I have always been an entrepreneur at heart. When I was 18 and going to college in Spokane, WA, I started an Etsy shop re-selling vintage clothing as well as my first fashion blog! I would share the photos I took for my shop on the blog. I was inspired by this small consignment boutique in downtown that I loved visiting and from there I started discovering record shops, thrift stores, and other small boutiques. They did not have these kinds of shops in the small farm town I grew up in! I think that’s where my love of small & local businesses began. I love sharing small & local businesses that I visit on my travels or here in my current hometown of Phoenix, AZ on my blog and socials. I like to think it’s my way of giving back and supporting those businesses, especially because I too am a small business owner as a blogger/content creator!

One of the local Phoenix shops I have loved for years is Redemption Market! I first discovered the boutique in The Mercantile of Scottsdale in Old Town Scottsdale on a trip to visit my parents who retired in the area over 5 years ago. The owner Rhonda stocks her shop with beautiful items from ethical brands, many of which give back to amazing causes. I recently picked up this Leah California hat from her shop, this Phoenix grocery bag from Apolis, an all natural perfume roller from Nomad Design Co., the cutest desert keychain from Paper Anchor Co, and a non toxic nail polish from Glam & Grace from her shop. Redemption Market can also be found at the Phoenix Farmers Market every weekend!

It’s so important to support your small, local businesses instead of chain stores whenever you can! The items you will find there are so much more unique and the money you spend makes a bigger impact on your community and the world. I would much rather save up for a unique quality, item at a local shop then on something that isn’t going to last. It makes so much more sense in the long run! Hopefully, I have inspired you guys to shop small & local 😉

XOXO