The autumn season is well underway and it’s a time of transition in many ways.  The leaves turn colors, preparing for end of year finances, budgeting for the holidays, and overall reflecting on our past and future goals.

Black Friday and Cyber Monday campaigns descend in blitz mode especially here in the U.S. almost as a nature calling of the impending holiday season.  Small Business Saturday has carved out its own little niche as a gentle reminder that sometimes less is more.  More and more, we are recognizing the importance of shopping small as a show of support but also adding meaning to well intentioned thought and effort of gift giving.  What do we mean by that?  Well connecting is part of the human experience.  Connecting with our neighbors, our community, and family makes us feel good, right?  At least it’s supposed to.  When we practice uplifting the important people in our lives, we uplift ourselves.  

The past few years, The Spot Magazine has met many business owners that are creating livelihoods to provide everyday experiences.  By creating experiences, they are creating joy not only for themselves but for others.  That’s why we put together a list of small business owners who are creating this type of joy that is unique and special.  More importantly, they are part of our beloved community working hard to bring all of those qualities to you.

Field and Flock Lavender Farm

We visited Field and Flock Lavender Farm in Woodstown, NJ and we instantly fell in love with the farm.  Lavender season is on full display during the months of July and August but owners, George and Kimberly, work year round providing high quality lavender products.  Products are sold right in their farm location but it is a worthwhile experience to pick up hand crafted gifts surely delighting recipients…or yourself for that matter.  My personal favorites are the luxurious body cream and cocoa powder! https://thespotmagazine.com/?s=field+and+flock

Care Package Bakes

Care Package Bakes was founded by home baker, Elisa Ludwig.  We visited her home and received a warm welcome.  An author and writer, Elisa created a unique concept by transforming her passion for baking into a small batch baking business.  Her assorted baked treats are the perfect bite size melt in your mouth bits of heaven.  What is especially unique is that Elisa incorporates seasonal ingredients and combinations of flavors that compliment the season or simply create something entirely new.  No matter what you choose out of the box, your senses will surely thank you. https://thespotmagazine.com/?s=care+package

Morning Glori Farmette

The Spot Magazine visited the farm and we met Angela who shared a little of her story on how she and husband Brian, began the farm.  She now has a growing brood and the farm enjoys many activities and events for kids and adults alike.  Why not sponsor an alpaca?  Cuties like Willow, Hershey, and Maribelle will steal your heart but you’ll never be too far away.  You can find so many personalized gifts in stuffed animals, mittens, scarves, hats and so much more.  Items made from  the very best alpaca wool are sustainable and support not only the farm but the surrounding community.  A must add on your checklist! https://thespotmagazine.com/?s=morning+gl

Multi Media Audio

We met and spoke to Megan Negron Dalton, co-owner, of audio engineering company, Multi Media Audio.  We loved featuring Megan and how she is breaking barriers in the audio space.  Why this would make this a great gift?  One of the features of Multi Media Audio,in addition to providing audio engineering services for music and film, is that they are heavily involved in all forms of audio content.  Want to start a podcast?  Megan has you covered.  Do you want to uplevel your content creation?  Multi Media Audio can certainly help you out with that.  If we have a loved one who is trying to break in the biz, sometimes a little extra help can go a long way.  A session or consultation is a great gift for helping a loved one get one step closer to realizing their dreams.  https://thespotmagazine.com/?s=multi+media

Adore Redecor

Jennifer Armstrong has a passion for upcycling antique furniture.  So much so that when she left the corporate world, Jennifer turned her hobby into a local enterprise.  You can find Jennifer on Instagram under Adore Redecor.  What we love about Jennifer is that she offers a unique service in refinishing and upcycling quality furniture, but offers an array of inside knowledge and tips on antique shopping and DIY projects.  All you have to do is look around and rather than throwing out good quality furniture or dinnerware passed down from previous generations, give those prized possessions new life.  Jennifer can help you do that or give valuable insight about vintage shopping for one of a kind gifts that have history and a story to tell.  https://thespotmagazine.com/?s=adore+redecor

Botanically Blurred

Have you ever thought of having your own house or commercial plant stylist?  We found one in Alexa Fornicola.  Alexa is founder of Botanically Blurred, a commercial and residential plant design and maintenance company.  Alexa’s super power is taking in several factors such as your space, lifestyle, and personality to combine these ingredients and voilá!  Sounds simple but Alexa has a gift in curating your space into an oasis that is an extension of you.  You and your own unique beautiful self.  Looking for a sentimental housewarming gift?  Give the gift of plants and an actual designer to come with it!  https://thespotmagazine.com/?s=botanically+blurred

Regardless of how and where you shop, if you take a moment and see all the wonderful small businesses around you, there is nothing like picking up a gift that gives a sense of comfort, warmth, friendship, or love like giving something that is unique, memorable, and a story that is uniquely and lovable you.