Small Biz Love: My Favorite Creative Businesses You Should Totally Support
Need something for Valentine's day, well running a small handmade business means I get to connect with other magical, chaotic, ridiculously talented humans who are out here turning dreams into products—and it is chef’s kiss inspiring.
Here are some of my absolute favorite small businesses I’ve either bought from, admired from afar (👀), or just want the whole world to know about. Go browse them. Support them. Throw your dollars at them like flower petals. 💸🌸
🕯️ 1. Edgewater Candles – Handmade Candles That Smell Like Warm Memories
What they make: Hand-poured soy candles with scents like "Cedar Lavender " and "Cannabis Vetiver"
Why I love them: They are local to my neighborhood, packaging is quirky, they are passionate about their scents, and they remind me to breathe deeply—even if I’m covered in clay.
➡️Shop Edgewater Candles
🧶2. Comfortably Queer - Cozy, Queer Made with ❤️
What they make: from soft crochet stuffies and wearable crochet pieces to delightful sensory toys and quirky handcrafted finds, they make comfort weird, joyful, and stylish. Every piece handmade and full of personality by Stephanie (she/her). It’s the kind of small business that makes you want to slow down, touch something soft, and smile.
Why I love them: they make cozy, tactile goodies that feel like a warm hug for your senses. I love my three plushies purchased from them - cat, bat and Axolotl!
➡️ Follow them on Instagram: @comfortably_queer
🎨3. Nicklin Heap Name Here] – Surreal Art with Soul
What they make: Nicklin Heap is a multidisciplinary artist and educator creating bold, surreal artwork through their project Real Surreal. Their pieces span vibrant prints, wearable art, and visual storytelling that explores identity, culture, and the subconscious.
Why I love them: Nicklin’s work always makes me feel something—it’s beautifully weird and deeply thoughtful in the best way. Every piece invites you to slow down, look closer, and connect with something bigger. Plus, they’re a passionate advocate and educator, making the art world more accessible and inclusive.
➡️ Explore their work and follow @nicklinheap on Instagram!
🎨 4. Paper Bunny Press – Stickers, Coloring Books, Art Prints &
What they make: Stickers, magnets, cards, coloring books, note pads, and art prints & more all celebrating mental health, identity, and messy magic
Why I love them: Their work feels like a warm blanket of validation. I put their stickers on my mobile toolbox and they make me smile daily.
➡️ Shop Paper Bunny Press
💛5. MDillon Designs – Gifts That Celebrate Identity
What they make: Personalized apparel, gifts, & a podcast that centers on Black joy, self-love, and positive representation for kids and families.
Why I love them: Their podcast & designs radiate empowerment. Everything they make helps people feel seen, celebrated, and uplifted—exactly what gifting should do.
➡️ Explore their website or listen to her podcast
🐾6. The Catcade - A Cozy Cat Rescue and Lounge in Chicago
What they do: The Catcade is a nonprofit cat rescue and lounge in Chicago where adoptable cats roam freely in a comfy, arcade‑themed space instead of cages. Guests can book time to hang out with cats, play retro arcade games, and even bring laptops to work alongside feline friends — all while supporting their mission.
Why I love them: This place blends comfort, play, and purpose in the sweetest way. It’s not just a cat café — it’s a rescue sanctuary that gives cats a safe, loving environment and helps them find forever homes. Spending time there feels like therapy with whiskers and supporting their work makes a real difference in the lives of animals who need love and care.
➡️ Visit their site: https://www.thecatcade.org/
💌 7. Add Yours! – Got More Faves? Let Me Know!
This is just the start. There are so many small biz gems out there. Want me to do a seasonal spotlight? A local Chicago edition? A market vendor roundup?
Let me know who I should check out next—especially if they’re queer, neurodivergent, BIPOC, or crafting from a place of weird joy and authenticity.
🎁 Want to Shop Handmade?
If you’re in the mood for something colorful, quirky, and made with clay-covered hands and a neurodivergent brain, you can always visit my lil’ shop too.
📣 P.S. Are YOU a small biz?
Comment below or send me your info! I might just feature you next. We rise by lifting each other up. 🥳