i thought about creating the typical blogger gift guide, but said “nah. we can do something better.” this holiday season, it’s all about celebrating your power as a woman and making an investment where it counts.
if you’re anything like me, you celebrated the #metoo movement started by tarana burke, watched the kavanaugh hearings in disgust and wondered, “so what’s next?” we might not all be able to march with picket signs or become full-time activists, but we can do something just as important.
our wallets can be as powerful as our voices, and 12 days of christmas, my first holiday campaign, speaks to this important fact. from december 3-14th, i’ll be spotlighting women-owned businesses that i love with recommendations for your holiday gifts.
why?
according to the institute for women’s policy research, women owned businesses are growing, but are still too rare. women own only 20 percent of businesses that have employees and have much less access to capital. not surprising, this gap only grows for women of color. we own less than 25 percent of all women-owned businesses (compared to the almost 75 percent owned by white women).
being the change we want to see in the world often starts with our spending. 12 days of christmas is all about learning why each brand is special and spending with a purpose.
check out my favorite women-owned brands below!
- lauren hb studio: beautiful handmade and small batch ceramics including ring mountains perfect for storing your jewelry. the founder, lauren, crosses boundaries between functional ceramics, design and sculpture.
- free maiden: my favorite jewelry designer specializing in unique and timeless pieces. rashana’s earrings and cuffs are my absolute favorites, and the nia hoops would be a great holiday gift for your sister or mom.
- osea: green beauty isn’t just a trend, it’s a movement. osea’s at the forefront with their skin and body care products that are 100% natural. the brand’s founder, jenefer palmer, studied various holistic healing modalities before starting osea and comes from a long line of healers. their body exfoliation set is the perfect holiday gift for the person who loves skincare.
- nubian hueman: the epicenter of black culture in washington, d.c., nubian hueman is more than a clothing boutique. issa vibe. clothes, shoes, tea, books and more — nubian has it all. the owner anika hobbs has created a hub for creators of color. their handmade leather loafers would be my top choice for anyone who loves art and culture.
- tribe healer: tribe healer has been in high demand from the moment their tees and sweatshirts hit the scene. founded by kendra dean johnson, the brand speaks to the heart of creatives, and well, healers. your artsy niece, nephew or partner would love tribe healer sweatshirts this holiday season.
- alx community: a co-working space in old town, alexandria perfect for teleworking, small business owners and freelancers. i stumbled into this lovely space one day and swear the environment alone boosts my creativity and productivity. owner kelly grant isn’t just focused on creating co-working space though. she’s focused on building a true community. grab a day pass to alx community for a friend who’s been itching to start new business.
- d/eleven: there aren’t many clothing boutiques in the d.c. metro area that carry contemporary pieces you can wear from work to weekend. d/eleven is in a league of its own and stock some of the best designers, like amur, from across the globe. their accessories and sweaters would be perfect gifts for your stylish friend.
follow 12 days of christmas on social media to learn more about each business and enter a chance to win a huge gift box with featured products! all you have to do is follow @politicsandfshn and the brand on instagram, like each picture and leave a comment under your favorite item.
stay tuned and happy holidays!