Founded in 2011, this Brooklyn based brand has been a one-stop-shop and a favorite spot to stop by when we made it over to the east coast. Each item is carefully chosen and curated, making it almost impossible not to buy everything in sight. Whether you're looking for grooming products, quality clothing, or items to spruce up your living space, shopping their online store is sure to provide you with more than enough inspiration.
II. Hold Out Brewing
Part of the popular eatery, Better Half, Hold Out is labeled as the brewery half of the business, but it's so much more. Offering brews like the Björn Again Texan (a pale ale with Texas grown malts and Rye) and the Session Boots (a tart pale ale that has a portion of sales going to the Pink Boots Society), they bring the perfect level of refreshment to pair with a downright enticing menu. The crispy pork belly sandwich is like a southern take on Banh Mi. Their Kitchen Sink salad isn't kidding - it has everything you could wish for and is perfect for sharing. We also suggest the roasted beets and summer squash and spinach and artichoke pimento....heck. We say try it all. You won't regret it.
III. Apt F
Part of the East Austin community and neighbors to our own brick and mortar, Apt F offers beautiful textiles and home goods in patterns and colors that will bring life to any room in your house. They ethically source their products in small batches, making sure to support independent artists while bringing you unique pieces that will cause anyone to envy your space. From the tiny details to larger statement pieces, pretty soon our living areas are going to look like an Apt F showroom.
IV. INI Sips
Out of New Britain, CT, INI Sips offers flavorful coffee and aptly blended loose leaf teas. Veteran and family-owned, they also donate coffee to first responders and healthcare workers when you buy 2 bags from their site, so your purchase through them goes even further than supporting a small business. From Elderberry Tulsi tea to Mango Black Loose Leaf and even a Sweet Chocolate Rose Puer, however you choose to caffeinate, they have something you'll love.
The Raven Book Store is located in Lawrence, KS, but they reach much further than that. They started the Book Benefactors project, a chance to nominate someone you know that could use more books in their life, allowing them to receive a stack from the store. You can also be a book sponsor to ensure the opportunity to read reaches everyone. RBS curates mystery book boxes and surprise book deliveries, not to mention a chance to cover shipping for a stranger with "shipping tipping." Giving the gift of books and spreading knowledge is a heck of a lot easier through Raven Book Store, and we can definitely get behind that.
VI. Beast and Babe
Founded in Venice Beach and woman-owned and operated, Beast and Babe's philosophy is "that your dog wears one thing every day, and he might as well look damn good in it." Their products change regularly and are often from local artists that they love and promote, plus their proceeds support non-profit initiatives. Who knew a dog bed could be the statement piece in the room? Did this new leash just give our dog a new strut? Does that bandanna make my pup look more stylish than me? Sounds crazy, but head over to their site and you'll see what we mean.