Gratitude and Thanksgiving have been the focus this month, and it appears we’re jumping ahead here at Footsteps in Eden Reflexology. Next Monday would be the day of choice for this post. It’s also the last Monday and that can only mean it will also be time for another essential oil post from Connie. I am so excited about the post Connie is preparing on a beautiful oil named Gratitude. So, we’re giving ourselves permission to do that jumping today, encouraging you to support Small Business Saturday — still almost 2 weeks away. Listen close: GRATITUDE and THANKSGIVING are a vital part of Small Business Saturday.
Unique, often handmade, and especially chosen for the individual — those are hallmarks of the things I prefer to gift. Most often the inspiration for these comes from small, local businesses. Special treasures abound in these sometimes “just too well kept secrets.” Customer service and friendliness are also characteristic, because your patronage is greatly appreciated. (That’s the ‘Gratitude and Thanksgiving’ part.) A large portion of dollars spent with these businesses stays in your community. It certainly is providing a living for a local resident, and that is so important today.
Granted, I have more children than adults on my gift list; so, the Big Boxes definitely walk away with a nice chunk of my Christmas fund. It is easy to order online, and I do some of this as well. Remember though, even purchasing from a local Big Box brick and mortar is giving employment to members of our own community. Another option that I love (for the almost inevitable online purchases) is Etsy. I know when I shop there that the purchases are supporting individual business owners like myself. That’s supporting “small business” for sure.
We’re sharing ideas for keeping it local. We’ve listed by general categories and provided website links where available. These businesses are located all over the Memphis area. Thank you for choosing to support small businesses during the Christmas season and all year round.
Children
Cottontails — Unique clothing and shoes for children
Sachi — New, cutting-edge fashions for your hip teen
Knowledge Tree — Best of toys and learning
The Village Toymaker — An old fashioned toy store with lots of fun things for kids
Gift Shops
Southern Whimsy — Eclectic gift assortment both manufactured and handmade from local artisans
Sassafras — Every girl’s favorite things
More Than Words — Germantown’s most unique gifts
On a Whim — Ladies boutique clothing and accessories
Food
Casablanca — Moroccan inspired Mediterranean/Middle Eastern Restaurant. They offer Olive Oil from the Holy Land and specialty tea packaged to take with you.
J Brooks Coffee Roasters — Roasting locally, connecting globally: making an impact in Memphis and around the world
Wolf River Honey — Locally produced 100% pure honey and honey products
Cafe 1912 — Casual Midtown Memphis bistro with an open kitchen featuring a French inspired menu. We recently discovered this one (quite by accident) and love it!
Buckley’s — Casual dining done fine
Pietro Pizza — Offering pizza and more ‘To Go’ or ‘eat in’ — quaint feeling diner atmosphere
Cheesecake Corner — Cheesecake “to die for” They’ve been featured in Southern Living, but no website. This is their Urban Spoon listing.
Arts & Crafts
Bead Couture — Beading supplies and classes
Rainbow Yarns & Fibres — Full-service yarn shop providing fibers, patterns, and supplies for knitting, spinning, and dyeing.
Klassy Katz — Quilting and fabric shop; beautiful selection, sewing items of every description, machines, and classes
Go Girl Art — Take a fun night out with friends, add a little wine…or a lot, throw in some music, paints and canvases and you just may end up with a masterpiece !!
Lifestyle (and hobbies)
Bartlett Performing Art and Conference Center — Word is getting out on this well kept secret in Bartlett with their first class line up of shows
Easy Divers — Scuba instruction and gear, and cruise and leisure travel agency
Fusion Fitness — Helping you reach all your health and fitness goals
4 Winds Aquatics — Full service aquarium store
R.B.’s Cyclery — Local bicycle shop with locations serving Nashville, Franklin, Brentwood, Memphis and Bartlett, TN.
Kate Larkin & Company — Kate’s Spaces is a full-service personal concierge company.
Holliday Flowers — A great find here is “The Flower of the Month” card. You or the blessed recipient of your gift get a fresh bouquet each month of the year for just $45. Guaranteed smiles.
Footsteps In Eden Reflexology — We had to add this one — one of the best relaxations experiences for your gift giving pleasure (or for yourself)
Here are just a few members of our local community and the companies they represent. These companies are national, but offer a very personal local experience. The representatives of these companies are your friends and neighbors. You support them and their families when you choose to shop this way. While these all have home party or demonstration options, you may shop directly through your local rep, from their personal website portal, and most offer gift certificates as well.
Stace’ Harris representing CAbi — Designer clothing at department store prices; wardrobe consultation; personal shopping experience; Gift certificates available
Heidi Joyner representing Thirty-One Gifts — Personalized totes, purses, and accessories; ask about gift certificates
Terry Gaither representing Simply Said — Decorating to your desire with beautiful rub down designs (quotes and decos) to apply to your walls and other items; ask about gift certificates
Connie Scheel representing Young Living Essential Oils — A world of pleasure and health found through aromatherapy. Discover (for yourself or to gift) the essential oils and essential oil products Connie shares about each month.
Our apologies of you are a small business owner that we would love to have featured. Please give us a heads up. We will be doing shout outs on Facebook all during the Christmas season.
