We’re excited to introduce a new series celebrating locally owned and independent businesses.
There is no question that people often overlook the positive impacts of independent, locally-owned (Indie Local) businesses. The local community that an Indie Local serves may understand these impacts, but those located further away may need to be made aware of these success stories. In future posts, with your help, we will feature a few of the top Indie Locals in the nation. You can nominate your favorite Indie Local by emailing us today.
The Power of Sourcing Local with Swamp Rabbit
From INFRA: In this episode of Common Roots, we chatted with Mary Walsh, Co-Founder of Swamp Rabbit Café and Grocery in Greenville, South Carolina. In 2011, Mary and partner Jac left their jobs to pursue opening a neighborhood grocery dedicated to supporting local...
Neighbors and Friends
From Daniela Fernandez-Ulen, CAMEO Network: I'd like to nominate Kaiy Smith and Hannah Said, owners of Neighbors and Friends in Pasadena, California. Neighbors and Friends is Los Angeles' first build-your-own cheese box bar and community hub, where local artisans come...
Dang Good on Main
From Lia Gallegos, People Places LLC: I’d like to nominate Dang Good on Main, owned and operated by Ashly Dang in downtown New Port Richey, Florida. Ashly consistently goes above and beyond what’s expected of a restaurant owner. Not only has she crafted a stunning...
Built With Purpose, Fortified With Love
From Lutunji’s Palate's website: Lutunji’s Palate is a social enterprise "Built with Purpose; Fortified with Love." Back in 2018, Lutunji met with the Pastor of a historic church in South Minneapolis to discuss launching a Charter School for teen parents she developed...
The Good for Supply Chain Award: Madison Closet and Farms
From People First Economy (MI): This year, People First Economy is excited to honor Miss Kim’s Jams/Madison Closet and Farms with The Good For Supply Chain Award! This award is born from our collaboration with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and Pure...
Kindred Indie Locals
From The Keene Sentinel (NH): Linda Smith Davis of Greenfield, creator of the New England Fine Living lifestyle brand, is used to hearing from her fans — whom she calls her “kindred spirits” — but just before Thanksgiving 2023, she was surprised to get a package in...
Myti: More Than Just an Amazon Rival
From Seven Days (VT): When Bill Calfee announced in 2020 that he was creating a local alternative to Amazon, he faced a healthy dose of skepticism. Having no prior experience working in the tech sector, Calfee planned to take on the world’s fifth-largest company,...
French Broad Chocolate: A Sense of Place
From Chocolate Noise: In 2003, Jael Rattigan was standing in her kitchen, making a recipe from Alice Medrich’s cookbook Bittersweet, when she felt a strange tingling in her hands. “I looked at them and saw they were covered in chocolate,” she remembered. “And I said...
Sunshine Award Winner: The Penguin Gallery
From Souvenirs, Gifts & Novelties (SGN) magazine: In the quaint New Hampshire village of North Conway, The Penguin Gallery has been offering unique gifts in the community for over 50 years. “We’re that destination of: If you don’t know what you want to get...
Farm to Fingers: A Rising Star
From Local First (CO): Farm to Fingers is a full-service catering company that works with local farmers and small businesses to integrate their ethically produced goods into grazing boards and catered meals. The company began as a small operation, primarily making...