Why Supporting Small, Minority, and Women-Owned Businesses Matters: A Guide to Ethical Shopping

As an artist and small business owner, this is a topic that I’m deeply passionate about!

Prioritizing shopping from small businesses—especially when it comes to handmade products and art—is one of the most impactful choices you can make as a consumer. When you invest in independent artists and small businesses, you’re not just purchasing a product; you’re supporting someone’s dreams. It’s far more meaningful than buying mass-produced goods from large corporations, and it’s a great way to support your local economy while helping to increase minority communities’ wealth.

How Shopping Small Supports Communities and Ethical Consumerism

Unique and Personalized Shopping Experience

I enjoy browsing Target decor as much as the next person, but let’s be honest—it’s all the same. There’s nothing truly unique or intimate about another mass-produced planter or generic wall hanging.

When you shop from small artists and creators, you’re getting more than just a product—you’re investing in someone’s passion and purpose. For me, making art is exactly that—my purpose—and every piece I create is infused with meaning and intention. I love sharing the inspiration and stories behind my work on Instagram, and I know many other artists do the same.

The ultimate goal of creating and sharing art is human connection. When you buy from local artists or creative entrepreneurs, you’re receiving something deeply personal and one-of-a-kind. You can be confident that a lot of love and thought went into the product. This makes gift-giving especially meaningful—you’re much more likely to find something truly special that resonates with your loved ones.

Ethical Shopping: Avoiding Mass-Produced and Exploitative Goods

We all know that big corporations don’t always uphold ethical business practices. Many mass-produced goods are made in factories with poor working conditions, unfair wages, and sometimes even exploitative labor practices.

Last year, as part of my own commitment to ethical spending, I canceled my Amazon Prime subscription. I’ll admit, I was a bit worried—it was so convenient! But I’ve learned that convenience can be kryptonite to growth. Choosing to shop more mindfully has not only made me feel better about where my money is going, but it’s also helped me break free from the cycle of mindless consumerism.

Many small businesses today prioritize ethical and eco-conscious practices, using sustainable materials and reducing waste. When you shop small, you’re making a more mindful choice that aligns with your values. Plus, it’s easy to get to know the people behind the brand, so you can shop with confidence, knowing exactly who you’re supporting.

Empowering Minority-Owned Businesses and Closing the Wealth Gap

Speaking of the faces behind the brands, women, Black entrepreneurs, LGBTQ+ creatives, and other minority business owners face unique challenges in the business world. It’s not a lack of talent or ambition—far from it! Structural barriers like limited access to capital, fewer mentorship opportunities, and consumer preference for cheaper mass-produced goods make it harder for minority-owned businesses to thrive.

According to the 2019 Annual Business Survey, only 19.9% of all businesses are owned by women, and just 18.3% are minority-owned. There are only 124,000 Black-owned businesses in the U.S., and that number needs to grow!

Now consider that these stats are from before the pandemic. Today, there are 37.5% fewer small businesses than in January 2020, making it more critical than ever to support local and minority-owned businesses.

Larger companies often funnel profits to a select few at the top, while investing in minority businesses helps create wealth within underrepresented communities. Their success leads to more jobs, financial stability for their families, and greater representation for future generations.

Best Small Businesses to Support: Women and Minority-Owned Brands

There are so many amazing small businesses, especially those owned by women and minorities, that deserve your support. If you’re looking to shop small this holiday season, I wrote a whole blog on my favorite small businesses last year, which you can read here, but here are a few others you should check out:

• Liv & Dom - ceramic artists and twin sister duo that create decorative nude pieces that celebrate the female figure. I absolutely LOVE my incense holder.
  Woman-owned.

• Kristina Micotti - goofy and playful animal illustrations that are sure to make you laugh on goods from glassware to scarves to custom pet portraits. I always get compliments on the bright yellow dog beanie that I got last year.
  Woman-owned, minority-owned.

• Sonya Renee Taylor - Best selling author of The Body is Not an Apology and spoken word poet. You won’t catch her on IG anymore, but you can join her community and support her work on Patreon.
  Black-owned, woman-owned, queer-owned, social change maker.

• Rukmini Poddar - artist and emotional wellness educator with products like illustrative emotion art prints and Obscure Emotions Deck of Cards.
  Woman-owned, minority-owned.

• Lil Chotchke - whimsical ceramic creatures by artist Li Sha Tan. Her pieces are hard to catch and sell out quickly! I haven’t yet been able to snag one of her pieces yet but been eyeing them for a while.
  Woman-owned, minority-owned.

• L.O.M. Fashion - self described as luxury party wear for the bold and eccentric designed by Louise Mahoney. I’m currently counting down the days till my package comes in! (Update: I get endless compliments everytime I wear a L.O.M. piece)
  Woman-owned.

• Gentle Thrills - more quirky animal art products by LA artist Isa Beniston. 
  Woman-owned.

• Timothy Goodman - NY muralist and designer whose typographic art speaks openly and vulnerably about feelings, mental health and therapy. I wear my “Caring About People is Dope as Hell” shirt with so much pride! It was only available during his gallery show this fall, but here’s a print of the piece.
  Social change maker.

• Rachel Burke - Australian artist known for her totally inspiring, always magical, crafty creations from tinsel jackets to light up “feelings” headbands to pipe cleaner tiaras. Woman-owned.

• Morgan Harper Nichols - I love sharing her watercolor poems on my story! Bring her uplifting messages into your life with products from Garden24 and preorder her new book coming out in February.
  Black-owned, woman-owned.

• Adam JK - More typographic feelings. Check out his Unsolicited Advice Weekly Planner. Queer owned.

And of course, I’d love for you to check out my shop as well!

Whether you’re looking for a unique art piece to elevate your space or a meaningful gift for a loved one, I hope you find something that truly speaks to you.

Let’s continue to invest in small businesses, support minority entrepreneurs, and shop with intention—because every purchase has the power to make a difference!