Our goal as a publication is to encourage more folks to spend their dollars with small businesses, artists and creatives. Our gift guides are designed to help you learn more about what’s available and we hope you’ll review and consider working with and buying from artists and entrepreneurs from the community. We are constantly amazed by the creativity and quality of the products produced by innovators and makers within the community and we’re excited for you to check out these spotlights. The products and brands highlighted below are members of our community, subscribers and others who’ve been nominated by community members.
Poppy + Monarch
The Note to Self Spinning Enamel Pin is more than just a stylish accessory — it’s a source of daily encouragement and inspiration for those who wear it. This pin features eight rotating affirmations that provide gentle reminders to keep going, stay grounded, and embrace your inner strength. The affirmations — such as “God’s got me” and “I’m doing my best” — are heartfelt and empowering, making this pin a perfect companion for anyone seeking positivity and encouragement, especially within the chronically ill community. Read more>>
SANTO
Palo Santo, which means holy wood, is a sacred tree that grows in select parts of South America. This tree species is known for its healing properties and has a deep spiritual history. Burned as a cleaning incense and used as a smudging tool to release a physical space from negative energy, Palo Santo wood invites practice with intention. Read more>>
Luxe Beauty Closet
Thank you for reconnecting with me! I’m excited to talk about DeeLuxe Beauty, Luxe Beauty Closet’s debut vegan lip gloss line.
About the product:
DeeLuxe Beauty features five versatile shades: Crystal Clear, DeeLuxe, Cashmere Dreams, PersnickeDee, and Ballet Rose. Each gloss provides long-lasting shine, a smooth, non-sticky texture, and is perfect for both subtle and bold looks. Read more>>
Jeehan Quijano
It’s a fiction novel written from my passion for writing and the necessity for diverse stories. We live in a multicultural society and I feel it is my duty as a writer to tell stories from voices that are often unheard or silenced. I’d had this story in my head for a very long time but I started writing it when I was going through grief. Perhaps it was my way of coping, and perhaps it was the right moment to write the story. The story focuses on a Filipino who escapes poverty in his hometown and comes to America to work as an occupational therapist. It is a dream come true for him in many ways until one day, he receives news that his brother has died. So he goes home to collect his ashes, but he also finds out bitter truths that were hidden from him, revelations that lead him to a place of regret, sadness and retribution. But there is also redemption in the end. There are other themes in the story that are just as important, such as love, sacrifice, forgiveness, and an immigrant’s struggle of adaptation and acceptance. Read more>>
M. & Wally
I started this business, inspired by my babies. I found myself wanting a creative outlet (being in the corporate world) and I also wanted to be able to do my own thing and stop working a 9-5. I worked a ton, I felt like I missed out on so much with my kids and so that’s how M. & Wally was created. It was a way to create, build a business, bring joy to my career, all while being able to do it alongside my kids. I work with smaller designers to create prints that my kids like and even though we’ve only been in business for a year it’s grown tremendously. I chose bamboo fabric due to not only how soft it is but how breathable it is (making it a year round/all season fabric), and how good it is for children with eczema. It’s a hypoallergenic fabric that is good for anyone with skin sensitivities. My daughter has suffered her whole life with painful eczema and I wish that this would’ve been clothes that I would’ve found when she was younger as she was irritated with anything fleece or polyester. So I not only hope to bring clothing that is fun, but also that kids and babies are comfortable in all year round. Read more>>
T-Marie Innovations LLC
Thank you for having me! My product is an information read for small businesses. I introduced to you, ‘Building Business Credit for Small Businesses.’ I created this book to help those who are trying to gain business loans. I gave details on how to create a line of business, what to look for, type of loans and other steps to begin. Read more>>
Bangelle
Bangelle specializes in 18K handcrafted bangles & bracelets. Just like a nice watch makes you feel more put together immediately, we wanted to create a similar feeling with the bangles. Bold and solid gold pieces for an effortless and luxurious look. Our first collection started off with solid gold only. The main driving force was to create unisex, ageless, universally beautiful and sturdy pieces. A brand created exclusively for heavy-handed, gold loving, bracelet-obsessed jewelry aficionados, who can’t do without their favorite stacks. All designs are handmade by our tight-knit network of local master jewelers in Los Angeles. They are wearable pieces, day or night, dressed up or down. The uncompromising design is as beautiful as it is strong. While stunning on their own, I like to layer the bangles with other beloved pieces as the perfect addition. There is something uniquely satisfying about a bundle of bangles gently rattling. My ideal stack includes Cartier’s Juste un Clou, Hermes’ Kelly and Collier de Chien, a fun tennis bracelet for some sparkle and Bangelle’s Dainty and Uni. I had this vision long before I laid eyes on the first Bangelle prototypes. Being an L.A.-based brand, it’s all about bringing together the mundane and luxury. Read more>>
Simple Shui
Feng Shui doesn’t have to be complicated.
In fact, sometimes the most impactful changes you can make are the result of simple shui solutions.
And by impactful changes, I mean:
Rid your home of clutter (and prevent it from creeping back in)
Attract more (and spend less) money
Manifest the dream job offer (or business opportunity)
Connect more deeply with your family (instead of fighting over the TV volume)
…and more. Read more>>
Mani Benedette
T.R.I.B.E is a massage themed coloring book, the meaning of the acronym is Touch Requires Integrity and Boldness Effortlessly. The coloring book will be an opportunity to utilize coloring as a therapeutic tool. Coloring can be a therapeutic and meditative activity, allowing the therapist to de-stress and engage in mindfulness, much like how they encourage clients to relax during massage sessions. Therapists can use the book to educate clients about the areas of the body being worked on, explaining how specific muscles relate to their pain or discomfort. Read more>>
FilmPens Studio Gallery
Carson Ferri-Grant has participated as a visual artist in many solo and group art exhibitions in New York City as a curator, a contributing painter and photographer over five decades. As a film actor, Carson Grant has portrayed more than 400 film characters in commercial and independent films. Carson moved to LA in 2019 and has exhibited his artwork in LA Art Show 2023, 2024 and soon 2025 during February 19-23 Booth 1105. Read more>>
Barely Canadian
Allow us to introduce the beacon of unparalleled softness, the Barely Canadian Insanely Soft Hoodie—the ultimate in comfort and style. Crafted locally in Los Angeles, this hoodie isn’t just about softness; it’s about making a difference. As a family-run, social enterprise based in Venice, California, we proudly produce sustainable apparel that gives back to the community. Every purchase supports Foster Youth organizations, with 20% of proceeds donated to make a positive impact. Plus, we’re dedicated to training and hiring foster youth, providing them with valuable opportunities. Read more>>
Korbin Bielski Photography
I’m best known for my stunning landscapes of California and the iconic scenes of Los Angeles. My work celebrates the beauty, spirit, and nostalgia of the Golden State, bringing its charm into your home. Read more>>
Femeflex Pantiless Panty Liners
Femeflex Pantiless Panty Liners: Revolutionizing Feminine Hygiene Femeflex Pantiless Panty Liners are a groundbreaking product designed to redefine comfort, convenience, and hygiene for women. Marketed as “The World’s First Pantiless Panty Liner,” Femeflex eliminates the need for traditional underwear by integrating the functionality of panty liners into a disposable, compact, and discreet product. This dual-purpose innovation acts as both a liner and a replacement for underwear, setting a new standard in feminine hygiene and lifestyle products. Read more>>
www.Mothermenandme.com
Unveil the Layers of Love, Lies, and Secrets Between a Mother and Daughter in this Riveting Memoir of Survival and Redemption
In the hauntingly beautiful memoir, Mother, Men and Me: A Memoir of Anxiety, Anorexia and Affairs, Dawn Smith-Theodore uncovers a narrative deeply rooted in family secrets, unexpected love, and a desperate battle against her own body. This compelling story promises to captivate anyone who knows the complex love shared between a mother and a daughter, anyone who has struggled with their own self-image, or anyone who has grappled with the profound impact of secrets within a family. Read more>>
Ideafeast Books
“Bee Conspiracy” is my award-winning novel that delves into the interconnectedness of bees and our food supply. The massive die-offs of honeybees due to colony collapse disorder present a threat to all humans. The book is a blend of gripping storytelling, vivid characters, and thought-provoking themes. Read more>>
Live Your Faith Catholic
Our prayer candles were born out of a personal need for a product that combines faith, beauty, and sustainability. I couldn’t find elegant, modern candles with actual prayers to accompany me through life’s challenges and moments of reflection. Most available options were either purely decorative or made with paraffin, which isn’t healthy or eco-friendly. So, I decided to create what was missing—a candle that inspires the soul while being mindful of the environment. Read more>>
