Lately I’ve been thinking a lot about what it really means to shop small. It’s something I’ve always believed in, but the longer I’ve been part of this community, the more I see how much it truly matters.
When you choose to shop locally, you’re not just buying something—you’re contributing to the heartbeat of your neighborhood. You’re helping to strengthen the local economy, create job opportunities, and support real people who pour their energy and creativity into what they do.
I know it’s not always realistic to spend all your money locally (trust me, I get it). But when you do, your dollar goes so much further than you think. Independent shops circulate roughly three times more money back into the local economy than big box stores. That means your purchase literally helps keep this community alive and growing.
OTR’s local shops are what make it so special. They preserve the character of the neighborhood—the little details, the familiar faces, the sense of discovery that makes walking down Vine Street feel like something you can’t find anywhere else.
Small businesses are also where creativity thrives. They’re constantly experimenting, creating, offering pieces that are unique to their vision. You end up finding things that feel different—not mass-produced or overexposed, but intentional, cool, and made with care.
And honestly, the personal connection is what makes it even better. You get to talk with the owners, learn about their process, and feel that sense of pride in what they’ve built. There’s something really special about that—it turns shopping into a shared experience instead of a transaction.
If you’re in OTR, there are so many amazing woman-owned spots to check out and support:
Lane & Kate
Meas Active
Ombre Gallery
Native One
Idlewild
Sloane
Continuum
Boutique Cala
Launch Party
Simply Zero
Bobbles & Lace
Pop Cultur’d
Gia & the Blooms
The Most Beautiful Thing in the World Is
AM/PM Exchange
MTAP in the City
Lunar Beauty Bar
Lucca Workshop
Artichoke
Studio Eleven
Shea Candle Co
19 Something
Oasis Beauty Bar
