9 Businesses to Know About for Small Business Saturday

The thing that fulfills me the most as a business owner (besides taking the tedious task of gifting completely off of our clients' shoulders from design to delivery) is getting the chance to know and work with the small business owners who create the goods that make up our gift sets! We very intentionally select contents for our gifts that are created by artisan makers so when you purchase a curated gift box from M&G, you're not only supporting us as a woman-owned small business, but you're also supporting countless other small businesses at the same time! We love supporting fellow small business owners, especially amidst all the challenges of keeping their businesses afloat during Covid, and so there's no better time to give these hard working entrepreneurs some extra love than on Small Business Saturday!

This is if the fourth year we've done this kind of tribute and it's always so hard to compile the list since there are so many we'd love to recognize. But without further adieu, here are nine businesses you should know for 2020...

BARZ SOAP

Barz Soap is a perfect example of a business born out of Covid hardship. Some say that a pandemic is a terrible time to start a business but George and Victoria, owners and founders of Barz Soap, are here to prove these naysayers wrong! I was first referred to George and Victoria earlier this year from an industry friend who suggested to me that their soaps might be a good fit for our curated gift boxes. I took a quick look and was blown away! We received samples shortly thereafter and was blown away even more! The quality of the soaps, the clean and un-fussy packaging, and the fact that they had JUST started the business just a month or two prior and were SO far along in their product development, I knew they'd be a good fit for us. We worked them into our new spring/summer collection that would be launching soon and the rest is history!

Now let's hear from the owners...

Business name and a brief explanation of what you do! 

Our business name is Barz Soap and we provide handmade & natural soaps. 

How did you get into your business?

We got into our business when my wife Victoria got laid off because of Covid. She was a assistant human resources director on a big hotel company near capitol hill in Washington DC. So we need to find a way to supplement the lost of her income. With Covid every was closed the only thing open was the internet and online shopping. I have always been in love with natural soaps and was inspired by a Brazilian company called Natura thats sells eco inspired beauty products. Understanding how important it was to wash our hands even more than ever and showering seemed like it was the best part of the day when you are stuck in the house quarantined. I told my wife we should sell soaps online. So we started Barz Soap.

What makes your business unique?

We believe is that we are small and we can connect with people as a business but seeing them as people not numbers. There is beauty in making connections though a good quality product such as our soaps.

What do you like most about being a small business owner?

The process. Appreciating the process with the believe that you know you will continue to grow because you know your product is good and that you control even bit of the process big or small.

What challenges do you face as a small business owner?

The biggest challenge as small business owners is exposure. Exposure to the people who love your product. Exposure to the right people that will point you in the right direction. Exposure to people who genuinely support and encourage you. 

Is there anything you want our audience to know about you or your business? 

The quality of our soaps! There is a saying that we recently came across and it goes like this: “Quality, quality, quality: never waver from it, even when you don't see how you can afford to keep it up. When you compromise, you become a commodity and then you die.”

We believe if we stop caring about quality the business becomes like the status quo instead of being unique. So to your audience, we would say that Barz Soap provides handmade luxury. -George & Victoria 

BLACK WEALTH FINANCIAL

We first met Jamiliah McCluney, owner and founder of Black Wealth Financial, when she reached out to us to create custom, on-brand gift boxes to send to her a clients. Upon meeting Jamilah over a zoom call, it was instantly apparent why she's so successful! She's an incredible listener. She cares deeply about delivering results to her clients. And she's insanely smart and backs those smarts up with hard work. Key ingredients to being a successful business owner! On one of our calls, she shared with me a video compilation her friends made for her to honor her 40th birthday (since it was spent in quarantine and she couldn't have a party). Some of the tributes sent in were from her clients and one of them in particular brought me to tears. It was a single mom (and her daughter) explaining how she was able to buy her first home, achieve financial stability, and set a good example for her young daughter solely because of Jamilah and their work together. Jamilah literally helps change people's lives. It isn't just a business to her. It's her life's work. 

I could go on and on about why we we're so honored to have Jamilah as a client but it's time to hear from Jamilah in her own words...

Business name and a brief explanation of what you do!

Black Wealth Financial. I help to empower and improve the lives of young professionals struggling with debt and financial anxieties; through financial planning, education, and guidance. 

How did you get into your business?

After making horrible financial decisions and unfortunately living the consequences of those decisions, I realized I had no successful money templates or tools to pull from. I realized other people may be in the same position and since I’ve always wanted to help people, I put that desire to use and created a company to provide a blueprint for others to follow and repair their financial damages and/or stop them before they start.  

What makes your business unique?

I’m actively involved in every financial aspect and decision that my clients might face. I operate my business as a financial coach but more like a personal trainer as I hold my clients accountable and check on them and their progress, daily. I’m not just primarily concerned with rates of returns, but I first start with the financial foundation to ensure it’s strong. I am someone who has experienced the various levels of the socio-economic spectrum, so I bring a very personal knowledge and approach to meet my clients exactly where they are.  

What do you like most about being a small business owner?

I love the freedom being a small business owner provides me and the opportunities I encounter to help and change lives!

What challenges do you face as a small business owner?

As a small business owner, I wear many hats and that can be overwhelming at times. I’m sometimes the marketing person, the graphic designer, the admin., and the financial coach. Finding the proper way to tell my message and how I could help was difficult in the beginning and what works in marketing seems to be ever changing. 

Is there anything you want our audience to know about you or your business? 

I have a YouTube channel where I give free financial advice HERE  My clients are all over the United States and I’m always accessible via phone, text, or email. I love all things money, so much so that I sleep in money pajamas and my dog’s name is “Cash Money”.

FIG 2 DESIGN

 Images: Elizabeth Fogarty Photography

Not only is Claudia Smith a talented graphic designer but she absolutely positively knows how to run a business a deliver a stellar client experience from start to finish! A couple of years ago, we decided to begin private labeling some of the products that go in our curated gift sets. I knew I wanted a clean, modern look and so we sought out Claudia to design the packaging and also do an overall up-leveling on all of our branded materials at the same time. She listed very carefully to our vision and then systematically knocked it out of the park through every single stage of the project. What should've been a daunting process felt completely manageable. She wasn't afraid to offer her honest opinion even when it differed from mine and as a result, we ended up with packaging that was beyond my wildest dreams! And I'm sure we're not the only small business who feels this way about their results. In addition to branding and packaging design for businesses, Claudia also design luxury stationery suites for weddings!

Time to hear from Claudia in her own words...

Business name and a brief explanation of what you do! 

Fig. 2 Design is a boutique stationery and graphic design studio, specializing in branding, packaging, and graphic design services for women-owned small businesses looking to elevate their brand. 

How did you get into your business? 

I’m trained as a graphic designer and have been doing this for years. Design has always been my passion and I truly love to help others. I left my job as an Art Director at a local design firm with the goal to learn more about running a business and gain more experience with regards to building client relationships. At first, I planned to just have some freelance work. Two years later, I was convinced by a local high end bridal boutique to design a line of wedding invitations, which then led me to design a line of wholesale goods (greeting cards, boxed sets, gift wrap, etc.) which I sold to stores around the world for a number of years. At one point, I realized I had drifted away from my love of working with clients and designing for them so I closed the wholesale and online shop, and got back to what I do best: branding, packaging, and graphic design services. 

What makes your business unique? 

I design for my clients, not for my portfolio. I like to say that I create legacy brands for a lasting impression because while I really take the time to get to know clients and learn about their goals. Sometimes that leads to helping them realize what they really need is not what they they originally came to me for. Other times it leads to a small project that them becomes much larger as trust and partnership is built along the way. I want clients to feel they are in good hands, that they can trust me, and that their investment is worth every cent.

What do you like most about being a small business owner? 

I love that I’ve met so many other small business owners. I love that I get to support them by hiring them to help with a project for some of my clients. Whether it’s a calligrapher for a wedding suite, a printer with specialty printing capabilities, or a product company that will serve the packaging needs for a branding client, I love supporting and getting to know others. 

What challenges do you face as a small business owner? 

I think the biggest challenge I face is wearing all the hats. Contracts, accounting, graphics, marketing, packaging, technology, email… everything! It’s a lot to juggle at times and I admit there have been days (especially recently) where I would really rather just stay in my pajamas and watch movies all day while eating cookies because it can be overwhelming. But the great relationships I have formed with other small business owners who understand what this has been like has been such a blessing. They get it and we can share and vent and drink wine together. LOL! 

Is there anything you want our audience to know about you or your business? 

I’m one of those people that truly believes that everything should be tailored with care and wrapping gifts is no exception. This has been a tough year for everyone and with so many families not being able to unite for the holidays, I hope people will package their gifts with extra love so I’m excited to say that I will be re-opening the online shop for a limited time before the holidays! I’ll only be selling gift wrap, but each order will also get a little freebie to match! https://www.fig2design.com/shop

FRÈRES BRANCHIAUX

We were thrilled to discover Frères Branchiaux earlier this year! They are local to us in the DC area, family owned and operated, and produce gorgeous and high-quality candles. They've been a part of some of our most high profile projects including G7 summit gifts on behalf of the House of Representatives, personal 'thank you' gifts we designed for Barack Obama to send to those who helped him publish his recent book, and and several others. They're responsive, deliver to us in-person, and always come through for us. While we only started working together in 2020, we look forward to many more projects to come!

Let's hear from the three brothers who own the business alongside their parents...

Business name and a brief explanation of what you do! 

Frères Branchiaux Candle Co. is an award-winning artisanal candle company based in the Washington, DC Metro area. 

All of our candles are made using domestically grown soy wax blend, cotton core wicks, fine fragrance oils, and apothecary inspired packaging. The small-batch creations are made of the finest ingredients, including clean burning wax and keenly combined fragrance oils. Our candle jars are finished off with a simple kraft label and black lid.   

How did you get into your business? 

We are three brothers, Collin (14), Ryan (12), and Austin Gill (9) created and manage our growing company. In October 2017, we wanted more allowance to purchase video games. Our mom told us that we had maxed out our toy allowance and to either "get a job or start a business" if we wanted more money. We decided to start a business! Mom attended a candle-making workshop and then taught us how to make candles at home. We now combine our own scents with the finest fragrance oils, hand pour each candle in small batches, and have even added accessories such as room sprays and diffusers. 

What makes your business unique?

As well as earning money, we donate 10% of our profits to area DC homeless shelters. In 2019, we donated close to $10,000 to help house, feed, educate and provide mental health services for those who are battling homelessness and/or transitioning from homelessness. As a result we, affectionately known as "The Candle Boys," have been featured in the Washington Post, Good Morning America, CBS Evening News, Black Enterprise, Ebony and numerous media outlets. We have also been awarded the the DC Chamber of Commerce Youth Entrepreneur of the Year award, Role Model Award, Best of DC, Youth who Make a Difference Award, and Excel Youth Mentoring Youth Entrepreneur of the Year finalist. 

What do you like most about being a small business owner? 

We get to know our customers, we have room to expand, and we feel like we are part of the community.

What challenges do you face as a small business owner?

Capital for expansion, it is hard to hire during COVID-19, and we have to be very creative in marketing to be seen.

Is there anything you want our audience to know about you or your business? 

Don’t know which scent to sample? The best way to try our candles is by trying our bundles! https://freresbranchiaux.com/collections/candle-bundles

KINDRED HOME

Brianna, the owner and founder of Kindred Home, and I go way back. I began ordering from her for Marigold & Grey gift box designs even before Brianna rebranded and became Kindred Home. For those of you who have been with us since the beginning, you may recall Sunny & Lo candles in some of our early gift designs - these were actually Brianna's candles! Anyway, as Marigold & Grey has grown and evolved, Kindred Home Market has as well and we're so proud to be in partnership with Brianna. She works tirelessly to fill our large scale orders all while innovating and constantly making sure that her packaging and scents are the best they can be! And speaking of her scents, they're truly some of the best around.

Let's hear from Brianna in her own words...

Business name and a brief explanation of what you do!

Kindred Home is a small batch candle studio and lifestyle brand. I started Kindred Home back in 2014 out of the kitchen in my San Diego apartment. I am often asked how this business came to be and the truth is that it happened very organically. The journey began when I left my job in the nonprofit world with a vision to start a company of my own. I grew up on construction sites and in my parents' offices, and a part of me always knew that one day I'd start a business that expressed my love of home and the things that connect us. Since 2014 we have launched a host of additional lifestyle products yet our candles are still the cornerstone of the Kindred brand. Each candle is hand-poured in our studio in Rochester, New York. We use 100% soy wax blended in small batches with clean fragrance oils and natural wicks for a cozy, ethereal glow. We are proud to make a product that is beautiful, sustainable, and 100% made in the USA.

How did you get into your business?

When the opportunity to learn candle making presented itself it didn't take long to discover how much it suited me. Kindred launched on December 14, 2014, at the Rose Bowl Flea Market, in Pasadena. On my way to the event I stopped to get flowers for my booth and left with my first wholesale order from San Diego's premiere florist. That sealed the direction of the company for the next several years.

What makes your business unique?

One of the things that I believe makes Kindred unique is that we've been in the space for several years, and while many small candles companies have popped up we've been able to maintain client relationships and grow into our own as a company. As a former development officer I put a lot of those same relationship management strategies into practice every day as a small business owner. I'm really proud of what Kindred has become. I am, first and foremost, committed to producing quality candles for my clients. Second, I'm committed to the belief that a candle shouldn't only smell good, it should look beautiful too, which is something I think we've accomplished.

What do you like most about being a small business owner?

I love how creative this business allows me to be.

What challenges do you face as a small business owner?

Kindred is a small business in every sense and every small business faces myriad challenges related to operations, production, scalability, and distribution. I struggle with all of these challenges too. One of the biggest challenges I face is that of wearing a lot of different hats and simply not having enough time in the day. I really have to pick and choose where I spend my energy, especially as the mom of a very busy 1 year-old little boy who needs a lot of my love and attention. Another challenge I face is keeping up with all the technology that accompanies owning a product-based business in the age of the internet. I often have to remind myself that I can't do it all at once - or by myself!

Is there anything you want our audience to know about you or your business? (these can be fun facts, holiday promotions, links, etc.)

• Two fun and random things about me that certainly influence my business: I used to be a French teacher, and I love to decorate (and renovate) my home, a lot of which I share on my blog, The Kindred Post. 
• With the holidays coming up I'd love to extend a promotional code for Marigold & Grey blog readers! Readers can use code SHOPSMALL2020 for 15% off their entire order!

HOWERTON + WOOTEN EVENTS

Image One: Renee Hollingshead Photography; Image Two: Love Life Images

Not only is Kawania Wooten, owner and founder of Howerton + Wooten Events, a talented, organized, and artistic event planner, she is so much more than that! She's wise and generous and has a personality that lights up the room. We've worked with her and her incredible clients on their weddings as well as creating welcome gifts for her own events launching her educational programs for entrepreneurs. She's been in the events industry for a long time and has become better and better and more and more inspiring.

Can't wait for you to get to know her better here...

Business name and a brief explanation of what you do!

Howerton + Wooten Events is a concierge-style event management boutique renowned for creating and producing opulent, high touch events.  We plan events ranging in size from 20 to 10,000+ attendees. They include educational conferences, legislative fly-ins, fundraisers and gorgeous weddings.

How did you get into your business?

For years, I was the “go to” event planner for my colleagues in the cable television industry. Several people mentioned that I should start an event business but I was too chicken. In 2007, I found myself out of a job and decided that was the time to take the leap into entrepreneurship. I booked a client to plan a conference for the Department of Justice and I never looked back.

What makes your business unique?

Our team provides our clientele with a highly, personalized service. We provide them with an unmatched value for the investment they make in our services.  We’ll go the extra mile to exceed their expectations, and we promise to listen carefully, communicate openly, and work tirelessly to capture our clients’ style with professionalism, creativity, and classic good taste. Our team of diverse planners bring a combined 35 years of professional event planning experience and we have taken care of events in 41 of the 50 US states.

What do you like most about being a small business owner?

Running a small business is more than a notion — I am sure I have aged “like a president” since I started my business in 2007. But my schedule afforded me the opportunity to be a present force in my son’s life. That’s a blessing and an honor I don’t believe I would have had if I were working in an office downtown.

What challenges do you face as a small business owner?

Over the last 10 years, the event world has changed immensely.  Our clients’ expectations have changed. Our marketing platforms have changed. Even the way we communicate with each other has  evolved. We have to be agile, quick studies, and comfortable with being uncomfortable.

Is there anything you want our audience to know about you or your business? (these can be fun facts, holiday promotions, links, etc.)

We are launching an Entertaining at Home course on Saturday, December 5. With so many small gatherings currently taking place in the home, we are showcasing ways to make them special.  We are also giving instructions for event rentals, table settings, napkin folds and beverage orders. You can sign up for this course on the Howerton+Wooten Events web site. 

PINCH ME THERAPY DOUGH

We first met Nancy Rothner, owner and founder of Pinch Me Therapy Dough, at the wholesale trade show NY NOW. Of course, this was back in 2019 prior to the pandemic, but we never forgot. As many of gift designs have transitioned over to self-care and stress relief due to the pandemic, we've called on Nancy for project after project. Her therapy doughs are colorful like children's play dough except they're infused with essential oils which takes the old-school play dough to a whole new level! It's a fun product, definitely a conversation starter, and has been a huge hit with all of our clients.

Time to hear from Nancy in her own words...

Business name and a brief explanation of what you do!

My business is Pinch Me Therapy Dough, which is an innovative, aromatherapy infused moldable stress reliever.

How did this all get started?

For the past 20 years I've worked as a therapist assisting clients overcome phobias, addictions and stress. Throughout this work I realized that stress is everywhere and I wanted to find a way to help more people. One night while contemplating how to do this, I had a light bulb moment and Pinch Me was born.

What makes the business unique?

Pinch Me is innovative and is an extension of my work. It was the experience of working with clients that showed me consistent and effective ways that people are able to quickly de-stress. I was able to weave those elements into each and every container of Pinch Me. 

What do you love most about being a business owner?

I love being a small business owner of Pinch Me because it is something that I wholeheartedly believe in. Additionally, it allows me the opportunity to continuously create new scents, and new products. This truly is an all consuming labor of love. 

What are the challenges you face as a business owner?

There are many challenges however of being a small business owner. There are so many unknowns and I have found that hard work is the only way to overcome and adapt to the countless and unexpected challenges. This year to say the least, has been no exception.    

Is there anything you want our audience to know about you or your business?

For small business Saturday, we'll be happy to extend a discount of 15% off our website sales. Simply go to www.pinchmedough.com and enter discount code  SBS15OFF upon checkout. This is our way of saying thank you for all of your support!!

UNNA BAKERY

We've worked with Ulrika, owner and founder of award-winning Unna Bakery, for the last several years. Her brand has a fantastic story behind it, her cookies are delicious, and her product packaging is versatile and fresh. Ulrika is one of the hardest working business owners we work with. She never shies away from large orders, last minute orders, and everything in between. We can't wait to continue partnering with Unna Bakery for years to come. 

Time to hear from Ulrika in her own words...

Business name and a brief explanation of what you do!

Unna Bakery, we bake traditional Swedish butter cookies after my Grandma's recipes.

How did you get into your business?

When I moved to NYC 10 years ago I started baking my Grandma's cookies to feel closer to my family. I also couldn't find these cookies on the shelves and that is when I got the idea to start my own cookie brand.

What makes your business unique?

We are using recipes passed down through generations of Swedes. All our flavors and textures are different from each other. We do not make one dough and add a flavor. We are one of the few butter cookies being Non-GMO certified.

What do you like most about being a small business owner?

I love working with something that my heart is in. I am trying to build a household brand so all can enjoy my Grandma's cookies.

What challenges do you face as a small business owner?

It's fun but a challenge to wear so many hats. I look forward to be able to build a team and not doing everything by myself.

Is there anything you want our audience to know about you or your business?

Unna means "indulge" in Swedish. You can find us here on Instagram and here on Facebook. Also, we are women-owned certified, non-GMO and Kosher certified. And, you get 6 3.4 oz boxes for $30 instead of $36 for a limited time!

WELL KEPT

When I started the business back in 2014, the owner and founder of Well-Kept Neeley Kolsch was one of the VERY first vendors I ever began buying from so she and I go way back. She is hard working, creative, tenacious, and goes above and beyond to fill our extra-large orders even when they happen to be at a moments notice. We love her product line and our clients do as well. And given pandemic life, her cleansing wipes are more popular than ever and we couldn't be happier for Neeley and her success.

Time to get to know Neeley in her own words...

Business name and a brief explanation of what you do!

Well-Kept offers stylish screen towelettes that keep tech devices and lenses clean. 

How did you get into your business?

My background is in disaster recovery and that meant keeping a phone by my side 24/7. I started noticing blemishes on my face from a dirty phone. I noticed a void in the market for something with good ingredients, compact, and something I was proud to pull out of my handbag.  In 2011, I pitched the idea of stylish screen wipes to a buyer and she said if you have them ready by Black Friday I will put them in all of my stores. The rest is history!

What makes your business unique?

We fit an interesting niche in the market but also pride our brand on non-profit partners. Several of our styles have given back to fund business start-up education in Afria, ALS research, Military FRG's, Sex Trafficking awareness, and Mental Health/Anti-suicide campaigns. 

What do you like most about being a small business owner?

It's so fun bringing an idea to life! I love the ability to "wow" our customers and the ability to give back to our nonprofit partners.  I also like the flexibility it has offered my team and I because we are team of mamas trying to achieve a healthy work life balance. 

What challenges do you face as a small business owner?

The fun and challenging part is the constant idea of innovation.  This year with the pandemic the biggest challenge we faced were major shortages of materials in the supply chain. We had to pivot in several areas to keep up with the demands. 

Is there anything you want our audience to know about you or your business? 

Our newest giving back collab is the Go Get 'Em, Tiger, which is a reminder to choose courage when facing the unknown. Your stripes are proof that you are beautifully brave. A portion of the proceeds from this design will be donated to To Write Love on Her Arms, a non-profit dedicated to presenting hope and finding help for people struggling with depression, addiction, self-injury and suicide. To learn more please visit www.twloha.com .  We are also launching hand wipes in December!

We hope you've enjoyed getting to know these very special business owners and if you're looking for ways to shop small this season, you give them a second look! And if you like what you see here and want to take a trip down memory lane, check out our top Small Business Saturday lineups for 2019, 2018, and 2017 too! And as for Marigold & Grey, in honor of Small Business Saturday, we're offering $10 off any gift box priced over $100 + Free U.S. shipping + complimentary handwritten notecard. Shop the sale here.