After a recent conversation with a few fellow entrepreneurs I decided to give myself a little challenge – for the next few weeks I will change my boring routines and shop in locally owned businesses as much as possible. Last week when we celebrated the birthdays of two employees I decided to skip the big cupcake franchise and buy them treats by Twisted V at my favorite downtown coffee hangout Drip Coffee Lounge.
After a few bites of the P B & J or the Hot Chocolate flavors I think they all but forgot about the standard cupcakes they are used to and I was more than happy to have thrown a little bit of business in the direction of a small biz owner.
More oft than not I get so overwhelmed with my running- here- and- there schedule that I become a vapid creature of habit, perhaps it’s so that my brain doesn’t really have to think about where I am going. Drive through window for green tea at the coffee giant – check, stop for sundries (yes I am grabbing a word out of my grandmothers lexicon) at the corner drugstore conglomorate – check and run to the mall to find a blouse to match that little black skirt – check. But really darlings, what we all need to remind ourselves of in these interesting economic times is that when we spend our hard earned green at locally owned businesses we put money back into our own communities and we create 75 percent more tax revenue. AFM’s prez and publisher Mike Dee smartly spoke to this issue months ago in his Publishers page. Being a small business owner myself I want to help the “little guys” and really if you have ever shown up somewhere wearing the same top as someone else who was at the mall sale that day, you will quickly become a fan of those hidden little one of a kind boutiques. Some of my favorite off- the- beaten- path places to snag cool wardrobe additions are:
Muse Apparel
Nestled a bit of a drive from my own hood this little Glendale shop carries lines with a decidedly downtown vibe. They stock a great jean selection including favs Hudson, Paige Premium and little frocks you will want to snatch up on the spot so stop by the next time you are anywhere remotely in or out of the area.
742 E Glendale Ste 152 602 749 2075
Spoken Boutique- Amber and Jodi used to live just a few blocks from me so I got the scoop early as to what to expect from this fun little boutique, which to this day never disappoints. You can often find unique items to spruce up an otherwise dull closet and for a fee the girls will come to your digs personally and get your closet back on track. 610 E Roosevelt #148 Phoenix 602 687 9755
Frances- This favorite CenPho (a.k.a Central Phoenix) shop is a delightful mix of modern and vintage fashion finds along with an amazing collection of handmade jewelry by owner Georganne Bryant, not to mention the fun novelty extras you won’t find anywhere else. And don’t miss Smeeks Georganne’s retro sweet shop just a few doors down…it will transport you back to the best memories of your childhood. I dare you to walk out empty handed! 10 W Camelback Rd Phoenix 602 279 5467
Of course I always adore finds in the Scottsdale zips from Lindsay Lou, and Vintage by Estilo, both are worth a peek on a regular basis.
Amen Diane. I love supporting the locally-owned. And Glam Lounge is the first on the list!!!
Drip has been a long-time fave of mine if in the CenPho area. Another great little coffee house is Mama Java (roughly 36th St and Indian School). Cool local florist/unique gift items? Try White House Interior Design on 24th St south of Indian School.
I think a roadtrip to Glendale to Muse is in order!