The ethical practices of large corporations such as Amazon are often called into question. While I know it’s so much easier to remain ignorant of issues and keep on clicking “add to cart” I am trying to become a more mindful and informed consumer. Even if that means still choosing to purchase from billion dollar giants from time to time, at least I am doing it knowing what my dollars are supporting. It’s all about being informed, and then making decisions based on what matters to you. Sometimes shopping ethically is more important than getting that free 2 day shipping. But I’ll be honest, sometimes convenience is more important than ethics- ugh I cringe saying this but in certain instances it’s true.
When I learned of some small businesses that sell on Amazon I was compelled to share them so this holiday season if you determine that shopping on Amazon is something you are ethically prepared to do, at least you can support some small businesses at the same time!
BLK & Bold
BLK & Bold, a black founded Certified B Corp, sells high quality coffee and teas. They also pledge 5% of profits to initiatives aligned to sustaining youth programming, enhancing workforce development, and eradicating youth homelessness.
Honeycat
Honeycat was founded by two best friends looking to create fine jewelry that has longevity and is high quality with an affordable price point. They have a variety of pieces but all are great if you like the delicate, minimal look, like me!
The Seaweed Bath Co.
Started by two Coloradians looking for a natural solution for sensitive skin. They discovered seaweed spas in Ireland and after experiencing the amazing benefits of seaweed, they realized that it could help consumers of all skin and hair types. Their seaweed contains over 65 vitamins and minerals, and sustainably-hand harvest the seaweed off the coast of Maine to allow for maximum regrowth. In addition to seaweed, they formulate their products with powerful plant-based ingredients to hydrate and detoxify your skin.
Iya Foods
This black female owned health food company makes dozens of better for you flours such as cassava flour, African inspired spice mixes, whole food powders, baking mixes, and dried flower powders. Iya Foods is also committed to doing their part to be environmentally sustainable and responsible. That means they buy from local growers when possible and source from growers that use environmentally responsible growing methods. They also utilize energy efficient and environmentally responsible production practices, and use non-polluting, renewable energy resources safe for our communities, future generations and planet. Happy to support that!
Piper Wai
Piper Wai was actually co-founded by a friend of mine (Jess Edelstein) though I didn’t put two and two together until I was half way through writing this post, and then I realied “OMG, I KNOW HER!” So that’s fun! Jess was determined to create a non toxic deoderant that worked. It took over a hundred test batches and almost a year as her own deodorant guinea pig until she had one that was good enough. Founded my two friends, Paiper Wai went global through a successful crowdfunding campaign and an appearance on ABC’s Shark Tank in 2015, creating unprecedented demand in the market for charcoal deodorant.
This activated charcoal cream deodorant is gender-neutral, American-made, vegan, cruelty-free, and free of synthetic fragrances and aluminum compounds.”
Karmalit
Hearth and Harrow
This 5th Generation Maine Dairy Farmer began Hearth and Harrowfrom her kitchen table after the birth of her second child. What began as a hobby selling organic textiles at small farm stands has become a thriving business, and she still designs and hand-prints each one (often at her kitchen table)!
I find her prints so charming! I will definitely be purchaseing a few of these as gifts, and also for myself.
Full disclosure, I was not paid to write this, this is not a sponsored post, nor was I gifted any of these items. I have however included my affiliate links so if you do purchase an item I have shared here through one of these links I will get a small commission as a “thank you” at no additional cost to you of course.
My goal with this post was to simple highlight small businesses on amazon that might not show up right away in a search. I do my very best to buy from small businesses or businesses that put ethics and sustainable practices as a high priority but I realize that many of you use Amazon, so this felt like a nice way to meet in the middle. If you want to learn more about small businesses on Amazon check out Shop Local at Amazon.
