Small + Locally Owned Shops in Nashville Worth Supporting

We’ve heard it a thousand times already, but it’s certainly worth repeating: this holiday season, it’s more important than ever to shop from small, independent businesses, many of which are struggling as a result of the pandemic. This has been an extremely challenging year for businesses across the world — especially small businesses.

In a sense, we vote with our wallets, as we put actual dollars behind the businesses we want to survive. So it’s important to be thoughtful in regards to who receives your “vote” in the form of a transaction. You can take that a step further by intentionally shopping from locally owned businesses in order to stimulate your city’s economy and show financial support to your neighbors.

For me, and for many of you, “local” is Nashville. And this city is not lacking in small businesses and creative concepts, that’s for sure! On seemingly every corner of our city (and the Internet), there’s a shop or business with a creative entrepreneur, maker or an entire team behind it. In fact, it was quite difficult to narrow down a list of small, locally owned shops in Nashville, but I’ve managed to do just that!

I’ve physically stepped into or purchased products from each of the businesses on this list — and many of the owners have become friends of mine over the years! In fact, I’ve found the small business community in Nashville to be extremely collaborative and inviting. That’s just the Nashville way — there’s no room for competition or exclusivity, and we all want each other to succeed.

When shopping for gifts or something for yourself this year, consider turning to these locally owned shops in Nashville, all of which have online storefronts you can peruse from home!

And when the holiday season is behind us, let’s continue to show support for the many small shops in our midst! Because at the end of the day, Amazon, Target, Walmart and other big-box stores are going to do just fine. But that cute boutique on the square? They need us to rally behind them.

ABEDNEGO

Women’s Clothing + Accessories | @abednegoboutique

One of my favorite shops in Nashville, just a few blocks down from our house! It has an incredible selection of women’s clothing, plus accessories, home decor, and other gifts. Meredith has impeccable style, and she’s curated her shop so thoughtfully.

ABLE

Women’s Clothing + Accessories | @able

You already know how I feel about this ethical clothing brand with a massive national following. Your purchase with ABLE directly supports their mission focused on ending generational poverty by working with women, both here in Nashville and around the world, who have often overcome extraordinary circumstances. Shop their selection of clothing, shoes, bags and other accessories (using my discount code HOLLY25 for 25% off).

Alexis + Bolt

Women’s + Men’s Clothing + Accessories | @alexisandbolt

This is another neighborhood shop I’m quite fond of! Alexis + Bolt has the latest and greatest, for both men and women — you’ll find both edgy and classic pieces here, all sourced from high-quality, well-respected brands. Plus, there’s always something fun going on at A+B, both in store and on their Instagram page.

Amelia’s Flowers

Home Decor | @ameliasflowerstn

During the summer, Nashvillians flock to the Amelia’s Flower Truck parked in front of stores and restaurants around town, but did you know they have a permanent home at the relatively new L&L Market and The Factory at Franklin? Stop by for seasonal flowers and an array of adorable gifts for the home and garden.

Amelia Styles

Women’s Clothing + Accessories | @shopameliastyles

My friend and local blogger Amelia of Amelia Styles is my go-to for style inspiration; she has a timeless European style that favors neutrals and basics. So thankfully, she has a store in town so we can all recreate her looks! Amelia Styles offers a curated collection of clothing and accessories, in addition to styling appointments.

Anzie Blue

CBD Products | @anzieblue

What is a coffee shop doing on this list? Anzie Blue is more than just a coffee shop. They sell a variety of high-end CBD products, including drops, lotion, face cream, balm, gummies, bath bombs, candles, and even pet products. Keep an eye out for an exciting announcement from Anzie Blue in the near future!

Batch

Gifts | @batchnashville

We miss seeing Batch at the Nashville Farmers’ Market, but they haven’t gone anywhere! Batch is still king of gifs in Nashville, as the team works hard to highlight the best of our local businesses and makers. They’ve even done the work for you by creating themed gift boxes for just about every occasion and interest!

The Candle Bar

Home Decor | @paddywaxcandlebar

If you’ve followed me for a while, you know I’m a huge fan of Paddywax Candles and The Candle Bar, where you can pour your own candles. You may not know they have a full-on store at their candle studio, which has an adorable selection of home decor, bath and body products, and of course, lots of candles.

Gardens of Babylon

Garden + Home Decor | @gardens_of_babylon

Skip the big-box nursery and source your houseplants and landscaping from Gardens of Babylon, a sizable garden center attached to the Nashville Farmers’ Market. Not only do they have a wide selection of plants and flowers, but they also carry all the accessories you’ll need to display and care for them.

Glen & Effie

Jewelry | @glenandeffie

A new friend of mine, Brooke Griffith, is a jewelry designer and artist blending the antique with modern influences. Glen & Effie stems from a desire to honor past generations, and namely, her grandparents, Glen and Effie. Brooke revives forgotten, old pieces and gives them a new life so they remain as timeless as they have been in the past.

The Golden Slipper

Home Decor + Gifts | @thegoldenslippernashville

My friend, Abbey, opened this store at the start of the pandemic and has continued to amaze me with her hard work ethic amidst such a challenging time. The Golden Slipper was named after her grandmother who always wore golden slippers, and the whole store is a 1920s experience. You’ll find an adorable selection of candles, gifts, plant holders, art prints, flowers, snacks, cocktail supplies, books — you name it. Much of it is sourced from small, local businesses or made by Abbey herself!

Gold + Ivy

Candles | @goldandivy_

For moody, high-quality, seasonal candles — look no further than Gold + Ivy. Alexis creates all her candles by hand using all-natural ingredients, such as American-grown soy wax, cotton wicks, and phthalate-free oils. Each candle is one she would feel safe burning in her own home — and I would too!

Handmade Studio

Handmade Pottery | @handmadestudiotn

There’s nothing quite like pottery made by hand. Handmade Studio is tucked back in the collaborative 100 Taylor Arts Collective, just down the road from our house. Ceramic artist Morgan Williamson makes the most stunning pieces, including mugs, plates, bowls, platters, and more.

Hunter & June

Dog Supplies | @hunterandjune

We can’t leave our most important family members off the list! Hunter & June is a shop all about dogs, where you’ll find only the best for your furry friend — including bandanas, collars, leashes, clothing, toys and treats, and even some stuff for you and other dog lovers (dog-themed clothing and accessories!).

Imago Dei

Home + Women’s Clothing | @shopimagodei

Originally started in Franklin, Imago Dei is a faith-based shop selling women’s and children’s clothing, home goods, local artisan-made goods, and much more. They now have a location in Nashville’s L&L Market!

LIL CO.

Baby Clothing | @shoplilco

Another friend of mine (also named Amelia) just had a baby but not before starting her very own line of handmade tye dye clothing and accessories for both babies and mamas. Due to the one-of-a-kind nature of tye dye, each piece is completely one-of-a-kind! I especially appreciate the Beatles theme and will be buying this onesie for our baby someday.

Living With Landyn

Home + Women’s Clothing | @shoplivingwithlandyn

The first time I walked into the new Living With Landyn store at L&L Market, I said out loud, “I want my house to look like this.” From popular lifestyle blogger Landyn Hutchinson comes Living With Landyn, a shop filled with beautiful items for the home, including your kitchen and closet.

Nisolo

Shoes + Accessories | @nisoloshoes

Here’s another Nashville company with a large national following. Envisioning a fashion industry that values people and the planet just as much as the end consumer, Nisolo sells ethically made shoes and accessories. I have two pairs of Nisolo shoes, and I can tell you: they were built to last.

OIL / LUMBER

Clothing + Furniture | @oilandlumber

If I could create my very own store, it would look like OIL / LUMBER, a forward-thinking brand focused on creating apparel and furniture at the highest quality. They use a sustainable design process, utilizing natural fibers, recycled material, and certified organic textiles whenever possible. All of their products are made right here in their Nashville studio, one piece at a time — and the end result is stunning.

Paddywax

Candles | @paddywaxcandles

You’ve likely seen Paddywax products at boutiques around the country — but this candle company is based right here in Nashville. Their candles are as good-looking as they are good-smelling; for reference, check out their Wabi Sabi collection! And their Parks collection supports the National Park Foundation.

The Peach Truck

Peach Products | @thepeachtruck

The Peach Truck is a staple of Nashville summers. During the off-season, they pivot from selling freshly picked Georgia peaches to the fruits of their labor, in the form of salsa, BBQ sauce, hot sauce and jam. And this year, they’re selling satsumas through the holiday season!

Ranger Station

Candles + Fragrance | @rangerstation.co

For the best scents in town, look no further than Ranger Station. They’ve become known for their rich woodsy candles poured in reusable cocktail glasses, but they have a sleek City Series, which includes an Untitled candle with a fragrance so complex you get to name it yourself. I’ve purchased the Santalum unisex perfume for Brandon and it’s my favorite one he’s ever worn!

Thistle Farms

Home + Body Products / Non-Profit Organization | @thistlefarms

Thistle Farms doesn’t just sell bath and body products, apparel and jewelry, and other products for the home. They’re a non-profit organization and two-year program providing women survivors with a safe place to live, food and clothing, healthcare, counseling, therapeutic groups, and job training, all at no cost. So your purchase helps create economic freedom for women survivors around the world!

WithCo Cocktails

Cocktail Mix | @withcococktails

If you’ve been around a while, you know I’m a big fan of WithCo Cocktails. The name stands for “with company” because they believe in using cocktails to build community. The goal is that when you gather with friends or family, you can make a cocktail or a pitcher of cocktails in seconds (by simply adding your favorite liquor, ice and garnish) so you can spend more time with the company around you. My favorite mixes are Bouquet, Hey Girl and Jackass — mixed with gin or vodka. Use code “HOLLY20” for 20% off your order!

White’s Mercantile

General Store | @whitesmercantile

What began as an attempt to save an iconic old gas station on 12 South and revitalize the general store concept has evolved into a well-known shopping destination with seven locations across the Southeast. White’s Mercantile truly is “a general store for the modern taste-maker.” You’ll find products for the home, clothing, food, pet products, baby items, apothecary, and much more.

Shop Small!

Over time, your small gestures of love and support can make a big impact on these businesses.

Like I mentioned, it’s hard to narrow this list down! And I’m sure I’ve accidentally missed someone. Let me know: What is your favorite small shop in Nashville? Comment below with your suggestion(s)!