalition” and still exists today though I am no longer part of the group.
Side note, if you haven’t gone to Midnight Madness in Old Ellicott City, you must check it out this Friday!
My vision was to help fellow small creative entrepreneurs become more successful at marketing and selling their work, as well as create a community where we could establish public awareness of the arts in our town. Small business had officially become one of my passions.
Small business isn’t for the faint of heart
I love the idea of shopping “small” because you are supporting your friends, neighbors, and investing in your own community. We as small business owners are invested so deeply in what we do; with our hearts, minds, souls, and a lot of sweat and tears, (and some blood) into making our dream successful.
My experience during the 2016 flood really solidified the bond of the small community we have because we all came together to help each other through such a traumatic event.
The act of giving is worth more than the gift
Giving a gift, whether it’s an act of service, a token of love, or just a helping hand, can make the giver feel needed and appreciated. I love giving thoughtful gifts because it allows me to show the receiver that I know them and I listen to what they’ve said throughout our friendship.
A thoughtful gift, even an inexpensive one, can speak volumes about your love and attention for the other person. And the receiver will be flattered that you thought of them and will be touched by your kindness and generosity.
I know that we don’t need more material things, so I like to give by doing something special, or perhaps giving tickets to an event for a memorable experience, or purchasing a class for someone who may not necessarily spend the money for it themselves.
MY SMALL BIZ / LOCAL GIFT GUIDE!
I’ve compiled a selection of some of my favorite small and local businesses and charities if you’re looking for a way to shop small this season. I’ve also included an exclusive Small Business Saturday sale - 20% off my online store Cyber Monday thru Friday, December 6th. Just use code SHOPSMALL at checkout!
Happy Gifting!
Domain By Laura Hodges
Visit: 710 Frederick Road Catonsville, MD 21228 // Shop: www.laurahodgesstudio.com // Instagram: @laurahodgesstudio
Domain by Laura Hodges showcases handmade and fair trade items in her store in Catonsville. I even have a few pieces there myself. She represents several local artists and makers and is a great place to find something unique!
Urban Threads Home & Life
The Shops at Kenilworth 854 Kenilworth Drive Towson, MD 21204 // www.urbanthreadshome.com //Instagram: @urbanthreadshome
Urban Threads Home & Life is owned by my friend Jane O’Donoghue and she has some really fun gifts and home decor. You can see some pillows there made with my LS Home fabrics!
Maria Louise High
marialouisehigh.bigcartel.com// Instagram @marialouisehigh
My friend Maria High makes really awesome jewelry, which you can purchase online!
Mt. Royal Soaps
2740 A Huntingdon Ave. Baltimore, MD 21211 // mountroyalsoaps.com // Instagram: @mtroyalsoaps
They have a beautiful storefront in the Remington neighborhood in Baltimore. They believe in conscious formulations, sustainability sourced ingredients and creating products that are 100% palm free.
Neat Nick Preserves
NeatNickPreserves.com // Instagram: @neatnickpreserves
Neat Nick makes DELICIOUS jellies, jams and preserves from high-quality, locally sourced ingredients. What’s more, they support both big and small community-based organizations here in Maryland. Love!
Charm City Craft Mafia’s “Holiday Heap”
Some great (more than 50!!) local makers can be found at Charm City Craft Mafia’s “Holiday Heap” on December 7th // 2640 Space 2640 Saint Paul Street Baltimore, MD 21218 9am-5pm
The Gift of Donation
If you have someone on your list who has it all, consider making a donation to a charity in their honor.
The Children’s Home in Catonsville
This upcoming year, I’m helping Laura Hodges redo the cafeteria at the Children’s Home in Catonsville. The Children’s Home provides residential and community services for young people and families who have experienced disruption in their lives.
This year, they’ve created a Holiday Giving Program in which you can give specific presents to the child and youth residents and help make the holiday season special for them! Click here for all of the details as well as the 2019 wish list.
My local chapter of the International Decorative Painting League is donating murals to the Ronald McDonald House, which provides a home-away-from-home for seriously ill children and their families. Ronald McDonald house offers a wide variety of giving options from donations to families with unexpected medical bills to dedications & honors donations. You can read all about the different donation options here.
A LENEHAN STUDIOS SALE!!
In honor of shopping small this holiday season, I’m running a site-wide sale for 20% off of everything. This Cyber Monday through December 6th, get 20% off using code SHOPLOCAL at checkout.
GIFTS OF EXPERIENCE
I’m looking for ideas for upcoming for upcoming workshops and I’d love to hear from all of you! Let me know below what you’d be interested in learning this January or February.