If there is one thing we can all look forward to in 2020, it’s the end of the year (yes, its finally in sight). With the current pandemic this holiday shopping season is looking, how do you say, a little different.
According to a recent CBS poll, 52% of shoppers plan to spend less money than they did in 2019, with 48% planning to shop for all of their holiday gifts completely online.
Let’s face it, big box stores are not worried about going out of business but small businesses and especially small Indigenous run businesses are. We are all going to look for ways to support small businesses and I for one am obsessed with supporting my fellow Indigenous entrepreneurs.
I have a few Indigenous brands and businesses that I absolutely love, so here is an Indigenous Owned Holiday Shopping Guide. Just in time for the 2020 Holiday Shopping Season.
Let’s get started!
Lauren Good Day
The Lauren Good Day clothing company is the eppitome of authentic indigenous design. Lauren is a multi-award winning fashion designer who has created a brand that embraces what it means to be a native in today’s world. Her use of colors and patterns is well thought out, leaving you with a brand that is not only stunning, it’s a perfectly authentic Native American design.
A few gift ideas…
Beadwork Hoodie (remix line) $122
Thunder Voice Hat Co.
I came acrosse the Thunder Voice Hat Co.(TVHC) on TikTok and let me say, I quickly became obsessed with their hat making videos. Every clothing item they sell is repurposed, hand sourced and reclaimed, thus allowing TVSHC to create meaningful native fashion while addressing the waste created by the fashion industry. Seriously have some powerful street cred there. Thundervoice Eagle is the creator, founder and maker has merged repurposed with style and created an iconic fashionable line.
A few gift ideas…
The Trickster Company
The Trickster Company was founded by brother and sister duo Rico and Crystal Worl. They offer indigenous designs that represent their culture in a modern context. I’ve fallen for their classic style and designs that are drawn from the northwestern region – OMG, seriously gorgeous. In addition, Rico and Crystal are advocates for diversity and civic engagement. You’ll see this reflected in some of their products, like Cards Against Colonization (must have holiday gift IMHO).
A few gift ideas…
Cards Against Colonization $12.50
Cheekbone Beauty
Cheekbone Beauty was founded by Jennifer Harper in 2016 Cheekbone Beauty is an indigenous founded company that offers cruelty free products. Some of the products are less waste and some even aim to be zero waste by 2023. That’s hella impressive if you ask me. There is also one more reason to feel good about Cheekbone Beauty, they have a fundamental mission of giving back via product, project and monetary donations. Whew, that’s awesome. I don’t know about you but there is something about using products that you can feel good about!
A few gift ideas…
Decolonial Clothing Co.
Decolonial Clothing Co. came up in my Facebook news feed (probably because I’m immersed in Native Facebook) and I’m loving the style. It’s perfect for every age bracket, even my picky teen likes the brand. Based in Canada, the brand features styles that mimic other colonizer brands, like Champion, and honor native ancestors like Sitting Bull. The owners are a Nehiyaw-Anishinaabe family who created the brand to empower generations to embrace their Native heritage as they move through their decolonizing path.
A few gift ideas…
Justice for Indigenous Hoodie $59.99
Spotted Owl Healing Junkie
Well the list wouldn’t be complete without a plug for my online store. While the offerings are few, there are a few gems that would make great gifts this holiday season. If you have a friend or family member who has a spiritual practice then you will have to check it out. All of the products are handcrafted, indigenous made and blessed.
A few gift ideas…
These indigenous owned businesses are literally just the tip of the iceberg. This holiday shopping season take a look at gifts available from small businesses, especially those that support our native communities. Not only are you supporting a small business, you are giving a gift that can’t be found anywhere else, especially not in a big box store.
What small business do you plan to support this holiday shopping season? Let me know in the comments!
As a practicing energy healer and founder of Spotted Owl Healing Junkie, I am dedicated to promoting self love and healing within those I work with and encounter on a daily basis. As a proud member of the Walker River Paiute Tribe, I pair energy healing with techniques cultivated from the earth and practiced by my indigenous ancestors to develop tools and practices everyone can use to heal. My work with individual clients uses energy healing and vibrational modalities to help alleviate self worth challenges, heartache, sadness, grief, anxiety and general malaise. I am offering you a way to build a stronger connection with yourself, ancestors and guides. My work is deeply rooted in the knowing that we are all connected.
Today, I am hoping to connect you with the powers you already have within yourself and assist you on your own personal healing journey.
Sarah ~ Aayapü Muhu’u ~ Spotted Owl
I agree that we should start shopping and supporting small businesses now than ever. I would go as local as possible myself. Thank you for the list.
I’ve vowed to shop small businesses, particularly BIPOC-owned businesses as much as possible this holiday season, and this list will be my starting point. So many beautiful items!
Needful content. Keep creating content like this! Tons of love for you