Small Business SaturGAY: Support these LGBTQIA+ owned businesses in your state
Supporting local businesses supports local economies – so what better to check the boxes off your shopping list than shopping on Small Business Saturday? Small Business Saturday takes place the Saturday after Thanksgiving, and represents a significant opportunity to directly support the people in your community this holiday season.
Going a step further, why not support a LGBTQIA+ -owned business in your community? We’ve put together a list our favorite queer-owned stores (one from every state, to be exact) to help you shop inclusively for the holidays.
Alabama: Paper Doll Bar – THE go-to place for fresh and fun cocktails, half off Wine Wednesdays, and more in the Birmingham area. Consider stopping by for a drink on Small Business Saturday, or buy a gift card to give to a friend for the holidays.
Alaska: Black and White Raven Co – a Juneau-based apparel studio, owned and operated by Chloey Cavanaugh, who is not only LGBTQIA+, but also a member of the Tlingit Native community. Chloey’s art can be found all over the country, and while you can buy apparel on her store, if you’re looking for graphic design support for your business, Chloey can help with that, too.
Arizona: Lugari Pet Salon – Have a furry friend in your life? Give them “Celebrity Care” with grooming by Lugari Pets! Based in Scottsdale, Ivan Lugo, Owner, is LGBTQIA+ and has been in the dog show world for decades. He’s even been invited to the Westminster Kennel Club!
Arkansas: Domestic Domestic – Looking for high-quality leather goods? Owner Healther Smith has a passion to connecting her customers with the best products possible. While you can visit her store in Little Rock for American-made gifts and goodies, you can also support her business online, where they ship orders around the world.
California: Games of Berkeley – Nothing says “Family Time” quite like board games. Need a group gift? Visit Games of Berkeley, who has provided the greater Bay Area with games, toys, activities, gifts, and “a lot in between” for over four decades.
Colorado: Mountain Man Nut & Fruit Co – Have someone in your life that’s difficult to shop for? Don’t worry – Mountain Man Nut & Fruit Company has you covered. Give a pre-made gift basket or build a care package for that special someone by hopping over to their website and selecting Colorado items, chocolates, dried fruit, and more.
Connecticut: Puzz Pottery – Based in Fairfield County, Puzz Potter offers both elegant ceramic goods and private pottery lessons – perfect for the artist in your life. Select from handmade vases, mugs, bowls, or crystalline pots as a gift to the artisan in your life.
Delaware: Gidget’s Gadgets Retro Booth – find the perfect gift for adults and kids alike at Gidget’s Gadgets. Gidget's Gadgets carries a unique variety of inventory, including a huge selection of new and used vinyl; new and vintage melamine dishes; retro candy from the 70s and 80s; and a myriad of other unique and interesting items. Visit their store in Rehoboth Beach, or buy online!
Florida: Tombolo Books – Give the Bookworm in your life their reading fix at Tombolo Books, located in St. Petersburg. Lesbian-owned (the couple work the store together), their tagline, Every Arts City Deserves a Curated Bookstore, you can tell from the outside of their building that Tombolo is LGBTQ-friendly, and they have a complete section on banned books for you to peruse.
Georgia: Finca to Filter – Coffee lovers unite at Finca to Filter, which is owned by the queer duo Kayla and Bean. Shop coffee and merch online, or visit their store in Atlanta. Don’t forget to buy a Finca Filter patch for a stocking, of which 100% of profits benefits the Human Rights Campaign!
Hawaii: Kaimuki Lei Stand – Husband duo Keoni and Makamae Williams put locally grown folwers in the spotlight by selling lei’s and hosting lei workshops for guests to learn how to string their own. Note that the Kaimuki lei stand doesn’t have it’s own website – so make sure you follow their Instagram page to know when they’re hosting workshops in Oahu, or stop by their shop to buy lei’s for friends and family.
Idaho: Cat Lady Candle Company – Breath Healthy, Live Happy with Cat Lady Candle Co. Based in Boise, ID, you can buy seasonal and evergreen-scented candles, room sprays, or bar soaps with natural ingredients so you can ensure you’re not polluting your air with toxins or carcinogens.
Illinois: Asrai Garden – Looking to lighten up someone’s life with floral arrangements, fine jewelry, or magical curiosities? Look no further than Asrai Garden, with shops located in the West Loop and Wicker Park, Chicago. A great gift to a friend is one of their Forever, Ever bracelets, which is welded together with a quick solder spark and requires no maintenance, so the jewelry stays on forever – and ever.
Indiana: Heritage Clothier and Home – Dress your men up in style at Heritage Clothier and Home, who offer unique jackets, coats, designer collections, and performance apparel.
Iowa: Beadology – Have a crafter in your life? Look no further than Beadology – a full -service bead store that is woman-owned with a Queer workforce. They pride themselves on creating a respectful, supportive, and nonjudgmental atmosphere in which jewelry designers–from beginners to professionals–can thrive.
Kansas: Ragazza Food & Wine – Eat well, drink better at Ragazza food and wine. This LGBTQIA+ -owned pizzeria also has a wine bar, making a gift card to this location perfect for either family-friendly gifts or adults-only.
Kentucky: Milam & Greene – Give a taste of the Bourbon Trail this holiday season with award-winning, American and LGBTQIA-made whiskey from Milam & Green. They are the only independently owned and operated company in America that openly embraces a multitude of traditional and innovative ways to make stunning spirit under one label, and ships their Bourbon and Whiskey all over the US.
Louisiana: The AllWays Lounge & Cabaret – An alternative theater and bar putting on plays, burlesque shows, and Indie music concerts, the AllWays Lounge & Theater is the de facto home venue of the New Orleans Drag Workshop, run by Vinsantos – a storied drag performer and musician.
Maine: The Sassy Olive – An olive oil and balsamic vinegar tasting room, this LGBTQIA+ -owned small business helps visitors taste their wide selection of oils and vinegars from all over the world. Not a fine oil or vinegar eater? The Sassy Olive also offers olive wood goods and body care items, making buying a gift for a friend or family member easier than ever.
Maryland: EC Pops - EC Pops ships their gourmet popcorn all over the United States so that you can enjoy a pop of joy wherever you are. Bagged popcorn is the perfect gift for your partner, your children, your hairdresser, your friends, and everyone else in your life that could use a little extra flavor. EC Pops has 50+ flavors of the best gourmet popcorn online and makes all of their flavors fresh immediately before shipping to ensure that they taste just as good in California as they do in-store.
Massachusetts: Gilded Studio – Want a gift that’s a little out-of-the-box? Grab a gift card to Gilded Studio – a pole dance and personal training studio with a mission to provide empowering, educational, and enjoyable fitness for every body. According to their website, “We are LGBTQ+ owned and practice weight neutrality (no diets, no pushing weight loss). Most of all, at Gilded Studio we believe all bodies are good bodies, even if there is something you would like to change about yours.”
Michigan: Brown Dog Creamery - Browndog is a micro-creamery in Northville, specializing in small batch artisan ice cream. Owned by husband duo Brian and Paul, Browndog eventually grew into a Barlor serving craft cocktails and adult milkshakes, and restaurant operation with scratch made food using local ingredients. Browndog is growing outside the Southeast Michigan region and even shipping nationwide. Browndog also has a new “Pints for Progress” initiative where they give back to a local animal rescue for every ice cream pint they sell.
Minnesota: Mischief Toys - Mischief is a toy store for all ages, featuring a rebellious selection of games, books, comics, toys, pop culture memorabilia, gifts, adventure gear, jewelry, candy, and kinetic toys. Mischief Toys also sells curated gift packages if you’re not sure what to gift!
Mississippi: Shade Jackson – Give the gift of experience this holiday season by buying a gift card to Shade Jackson. With Drag Shows every Saturday and Drag Brunches every Sunday, you’re a shoo-in for a good time while supporting local artists.
Missouri : Own Your Pride- Own Your Pride is a queer-owned pop-up shop! Buy pride flags and merch wherever they ‘pop-up’ in the greater Springfield area, or support their business by buying garden flags, book marks, or buttons online – all perfect stocking stuffers this holiday season.
Montana: Unfortunately, we were not able to find an LGBTQIA+ -owned small business in Montana. However, Bolt & Bruizer’s Bakery and Barkery is a great queer-friendly business to support. Their website begins by advertising that they provide a safe space for, “all to come as who they are,” and offer events like Queer Prom. Bolt & Bruizer’s is a unique bakery and café that caters to both humans and their four-legged friends.
Nebraska: Dusk Goods & Gifts – Located in Little Bohemia, Dusk Goods and Gifts is a collection of finely crafted goods for home and happiness. Shop beauty and wellness, home, clothing, or gift packages, knowing you’re supporting a woman-owned, US-Local, BIPOC and queer makers when purchasing from this store.
Nevada: Pantry Products – Pantry Products is not only LGBTQIA+ -owned, but they’re woman-owned, and they sell cruelty-free, 100% natural products to provide wellness education to consumers who care about the planet. Pantry Product provides an extensive line of daily essentials, and their products are custom blended by hand in small batches in both Reno, NV, and in Salt Lake City, UT.
New Hampshire: Unfortunately, we were not able to find an LGBTQIA+ -owned business in New Hampshire. Instead, take a friend out for a night on the town by enjoying the New Hampshire Gay Men’s Chorus, who celebrated their 26th year singing together this year. To quote NH Governor Christopher Sununu, the Gay Men’s Chorus is “truly a Granite State musical treasure.”
New Jersey: White Rabbit Black Heart - White Rabbit Black Heart is a luxury gift boutique filled with products made by local artists and other small businesses. This store sells jewelry, candles, Montclair souvenirs, and more magical items. You can also support this business online by shopping on their website.
New Mexico: LeatherDaddy Skin Co – More than just a skincare brand, LeatherDaddy was a passion project founded by Chris Wright-Garcia, a non-binary individual who decided to pursue their dream of being a small business owner after being let go during the pandemic. Now, Chris has an extensive line of plant-based skin care products that focus on hydration and having fun while celebrating the BDSM community.
New York: Paradise Wine – We already know there are accolades of LGBTQIA+ -owned small businesses in New York City, so we ventured out of town to the west side of the state to find you a small business to support. At Paradise Wine in Buffalo, sustainability is the minimum for their wines and fine liquors. This LGBTQIA+ wine shop focuses on supporting and selling wines from producers focused on their land and the environment first. Often times this means these winemakers are working with very small plots, using organic or biodynamic practices and manipulating their wines very little in the cellar.
North Carolina: Auroraflow - Auroraflow was founded by owners Castle Frame and Lauren McCullough to be an inclusive, safe space for the LGBTQIA and other marginalized communities to heal and relax. By making self-care and spa treatments like massage, facials, reiki and more approachable and accessible, the couple aims to help people in their communities live healthier, better lives. Grab a gift card for a special someone in your life either in-store or online this holiday season!
North Dakota: Unfortunately, we were not able to find an LGBTQIA+ -owned Small business in North Dakota. Instead, support Soul Haven Studio: a queer-friendly athletic center who has supported pride events for the queer community in North Dakota, and hosts pride events in their studio, with proceeds supporting the Dakota OutRight nonprofit organization.
Ohio: Pet Wants Cincy – Get the pet (or pet lover) in your life with a gift from Pet Wants Cincy – a Cincinnati-based pet store which sells small batch, slow-cooked, sold-by-the-pound pet food, also made locally. Alongside pet food, Pet Wants Cincy also sells pet treats, toys, and health supplements. Truly, a pet-lover’s paradise.
Oklahoma: Common Dear – A cheerful feminist and self-empowerment gift shop in downtown Oklahoma City, Common Dear is proudly a queer and woman-owned handcrafted candle shop. With four holiday fragrances to choose from, pick up a candle to fill a gift basket, or build your own self-care pampering kit with their mix of body and shower goods.
Oregon: My Pride Store – Want to shower some pride-themed merch AND support a dot-gay user? My Pride Store offers pride flags, apparel, housewares, and seasonal merch.
Pennsylvania: Pals Socks – Put a party on your feet with Pals Socks, a Jewish, LGBTQ-owned mismatched-sock company that sells what they preach: you don’t have to match in order to be friends. Adult and kids can get “bestie” sock pairs like burger and fries, cat and dog, milk and cookies, and much more. Free shipping in the US – what a great stocking stuffer!
Rhode Island: Andre’z Dipped & Drizzled – a chocoholic’s paradise! Beautifully decorated apples, chocolate dipped treats, party trays, and favors are available at Andre’z. Whether you are looking for seasonal novelty items, stocking stuffers, a delicious gift, or an afternoon pick me up, simply follow your nose and tastebuds to Andre’z Dipped and Drizzled.
South Carolina: Lucid Coast Candle Bar - A Scent-Driven experience like no other: Let your creativity soar while you design the candle of your dreams . . . and enjoy a drink while you do it! Grab a gift card, take a friend out as a experienced-based gift, or design your own candles as part of your holiday shopping experience.
South Dakota: Unfortunately, we were not able to find an LGBTQIA+ -owned small business in South Dakota. Instead, support the Sioux Falls Pride organization by purchasing pride-themed apparel and accessories from their online store.
Tennessee: D’Andrew’s Bakery & Café – “A modern bakery with a southern sensibility,” D’Andrew’s Bakery & Café is the perfect spot to spend your small business Saturday while shopping for gifts this holiday season (or, to buy a gift card as part of your holiday shopping list!). Stop by the store, order catering or coffee online, and celebrate this award-winning, LGBTQIA+ -owned café!
Texas: The Little Gay Shop - The Little Gay Shop is a queer marketplace selling art, apparel, books, magazines and much more from exclusively queer artists! Pick up a queer gift or grab a gift card to support this noteworthy cause of a small business.
Utah: Sweet Hazel & Co – Satisfy your sweet tooth at this LGBTQIA+ -owned vegan bakeshop: selling breakfast, lunch, and dessert, Sweet Hazel also ships their housemade candy all over the US – so you can treat a far off friend to caramel chews, Take 2’s, “Snix,” or buy from their holiday-exclusive selection.
Vermont: Fox Market – Your community market: Fox Market offers all the best in beer, wine, cheese, meat, produce, and grocery. By offering a unique selection of foods from local and mission driven companies, at affordable pricing, you can put together a holiday basket, or gift membership to the Fox Bar’s Wine Club!
Virginia: Karmalita’s Marshmallows and Confections – Black and queer-owned, Karmalita’s has a wide variety of prideful sweets. Karmalita’s handmade artisan marshmallow confectionaries can be found online, at PopUps, or local grocery stores. Our favorite product? The 12 days of Mallows, where you can enjoy flavored marshmallows like Apple Spice, Red Velvet, and Carrot Cake – all leading up to December 25th.
Washington: Saltstone Ceramics – Give the gift of homemade pottery this holiday season by taking a pottery class with your friends at Salstone Ceramics. Located in Seattle, Saltstone is a queer/trans/women-owned, independent ceramics gallery and teaching studio.
West Virginia: Vice Versa Club – Grab a gift card to Vice Versa Club, a community and safe haven bar which has been a longtime LGBTQIA+ owned and friendly space. With seasonal events and Drag shows, Vice Versa Club is a great place in Morgantown to support the gay community.
Wisconsin: Art*Bar - Art*Bar is a trendy bar that also doubles as an art gallery! Come enjoy drinks here with friends while looking at some amazing work by local artists. There is often live music on the weekends, too! This business is LGBTQ owned and offers a colorful, creative space for Milwaukee residents to come and be themselves.
Wyoming: Unfortunately, we were not able to find an LGBTQIA+ -owned small business in Wyoming. Instead, consider supporting the Matthew Shepard Foundation by purchasing pride-based content from their online store here!
Want to find more LGBTQIA+ stores in your state? Check the resources below to find exactly what you’re looking for: