Going into the new year many small businesses with brick-and-mortar shops are opening limited hours or those with online shops can find business slowing down, so I wanted to highlight a few of my absolute favorites from the past few years. Whether you’re looking to add a little bit of French flair to your home (Vivi et Margot), want the perfect scented or unscented candle to put on a friends doorstep to bring them a little comfort (Bare Candle Co), are looking to add an extra special touch to a handwritten note or care package (Kathryn Hastings Co & Studio Carta) or wearing a pair of fun earrings to your next Zoom meeting/get-together (The Tiny Tassel) there’s something for everyone on the list!
Vivi et Margot
Due to my love of all things French, the first shop on this list shouldn’t come as a surprise. I had the pleasure of interviewing the founder of Vivi et Margot, Charlotte Reiss about her French house ware brand back in August of 2018 and then again this January 2021 after she officially announced that she would be returning to France to live full time along with husband and two daughters Vivi and Margot.
If you dream of adding a little French flair to your kitchen or bathroom, then you’re sure to find something you’ll love on the online shop. All of the products featured on the site are sourced from France, and there are more collaborations with artisans in France coming soon!
Read the August and January interviews with Charlotte and visit the online shop.
Photo provided by Charlotte Reiss.
Bare Candle Co
I was first introduced to Bare Candle Company when I was on the search for the perfect unscented candle. I was impressed by the unscented candle from Bare Candle Co that I picked it up in both sizes, and reached out the brand founder, Ashlyn Rowland last year.
While my favorite continues to be the unscented candle, there are so many wonderful scented combinations that Ashlyn creates, that I’m considering getting some of the scented options for gifts throughout the year.
Ashlyn’s personal favorites — “Grapefruit + Mandarin”, “Apple Cider”, and “Sugar + Lemon” are constantly being rotated in our home.
Read the interview and shop.
Gilt Forest in Collier Blue and Amalfi Informal Folded Notes
Kathryn Hastings Co.
“It all started with a dollar bill and a piece of bubblegum. My grandmother Neenie introduced me ot the art of letter writing. Every time I wrote her, she replied with a beautiful card, her loving words, a dollar bill and a piece of bubblegum. I loved how a simple folded piece of paper seemed to close the distance between us. I was hooked.
My antique seals date from the 1700s and 1800s. Just like the people who created them, I’m a steward who enjoys them for a while until they’re passed to someone new. In the meantime, these seals won’t collect dust in a drawer; they beckon to travel the world on envelopes, to be shared, admired and loved.
Lord Byron once wrote, “All who joy would win must share it. Happiness was born a Twin.” I intend for my boutique to share my joy with you, and allow you to pass your joy on to others – to share your own creativity, beauty and love.
Neenie has since passed, but her cards continue to fold the distance between us. I remember the dollar bill, the piece of bubblegum, and the joy of love sent through the mail.”
To learn more about the art of making wax seals, be sure to follow along with Kathryn via Instagram and you can shop seals, stationary and more.
Studio Carta
I first learned about Studio Carta through Instagram, and later through the Brookline based brands collaboration with calligrapher Maybelle Imasa-Stukuls. Angela Liguori co-founded the business along with her husband Mohamed Alaeddin in 2004 while living in Michigan, and by 2010 she opened her brick and mortar location in Brookline, Massachusetts (part of Greater Boston).
In April of 2019 I had the opportunity to interview Angela over the phone, and I get so excited when I can hear just how passionate someone is about what they do.
There are so many beautiful items to shop, and last year I picked up a few of their ribbons and the Paris Scissors that I’d had my eyes on.
Read the interview and shop.
Photos via The Tiny Tassel
The Tiny Tassel
“When Mimi received a pair of earrings as a birthday gift from her sister, she was inspired to put her own twist on her earring collection and took to making tassels. Following her undergraduate education at College of Charleston, The Tiny Tassel was born. What started as a creative outlet in the summer of 2015, evolved into a jewelry, clothing and accessories brand based in Charleston, SC. Mimi creates each tassel by-hand and also designs handmade garments with her mom, while her sister helps to design various styles included in the Curated Collection. Inspired by her favorite city, Mimi names each piece after a street name or special place in Charleston. Our collection is made up of bright colors and classic prints, which Mimi hopes will bring joy to others with her statement pieces.”
You can find Mimi at her new location (46 Spring Street Charleston, SC) soon and shop online.
All photos in this post were taken by me unless credited otherwise.
Leave a Reply