One of the best things about having offices across North America (and the world) is the ability to make a positive impact in so many communities.
As we enter another season of giving, we polled our colleagues once again for their favorite small, independently-owned businesses, and did they ever deliver! We hope you’ll find some inspiration, some gift ideas and maybe even something for yourself while supporting some of our local community entrepreneurs.
Boston, New York & Northeast
“You’ll find more than just books at this whimsical, independent bookstore—you’ll find an experience! Owned by Jeff Kinney, the author of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, the store features a massive selection of books, a cozy cafe, fantastic gifts, and a renowned holiday market. Stop in and chat with the staff of book lovers, who are always ready with personalized recommendations for your next can’t-put-down read.” – Liz Davies, Associate Director, Content
“My daughter was recently diagnosed with celiac disease and was struggling to find baked goods that tasted remotely good. Her friend recommended a local baker – WildFlour Hudson Valley. We met Lindsey at a local farmers market this summer and have not looked back! Not only is she an immensely talented baker, but she’s also a lovely human! You can just feel the love she puts into each recipe – and each interaction!
What strikes me the most is her dedication to quality. She tests every product, gives customers tips on how to store and serve the products – and she’ll never offer something that she herself doesn’t approve. She’s always experimenting, too. I’ve yet to taste one of her cookies, cakes or pies that I didn’t like. And I’m not even gluten-free!
She offers online orders (currently shipping only within New York) – give her a try. I promise you won’t be disappointed!” Robin Kleban, SVP, Group Account Director
“The Last Stop is a true Bronx staple. It’s a spot where the food is always good, the vibes feel like home, and everyone who walks in gets treated like family. I run a summer basketball league during the summer, and they’ve been a consistent supporter, as well as a gathering place after games. It’s business that genuinely shows love to the neighborhood. Whether its harboring a neighborhood fridge to feed the community or being a venue to celebrate special occasions, It represents loyalty, community pride, and that authentic Bronx energy that brings people together.” – Joel Bruno, Associate Producer
“A legendary Bronx bakery, where the line out the door tells you everything you need to know. Growing up in the Bronx and knowing the owners for 3 generations, I can attest that their cakes aren’t just desserts, they’re a tradition passed down. For the community, Lloyd’s represents consistency, family, and Bronx pride. It’s a spot everyone knows and everyone recommends. For me, it’s a reminder of home, love, and holiday joy.” – Joel Bruno, Associate Producer
Small, woman-owned business alert! “My sister and nephew are opening a Kickboxing studio/gym in Abington, MA on December 1, 2025! Round2Kickboxing on Facebook and Instagram. They would love to see local & out of state followers!” – Linda Vogler, Event Process Mgr.
“A small, woman-owned shop in small suburb of Boston. Tastefully curated products that are just a pleasure to explore and discover, I always leave with the perfect gift for any occasion.” – David Klay, Sr. Creative Director
Austin and Southwest
This small business is in Austin, but also online. Personalized jewelry for one-of-a-kind gifts and keepsakes. “My husband’s sister passed away last year, and we got necklaces with her handwriting and fingerprint on them for my husband’s mom, dad and other sister last year for Christmas. I want to also get one with my boys fingerprints eventually!
– Laura Thomas, Account Manager
“Founded by a mother-daughter duo with PhDs in Holistic Health and Nutrition; Conscious Kitchen ATX is a local organic vegan and raw plant based restaurant. They’re serving up some of the tastiest, cleanest most nutrient dense culinary delights in Austin, truly using food as medicine and carrying a shared mission and vision: to make conscious healing accessible through food, education, and love.” – Chris Zahos, Sr. Art Director
Founded in 1978, Terra Toys is single location brick and mortar toy store founded in Austin, Texas. They carry thousands of vendors from all over the world and specialize in classic, fun and beautiful toys. “My favorite place to shop for unique and magical kids toys and stocking stuffers.” – Erica Wiggins, Director of Marketing & Communications
“Best cinnamon rolls ever? Quite possibly.” (although we have another contender in the LA area – see below)
Locally owned and have been part of Austin for over 40 years. They have a great central location that is perfect for lingering with the paper or grabbing some quick coffee and breakfast on your way to work.
Nashville/South
“Harvest Local Foods in Manchester, TN is my favorite place. They’re a great community addition, hosting fun charity events, connecting local farmers and consumers, sponsoring great causes and serving local beers!” – Lisa Muth, Supervisor, Pre Press
“Strength in family, community, land, health, and education is the core of what we value. Family is where community starts. Once the family is strong you have the ability to branch out and strengthen the community.”
“Working with local volunteer cat rescues, Catfeine Cat Cafe in Murfreesboro, TN is a foster home for adoptable cats with just over 1000 adoptions since opening in 2019. Many cats are saved from kill shelters, hoarding situations, and neglect and are united with loving people in their new furrever homes. As one of the owners, I can say it is incredibly rewarding to be a part of the rescue community and to see the impact it has on both the cats and the people who love them.” – Curtis Byrd, Graphics Production Manager
Thistle Farms is a nonprofit social enterprise dedicated to helping women survivors recover and heal from prostitution, trafficking, and addiction. They do this by providing a safe place to live, a meaningful job, and a lifelong sisterhood of support. Through their products and Shared Trade network, they create pathways of healing and economic freedom.
West Coast
Since 1992, Dog Eared Books has been supplying a book-hungry San Francisco with new, used, and remaindered books as well as cards, magazines, calendars, and blank notebooks. They’re a general interest store and have a little of everything, but specialize in off-beat, small press, and local literature. – Patty Griffith, Office Manager
Other San Francisco bookstores to check out:
https://greenapplebooks.com https://bookshopwestportal.com https://borderlands-books.com
“Yvette is a plus size, queer Latina who wanted to hand make items that represented her and her heritage. Incorporating her love for Halloween and theme parks into many of her designs give her a unique deign perspective. If you wish that Halloween was more than just one day, you’ll be right at home.” – Ashton Williams, Sr. Producer
“Where hip hop meets baking.”
“I met the owner, Lindsay, 7 years ago when she asked if I wanted to try her new cinnamon roll recipe. She had 135 followers on Instagram and was just hoping to make enough money to quit her waitressing job. Cut to present day and she and her family just opened their first storefront and has over 33,000 followers, has sweet and savory options, and people drive for hours to just buy one of her cinnamon rolls. She’s been hired by the Dodgers multiple times to provide rolls to the team and front office. They really are that good! And there are vegan and gluten free options.” – Ashton Williams, Sr. Producer
“A Navajo gemologist and jeweler who does all his own designing. His natural diamonds are ethically sourced from family mines. I love the dichotomy of him using traditional indigenous knowledge of the land with modern day programs like CAD to bring timeless pieces to life.” – Ashton Williams, Sr. Producer
“An Asian pottery duo that are currently based in LA. Many of their pieces can only be purchased via local farmers markets but they do take custom orders which make incredible gifts. I own the very first wine goblet they ever created and have continued to support their journey ever since.” – Ashton Williams, Sr. Producer
Detroit & Midwest
“Formerly known as Detroit Tarot Company, my favorite small business in downtown Rochester! They’re a small metaphysical shop with awesome readers and wonderful staff and is women/LGBTQIA+ owned too! They do a great job of kindly educating the community and provide an inclusive space for folks to engage with the metaphysical.” – Grace Sacoman, Jr. Copywriter
“A great local, women owned business. I love the apparel and have been supporting them for a few years, since I love Michigan and Detroit sports! It’s been great to watch them grow!” – Marcie Deriemacker, VP, Group Account Director
