Supporting small business is something that I’ve always been passionate about. Not only do small local establishments have amazing, handcrafted, one-of-a-kind products and services, but the stories and faces behind these businesses are even more captivating. In the Fall of 2020, I started this series to feature some of the small businesses I’ve visited, showing their unique offerings, products and stories. It is so important that we support small businesses now more than ever. So, if you’re looking for a new place to enjoy with friends and family, a new product to try or a new service for an upcoming event, I encourage you to check out one of these small businesses.
Abby Kirkman Quilts
Growing up my Grandmother and Great Aunt used to make my brother and I scarves, hats, mittens, and blankets. So when I came across this next small business that specializes in quilting, it reminded me so much of these items that I now have for my family. Abby Kirkman’s quilts are beautiful, colorful, and can…
Champé Handcrafted Berkshire Bubbly
I love finding a refreshing and tasty drink for the summer. This next small business created one on the heels of the canned seltzer boom. DJ and Brody DiBuono set out to make a canned champagne cocktail that people could enjoy with friends, family, at the beach, on a rooftop, at a BBQ, etc., and…
Katie Stack Illustrates
I’m a card person. I like to give them and receive them. It’s the one thing I request I receive on my birthday, anniversary, holiday, etc. from my Husband because it’s so personal and thoughtful. So, when I was referred to this next small business I was absolutely thrilled. Katie, the talented illustrator behind Katie…
Hudson Valley Skin Care
For the holiday’s I was gifted a basket of small business items from the Hudson Valley in New York. If you know me, you know this gift was completely up my alley. In the basket I received skin care products including lip balm, room spray and soap. I was impressed with all of the items…
Catskill Mountain Woodworking
Who doesn’t appreciate and love a quality made cutting board and charcuterie board that they can add to their kitchen? I know I do! This next company has the most beautiful handcrafted selection of wood cutting boards and charcuterie boards. Everyone I know who has one, including myself, LOVES theirs. What’s even better is that…
Bramble Grove Boutique, Inc.
You all know how much I love florals and jewelry, so this next company caught my eye immediately. Jolinda makes the most beautiful handmade botanical products, ranging from earrings, to bookmarks, to car coasters. Everything is hand pressed and created out of her shop in Ballston Spa. Not only are all the items in her…
LippyClip
I don’t go anywhere without my chapstick. It also takes me longer than it should to find my chapstick at the bottom of my purse every time I want it. When I found this next company, I was so excited because I had found a solution to my chapstick searching problem! Not only does LippyClip…
Small Business Spotlight: Hudson Valley Apparel
I’m a sucker for any type of apparel that represents New York, my area, and my hometown. This next small business was created by someone who also felt that their area was so unique and beautiful, why not show it off to the world? What started as a vision in 2020 quickly turned into a…
Small Business Spotlight: Sweet Sprig
The first time I came across Sweet Sprig I couldn’t get over how beautiful the products were. Soon after, I realized that all of the products were handmade using only plant-based ingredients from one extremely skilled individual. Leah is a true talent and makes the most beautiful bars of soap I have ever seen, as…
Small Business Spotlight: Grounded Matters
My skin and hair are two things that I make sure I take care of, so this next company was right up my ally with their products and their mission. Their chapstick is my favorite product, it’s seriously SO amazing! Grounded Matters is a sustainable skin and hair product company located in Albany, NY. It…
Small Business Spotlight: Good Dog Grooming & Barkery
Our pets are a part of our family, so we always want to give them the best of the best. This next small business not only offers a grooming service for your pet, but also the cutest cookies that I’m sure your pet will find absolutely delicious. I mean, who doesn’t love a good cookie?…
Small Business Spotlight: Compas Life Apparel
Whenever someone asks me where I’m from when I’m traveling, my response is always “New York…Upstate New York”. Us upstaters are pretty proud of where we’re from, so we generally have no hesitations in letting people know we’re from upstate. This is why I love this next apparel company and their signature Upstate of Mind…
Small Business Spotlight: JoyBox USA
Who doesn’t love getting a gift from someone because of a milestone, new endeavor, because someone was thinking of you, or just because? I know I do! This next small business was created by a woman who’s initial goal was to help small businesses and support front line workers through fundraising. Now, it’s a company…
Small Business Spotlight: Rise and Pine Candle Co.
I LOVE candles. I love the way they make a room smell and feel. I love to curl up on the couch to a good movie or tv show with a candle flickering in the background. So, when I found out my co-worker started making her own candles with really fun names as a side…
Small Business Spotlight: Casale Gals
When you find good quality apparel with fun and trendy designs, and it is also a local small business, I’ll call that a win. This next company was created by two sisters and their mother as a fun creative outlet and has quickly grown into a popular apparel company within the Capital Region. From local…
Small Business Spotlight: MW Neighborhoods
I love all things Upstate NY. Why? Because I’m a proud New Yorker and Upstate is where my roots are! This next small business owner created his own designs based around Upstate New York and popular regions in the Capital Region and applied them to posters, apparel, drink ware, etc. Originally you could only find…
Small Business Spotlight: Hot Crispy Oil
There’s a new hot condiment on the shelves in the Capital Region and it is quickly spreading like wildfire. Hot Crispy Oil, an Albany-based company, was created out of co-founder John Trimble’s family restaurant that had to recently closed due to the pandemic. Hot Crispy Oil’s unique recipe of blended extra virgin olive oil, fresh…
A Weekend in Utica, NY
Utica, NY is known for their tomato pie, greens, black and white cookies and chicken riggies. They don’t mess around when it comes to food staples (my personal fav is tomato pie – SO good). This wasn’t my time visiting Utica, so I ventured to a few local establishments that I hadn’t yet checked out.…
Small Business Spotlight: SPRINKLE ROBOT
I am not a baker by any means, so when I came across this next small business I was completely in awe. Melissa Cacha, a classically trained pastry chef and owner of SPRINKLE ROBOT, makes royal icing pieces to sprinkle onto your cookies, cakes or cupcakes. Her sprinkles are handmade out of her house in…
Small Business Spotlight: Turnquist Collective
I love photography. I love how one single lens can capture a memory that will last a lifetime. So, this week I’m featuring the husband and wife wedding photography and videography duo behind the talented company, Turnquist Collective. Their work is stunning, they have captured some of my friends most special moments, and they are…
Small Business Spotlight: Flying Eye Press
Since launching Small Town Sunday, I’ve focused primarily on small businesses within the food and beverage industry. The reality is that there are so many amazing small businesses that are also in the industries of retail, health, beauty, events and beyond. This is why this week I’m featuring a local silkscreen printer who makes custom…
2020 Small Town Sunday Roundup
2020 was a year that tested all of us. We went through situations that we could have never dreamed of. We were forced to change and adapt to survive. We also showed compassion, went the extra mile to support our communities and paid it forward where and when we could. Small businesses are one of…
Michella Hand 