photo and story by Brandy Elizabeth Brown
It’s possible that you may have come into contact with the phrase “shop local”. Boise and Eagle residents have practically coined this term as our own as it speaks volumes about where our hearts and support belong- our community. Idaho is proudly ranked #6 in the country for small business start-ups and many of these happen to be women and mothers following their passions.
As the holiday season approaches, this shop local phrase will become more popular as many local business owners are preparing to bring you only Idaho’s best products and handmade items. Featured today is a list of a few of the many great locally owned businesses available to you this holiday season. Something they all have in common is they all know what you’re looking for in products, which is something your mom might stand behind!
These vendors dedicate much of their time perfecting their products to provide items that we want! Ashley Cates with Native Ally tells me, “Moms know what other moms want”. Native Ally is a Meridian based small business providing skin and body care products that are truly 100% natural. Ashley who holds a bachelor’s degree in environmental toxicology from the University of California at Davis researches her ingredients thoroughly, she states, “I choose to only use ingredients from plants that are proven to support health.” She never thought that she would start a business of her own until she needed a product that wasn’t available, something honestly all natural. Originally something thing that was developed and formulated for her and her family of four is now something she shares with others so that locals in similar situations are able to find a product that they can trust with those they love. Ashley stated, “I love Idaho. Everyone is so friendly to small businesses and I’m so happy to live here.” Native Ally’s biggest distributor is the Boise Co-Op where you can find her many natural products on the shelves of the wellness section. Come spring you will find Native Ally once again at the Eagle Saturday Market where she encourages anyone to stop by to try a sample and chat about her natural, safe and effective ingredients!
Traditional Stitches is an Emmett based shop often found at the Capitol City Downtown Market in Boise on Saturdays. This local business, owned by Morning Alexander, opened up last year while having the goal of making affordable, classic and high quality products for babies and young children in mind. Traditional Stitches specializes in custom diaper bags and classic styled clothing for children while also offering smaller items including blankets, bandana bibs, hooded bath towels and more. Each of these items are carefully handcrafted with reinforced seams and inspected for quality that will last years! Morning recently moved to Idaho from Texas and when asked about her feelings on starting up a business here in Idaho her response was, “More and more people seem to be turning to handmade crafts and supporting local cottage industries as an alternative way of shopping and I feel very thankful for all the support I have been receiving.” Traditional Stitches will be adding many new items soon as the demand for customized, handmade items continues to grow!
For all of you Brides to be and fashion lovers, Kim McKellips with DressMeSewChic has you totally covered, as much as you want to be that is! DressMeSewChic started in California in 2013 but recently moved to Boise when Kim and her family of four moved to our community earlier this year. DressMeSewChic offers unique bridal, bridesmaid and flower girl dresses that showcase elegance, romance and a touch of a bohemian vibe. All items are thoughtfully designed, handcrafted or personally selected by Kim and her mother, who is a master seamstress and partner. DressMeSewChic’s specialty is the art of making beautifully sewn and quality lace gowns. Kim grew up in Cambodia and relocated to the United States in her twenties with a dream to have a better life. Here she met her wonderful husband and started her family. “I recently moved to Boise and got to know some wonderful people and mothers who are also working from home that inspired me to keep going on to do what I love,” says Kim. Finding her place in this community is something that Kim is finding out to be easily said as well as done as her business is thriving here thanks to her new tribe!
When she’s not creating beautiful, vintage jewelry pieces you will find Solymar Palm, owner of Fluff for the Particular, with her family exploring the Idaho outdoors and maybe a local antique show! These places are where Solymar finds her inspiration comes from. “After an encounter with a piece of found scrap metal in 2011, I fell in love with jewelry design and launched the artistic endeavor I now call Fluff. I gain my inspiration for my designs from form and color from the rugged yet delicate intricacies of Mother Nature. My items are known for their unique, naturalness and ability to compliment the organic style of the strong and beautiful women of the Pacific Northwest.” It’s been a labor of love for her since then and is now selling her items in several Idaho vendors such as Boise Co-Op, The Record Exchange, Flying M Coffee House in Boise, Hyde & Seek Boutique, Edwards Greenhouse and Riverwear in Stanley. You can find Fluff for the Particular at several events this fall and winter listed on her website!
While out shopping and enjoying the wonderful community we live in feel free to look online or drop in any of these locations to find that gift with a special local flare for the ones you love this holiday season. You’re shopping right if you are shopping local!
For more information:
Fluff. for the Particular
www.flufffortheparticular.com
Follow on Facebook and Instagram for holiday discounts (mention this article for an additional 10% off)
DressMeSewChic
www.etsy.com/shop/Dressmesewchic
Follow on Facebook and contact DressMeSewChic for 10% off your order
Traditional Stitches
tradstitches@gmail.com
@tradstitches on Facebook to be on the lookout for holiday giveaways and specials
Native Ally
www.nativeally.com (use this exclusive coupon code for 20% off your order NAHD20)
Follow on Facebook for current in stock deal
