Oh hey. Did you know: I run a small business? Are you tired of hearing me talk about that? Well you’re in luck. Today, I’m not talking about MY small business, I’m talking about 13 other small businesses that I discovered this year through Instagram. Seriously, how did I shop before social media? I can’t even remember what it was like to be inspired by a magazine. Every day, my feed is filled with beautiful images of amazing products created by some seriously creative, inspiring entrepreneurs, and I’ve loved not only watching their businesses grow, but shopping their feeds. Keep in mind, there are SO many more I could have included, and this doesn’t take away from the awesome brands I’ve been following and supporting for years.
And speaking of Instagram… I’ve got some pretty fun news to share with you below! Scroll down to the bottom to find out what it is.
I’m so excited to share this roundup with you, I know you’re going to love these shops, if you don’t already know about them.
Favorite Small Businesses on Instagram in 2015
I mentioned on Instagram the other day that Bow and Drape was one of my favorite finds of the year. Their cheeky sweatshirts feature hilarious sayings that, if I weren’t pregnant, I would own many of. As soon as I can fit into regular people clothes again, I will be purchasing. Best of all, you can design your own top or sweatshirt to say whatever you want, though their IG feed has some pretty awesome inspiration.
I actually did a collab with Briar Handmade earlier in the year, and I was quickly hooked by the insanely gorgeous photography in their feed and of course, the cutest bonnets you ever did see. I already have one picked out for baby #2.
3. Efhamar and Sienna Party Shop
Another gorgeous and bright feed featuring the cutest party decor ever. We’re collaborating on an upcoming photoshoot, and I actually love them so much, I’m customizing some of their paper items for my office remodel I’m in the middle of. I can’t wait for you to see what we’re creating!
My friend Marissa makes gorgeous little bracelets for tiny wrists, and even makes matching sets for moms and daughters. Naomi wore two of them at her birthday party, and she refused to take them off. I had to hide them! She offers customization too, so make sure to DM or email her if there’s something specific you need.
I definitely have babies on the brain, and these blankets are some of the cutest I’ve seen. I love the fun, whimsical (read: non-boring) prints; they’re not something you see every day and you definitely can’t get them on every shelf, though they’re growing fast. I’m sure we’ll be seeing their name in bright lights soon enough.
6. Milk Snob
Isn’t it annoying when you’re trying to get out of the house with your teeny, tiny baby and people won’t stop trying to put their fingers in his or her stroller/car seat? Seriously, don’t touch the baby people! Enter Milk Snob, modern carseat covers for just such occasions. I’m so excited to use one of these when #2 comes… It’s basically a force field against dirty fingers. And bonus, it doubles as a nursing cover!
Technically not an IG shop, and also not a shop I discovered in 2015 per se, but I discovered it in the sense that I realized it was so much more than a place to get a monogram. They have incredible gifts and stock a variety of items made by small business owners, which I love. They also have a beautiful IG feed, and I’m lucky that I can just hop in my car and head down the street to go shopping when I see something I want.
8. Madly Wish
I adore a pretty nursery. Who doesn’t? Madly Wish designs the cutest crib sheets (or regular sheets!), changing pad covers, blankets and so much more for your little one’s nursery or big kid room. They also make boppy covers, quilts, lovies and so much more.
9. GlamFete
GlamFete and I originally collaborated on cuteheads’ Cotton Candy Collection shoot — how incredible is that garland? — and she also supplied the killer unicorn garland for Naomi’s birthday party. I love shopping small for party and decor items, and I loved working with this sweet business owner, who totally nailed it with both items she made for me.
10. Kristara
Another local business owner I discovered this year. Although I’ve never taken a calligraphy class, Kristara hosts the most incredible workshops that I’m dying to take; my handwriting is pretty much chicken scratch, so to be able to draw something beautiful like the things she draws… well, needless to say, I’m in awe. She even has animated calligraphy illustrations in her feed.
11. BucketFeet
I discovered BucketFeed on Instagram, and loved every single one of their prints, but what I love even more is that they partner with independent graphic designers to make those prints. For me, my pineapple shoes (shown above, though you can barely see them below my growing stomach) are not only cute, but they make me feel like I’m supporting a small business owner.
Naomi has a lot of hair. Thus, she has a lot of bows. But none are as unique as Fancy Free Finery’s felt bows. I — and everyone else, really — love the anemones, which aren’t in season very long. FFF allows Naomi to wear anemones in her hair all year long!
Lastly, The Wishing Elephant makes the cutest, most original costumes (among other things) ever. I seriously had Naomi’s costume saved in Pinterest for months and months, knowing I had to have it. She got compliments on it everywhere she went, and she was definitely the cutest “mingo” ever. I can’t wait to see what kinds of costumes she has available next year.
Tomorrow, Friday December 10, I will be taking over the ClubMomme Instagram account for their week of showing how 7 moms celebrate the holidays! Yesterday, we followed Erin Ziering (that’s Ian’s wife!) through a day in the life of a Chanukah mom, and today we’re following my dear friend (in real life, not just on social media) Candace from Luxe… with Kids. Join us over on ClubMomme all week for some holiday fun.
What were your favorite IG finds of 2015?
The Monogram Shop sounds really cool. I am intrigued now and want to head over and check them out 🙂
I LOVE this! I always see cute things on Instagram but am sometimes skeptical. This helps a lot! All of these seem great!
The Just In Queso shirt is hilarious! Love it!
This type of post is a great idea. I’m fairly new to Instagram and was unsure about businesses on there. Thanks for pointing out some really cute ones.
Madly Wish and the wishing elephant are my favourite they have a stunning collection of products. I love the photography too.
I’m just getting into Instagram myself it’s so fun to discover different things from!
I love all of these! Bow and Drape is SOO cute!
These were some great find, I myself am dying to take a calligraphy class. I am thinking of starting my own stationary business of calligraphy cards in the future
Just in Queso, hilarious! I love it. And I love the gold. I’m all about the gold right now.
What great finds! Thanks for sharing 🙂
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What a great list full of beautiful products!
I love finding new things on Instagram! I’m loving that wall art! I may have to find that for my own home.
These are SUCH cute picks! And I love that Instagram has become a discovery-hub for new/growing/indie brands.
I absolutely love that garland. I’m throwing a New Years party and that looks like a decoration contender for sure.
And they come in tons of colors!
What a fun post to read! Milk Snob – genius idea right there. I wear my babies a lot, and for some reason strangers come up to me, while I have my baby in a wrap, and move it so they can see the baby! Talk about invading my space…I can’t wait to check out these shops. Thanks for sharing
I adore introductions to new instagram accounts that I have yet to discover! My daughters are hooked on instagram!
Such cute finds – especially for kids! My nieces will look adorable in those bonnets!
I love shopping at small shops! These look fantastic and I will definitely be checking them out! I love that Santa bracelet! I would have loved matching ones for my daughter and I had I known in time for Christmas. :/
This is a great list, I will have to check them all out! I love finding new people to follow on IG!
There are so many amazing IG shops these days! I need to check out Efhamar and Sienna Party Shop, it looks like one I’d love for sure. I’m a little scared for when I have a kid, because I’ll spend SO much money on the cute little outfits in all of these shops!
The flamingo!!!!! I’m dying over here!!!!! That is one of the CUTEST costumes ever!
Great finds! I love the stationary. So vibrant and colorful! I have never really thought about Instagram as a place to find new businesses. But you are right! It is a great source.
Some great finds for sure. Thanks for sharing. I especially love the dog ornaments.
Those are awesome finds. The girls’ dresses are so pretty.
That carseat cover is absolutely adorable! I love that it doubles as a nursing cover. Awesome!
Cute finds, indeed! The little baby with the hat! Love!
What a lovely collection of small businesses! That has to be the sweetest bonnet I’ve ever seen 🙂
Okay so I’ve been a bad blogger. I didn’t join Instagram till July but I will tell you I fell in love with all the pretty colors and fancy filters lol I love the Just in Queso sweatshirt and the Panda tumbler
So many great finds to follow. Aunt Blythe is going to be broke. I love the tiny bracelets and the shoes from Bucket Feet.
So many adorable finds! I think my favorites are the baby blanket and the dog ornaments. Interestingly I don’t have either a baby or a dog.
I love how Instagram is growing into something more than just sharing photos of your family. These are some great finds!
You found some really cute ones!
I love this roundup!!! All of these are great, and I know I could find someone from my Christmas list who would love each and every one of these Insta finds. The queso sweater is my personal favorite!
I love Briar Handmade and Milk Snob too! And Cuteheads of course!!! A lot of the other ones you listed here I’ve never heard of so I’m going to go check them out now!
This is such a great idea and I love these products & brands! Instagram is perfect for discovering new companies…I love that “Just in Queso” sweater, so adorable 🙂
Omg so much fabulousness! I’m going to have to check some of these out on Instagram!
I’m a little obsessed with Instagram, not going to lie. I now have to go and check out these feeds!
That is an incredible list of talent. I’m fairly new to instagram and will certainly check out some of these accounts!
LOVE this little roundup. I’ve been really wanting to take a calligraphy course (my handwriting is chicken scratch, too..no joke!), so I think I’m going to research Kristara! Thanks for the recommendation. xo Julie
These are some really cute finds. Thanks for sharing some cute shops.