Small Business

  • 15 Small Businesses to Support This Hispanic Heritage Month

    In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, we’re excited to highlight virtual and Pittsburgh-based small businesses that are ushering in more representation in their respective industries.

    Every year, the U.S. observes Hispanic Heritage Month from September to October. Hispanic Heritage Month provides an opportunity to honor individuals of Hispanic descent and highlight their culture, traditions, and impact. Today, nearly one in four new businesses is Hispanic-owned, and almost five million businesses in the United States are Hispanic-owned, bringing in more than $800 billion each year. Since most small businesses have limited resources, your support is essential. In addition to boosting the economy when you purchase from these companies, you also enable these mom-and-pop stores to continue operating.

    We want to bring attention to small Hispanic-owned businesses providing cutting-edge services and products and promoting better representation in their respective fields.

    Pittsburgh-Based Hispanic-Owned Small Businesses

    Panadería Jazmin

    Located in Mount Lebanon, Panadería Jazmin bakes various fresh, traditional Mexican bread and desserts. This little sliver of a storefront packs a lot of flavor into a tiny space in Mt. Lebanon’s increasingly delicious Beverly Road business district. You can place orders on their website, and follow them on Facebook and Instagram for their most up-to-date menu selections and new items!

    Image courtesy of Panadería Jazmin

    Totopo

    It feels like Taco Tuesday every day at Totopo! This Latin-owned and run restaurant in Pittsburgh started in Dormont and was recently named one of the top 15 places to get tableside guacamole in the U.S. by Yelp

    Latin American Cultural Center

    Newly opened in September of 2022, the Latin American Cultural Center features a small but highly informative museum display and live programming in an intimate performance venue highlighting the diverse cultures, music, film, and current-day issues of Latin America and the Caribbean. 

    Del Caimán

    Del Caimán was founded by Cubans to share the true beauty of Cuban culture as experienced by Cubans. They empower diverse artists with a platform for the global community, showing what runs through their veins as Cubans and how that comes to life through art. 

    Image courtesy of Rafael Migoyo of Del Caimán

    Cilantro & Ajo

    Founded by Marlyn and Anthony, a Venezuelan couple that shares a love for the traditional food of their country with traditional recipes and delectable food. One of the only spots — if not the only spot — in Pittsburgh specializing in Venezuelan street food, Cilantro & Ajo has a food truck in addition to their brick-and-mortar restaurant in the South Side. 

    Building New Hope

    Building New Hope is a volunteer-driven nonprofit organization based in Pittsburgh and Nicaragua. Building New Hope collaborates with Central Americans to build sustainable livelihoods by linking people and communities with educational and economic opportunities. New Hope Coffee is grown by the farmers of the El Porvenir Cooperative located in León, Nicaragua. The green beans are roasted to order by 19 Coffee Company, a specialty micro-roaster in Pittsburgh, PA. 

    Online Hispanic-Owned Small Businesses

    Yo Soy AfroLatina

    Yo Soy AfroLatina was founded by Bianca Kathryn when she saw the underrepresentation of Afro-Latinx people in her neighborhood. She started a lifestyle company to empower and embrace her identity so that others could see themselves represented and celebrated.

    Image courtesy of Yo Soy AfroLatina

    Lil’ Libros

    Patty Rodriguez and Ariana Stein, two mothers, founded Lil’ Libros to promote bilingual reading among young children by providing them with books that honor inclusivity, diversity, and authenticity. Lil’ Libros has sold over 1.5 million books worldwide with consistent growth.

    Progeny Coffee

    Fifth-generation coffee farmer Maria Jose Palacio established Progeny Coffee to free Colombian farmers from poverty. Progeny has taken on the challenge of designing its coffee chain by providing absolute coffee transparency and unprecedented support to coffee growers stuck in a poverty loop.

    Bonita Fierce Candles

    Melissa Gallardo, a Salvadoran-American, created her own brand in 2020 called Bonita Fierce Candles. The small business creates scented candles with distinct aromas that Melissa grew up around. Her candle range includes a variety of warming and calming scents, including “cafecito con leche,” which is inspired by Latin American coffee, “coquito,” a scent reminiscent of traditional Puerto Rican eggnog, and “abuelas bakery,” a candle meant to make you nostalgic for home.

    Image courtesy of Bonita Fierce Candles

    The Designing Chica

    Susana Sanchez-Young created the Designing Chica after having an epiphany during her pregnancy nine years ago. She couldn’t find nursery artwork that fit her style and culture, where she realized the need for cultured artwork. All of her artwork is available in various products like coffee mugs, T-shirts, pins, and large framed prints. If you can imagine it, it can be produced and shipped directly to you from Society6!

    Alter Eco

    Alter Eco is a small business that is revolutionizing the chocolate industry. Their slogan is “the cleanest, greenest chocolate,” as the company’s mission is to create food that nourishes the Earth rather than depleting it. They work on small-scale fair trade farms, practice dynamic forestry, which can mitigate climate change, and launched the world’s first commercially compostable candy wrapper in 2013, to name just a few of their many sustainable practices.

    Image courtesy of Alter Eco

    Cut + Clarity

    As an immigrant from Buenos Aires, Argentina, Cut + Clarity founder Mariana Russo Chambers lives out passion and tradition in every aspect of her life, creating one-of-a-kind jewelry with recycled gold from products good for the environment and community. 

    ÉTICA

    ÉTICA, a Los Angeles-based premium denim business, was founded on the principles of social responsibility, ethical manufacturing, and fair labor. On a mission to support local communities, ÉTICA recycles its water for use on local farms, compresses spent washstones into bricks for low-income housing, and collaborates with groups supporting global environmental and workers’ rights campaigns.

    TOA Waters

    Most bubble bath products contain floral scents, something Javier Folgar wanted to change. As someone who takes bubble baths himself, the entrepreneur is on a mission to end the social stigma around men enjoying baths, which led to the creation of his small business, Toa Waters. Tao Waters bubble baths come in a variety of bold scents, including teakwood, rum, sandalwood, and tobacco. All of the products are vegan and made with organic and responsibly sourced ingredients.

    Image courtesy of TOA Waters

    At Starta Strategies, we love showcasing diverse voices and value all the good these businesses are doing while keeping to their roots. Keep in mind that these companies deserve your support not just during Hispanic Heritage Month, but all year long.

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  • 2021 Northeast Ohio Small Business Holiday Shopping Guide

    Make magic happen this holiday season, by gifting small!

    Make magic happen this holiday season, by gifting small. We have an array of small businesses inside of our Northeast Ohio Small Business Shopping Guide! If you are passionate about supporting small businesses, then you are in the right place friends! Here is your guide to shopping small for the holiday season! Click on the hyperlink text to be taken directly to their site to get your shopping started.


    Food and Drink

    High Low Winery

    With roots running deep in Medina, OH, High Low Winery is located on fourth-generation family land. They recently opened a second location in Cleveland’s Little Italy neighborhood. Both locations offer multiple tasting rooms and a bistro with a selection of modern Mediterranean dishes. With a unique space for private parties or just a holiday get-together with friends, check out all that they have to offer. (PS, they also offer a wine club!) 

    The Mustard Seed Market

    The Mustard Seed Market & Café is the largest locally-owned retailer of natural and organic products in Ohio. After being a part of the community since 1981, their specialty is providing high-quality natural and organic foods along with education and information on food issues and the environment. You can check out their Holiday Planning Guide full of information on planning your meals for the holidays, or see if delivery is now available near you!

    Royal Docks Brewery

    Royal Docks Brewery is a brewery and kitchen that fuses the craft beer renaissance with British pub culture in a contemporary, American style. They have a taproom and kitchen located at 7162 Fulton Dr. NW Canton OH, a foeder house and kitchen located at 2668 Easton St. NE Canton OH, and a brewhouse and cannery located at 5646 Wales Ave NW Massillon OH. You can check out their fun events like their Pig Roast, Tipsy Paint Night, and their beer tasting and dinner with Haffs Hot Sauce.

    Gervasi Vineyard

    Gervasi Vineyard is a destination winery resort nestled in Canton, OH. The perfect place to enjoy a cocktail, glass of wine, or specialty coffee at the Still House, get in the holiday spirit and enjoy their truly magical 

    Complete with luxury accommodations, three restaurants, a coffeehouse/cocktail bar, heated outdoor cigar lounge, winery, and boutique distillery, Gervasi Vineyard will truly offer an exceptional stay. 

    The Farmer’s Rail

    The Farmer’s Rail, Artisanal Meats & Butcher Shop, is a specialty shop with an emphasis on “feel good for you food.” ​​They are a farm-to-plate butcher shop and grocery specializing in all-natural, pasture-raised eggs and meats from Brunty Farms. Join them every Wednesday from 3-9 p.m. for Hudson Wine Wednesdays!

    Blue Door Bakery

    Located in the heart of Cuyahoga Falls, the Blue Door Bakery is a pretty unique restaurant. Beautifully made from scratch bread, pastries, and so much more, made fresh daily. Striving to make things that you can’t normally make at home, the Blue Door Bakery has a team of passionate cooks and bakers ready to serve up food filled with passion.

    DioGuardi’s Italian Market

    Your friendly Italian market and deli is right on 10th Street in Canton. When you visit DioGuardi’s Italian Market & Deli, you’ll know we’re the real deal when it comes to genuine Italian foods. Experience the magic of blending a market from the old country with a deli designed for today’s tastes. From prepared meals you can take home (perfect for bringing something special to your holiday gathering) to discovering a new special ingredient or spice for your secret recipe, DioGuardi’s provides the full flavor of Italian cuisine for everyone. They also offer a full catering menu and a selection of wine and beer. 

    Magna Wines

    Magna was built around the simple idea of taking the intimidation out of wine. With locations in both downtown Cuyahoga Falls and Bedford, they offer a retail wine store and tasting room that features wines from 7 continents, and specializes in Boutique Wines, Minority-Owned Wines & Female Owned Wines. Check out all they have to offer by visiting their website.

    2 Daughters Tea Company

    Did you know that tea is the second most consumed beverage after water? Minority-owned 2 Daughters Tea Company offers a wide selection of teas. The owners firmly believe that tea is From black tea, white tea, herbal, green, plus accessories, find something truly unique and rooted in wellness. Shop their full collection here (PS – they also have gift cards available!) 

    Ben Heggy’s Candy Co.

    Since 1923, Heggy’s Candy Company is a Canton staple. Perfect for the sweet tooth on your list, Heggy’s has remained a family-owned and operated business, handcrafting quality candies and chocolates, unlike any other candy maker. Whether you want to come to browse their vast selection for yourself, or get an order delivered, visit their website for more info.


    Art and Music

    Hollow Bone Records

    Located on West Market Street in Fairlawn, Hollow Bone Records vinyl shop sells new and used records. They are an authorized Music Hall turntable seller and carry a variety of gifts for the music lover in your life.

    Heather Bullach Art

    Heather Bullach is a portrait and landscape artist. Working primarily in oils, her style ranges from realism to impressionism. Her work is widely exhibited around Northeast Ohio, including three solo exhibitions since 2011. Check out her work and gift something truly unique this holiday season – she is also currently accepting art commissions.

    SheMazing Designs

    SheMazing Designs is run by the Sorceress of Snark herself, Sheena. Sheena is a sketch note artist and hand letterer. You can check her out for cards, stickers, prints, household items, shirts, bags, lock screens, and commission pieces!

    The Gardener of Bath

    While confusing at first, The Gardener of Bath does not in fact sell bath and beauty products, but instead, sells gifts, home accessories, and jewelry! The Gardener of Bath is a charming and eclectic gift boutique, featuring Trollbeads, Alex & Ani, Bourbon and Boweties, unique handmade jewelry, and accents for the home. The boutique features tasteful Holiday accents and gifts, as merchandise changes to reflect the seasons.


    Apparel and Accessories

    The Social Dept.

    The Social Dept. is a Grammy-nominated studio and clothing brand specializing in hand-printed, hand-made apparel, home goods, and posters for adults and kids alike. Their catalog of nearly 300+ designs has a little bit of everything for people from a little bit of everywhere depicting regional, state, and municipal pride in our country’s diverse food, beer, sports, and movie culture.  A true Mom and Pop shop owned and operated by Christy (Mom) and Andy (Pop) Taray, their small but mighty team takes a lot of pride in their craft.

    Tadpoles and Tiddlers

    Celebrating their 14th year in business, Tadpoles and Tiddlers is a whimsical and beautifully curated luxury baby and toddler boutique with a passion and fresh approach to the art of gifting for the littles’ in our lives. From heirloom gifts, adorable apparel, sweet accessories, and all things beautiful and whimsical will please the little one in your life. 

    Arrowhead Vintage and Handmade Goods

    Located in downtown Canton, OH, Arrowhead Vintage and Handmade Goods is a locally owned shop with art prints, knit wares, and more. All of their products are available online for shipping or curbside pick up. Give them a follow on Facebook to see some of their latest products! 

    Good

    Based in Akron, OH, Good is a supplier of organic wellness and beauty products made in small batches using plants and completely natural ingredients. Originally created to problem-solve health issues and replace prescription medications, Goods continues to eliminate these issues a beautiful sensory experience. Right now, you can use code FREESHIP to get free shipping on orders over $75 on items like Trucolor bandages, their Clay Detox Mask, or their selection of hair and beard oils.


    Health and Wellness

    Yoga Squared

    Known for their community and welcoming environment, Yoga Squared has a class for everyone! Located in Akron, Yoga Squared classes cater to everyone from beginners, to more advanced yogis. They offer a variety of hot and cool yoga classes to the Highland Square area and beyond. Their boutique features locally sourced gift items and Yoga Squared apparel and they also offer fun and unique workshops for all to enjoy! The perfect gift for the yogi in your life, check out Yoga Squared!

    Skinsations

    Proudly made in Akron, Ohio, Skinsations is a natural skincare brand that promotes healthy, nourished skin. Established in 2018, Skinsations was designed with high-quality ingredients to enhance the condition of your skin. They offer a wide selection of products including their luxurious body butters, created with natural ingredients that will have your skin looking and feeling radiant. Their founder, Jacquelyn Little has researched and developed recipes with non-toxic ingredients that are naturally beneficial to the enhancement of your skin condition.


    Unique Gifts and Experiences

    Northside Marketplace

    The ultimate small business hub in Akron! The Northside Marketplace located in downtown Akron features an eclectic mix of the area’s best startups. With support from the Knight Foundation and local business leaders, the marketplace offers small local businesses the tools and support they need to grow their business and increase the exposure of their brand and product offerings.  The marketplace currently has over 35 vendors, including:

    And more! Stop and grab a bite to eat, a coffee, or a cocktail while you browse their vendors and check out all the Northside Marketplace has to offer.

    Perfectly Pierced Shop 

    Perfectly Pierced Shop provides the pierced community with a comfortable way to sleep at night. With over 13.4K Instagram followers, their pillows are hand-made, eco-friendly, and unlike a regular pillow, the open center of their Piercing Pillows allow your ear to breathe. With their zero waste mindset, you can feel confident about your purchase. All their fabric scraps are saved and stitched into dog/cat beds for local animal shelters. Learn more and browse their limited edition holiday halo pillows!


    Did you know that when you shop locally, for every $100 you spend, $68 of that will stay in the community? This year, get the perfect gifts for everyone on your list, all in Northeast Ohio.

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  • 2021 Pittsburgh Small Business Holiday Shopping Guide

    Today—and every day—support stores in your community. Here are our hometown favorites we think you’ll like too.

    Our 2021 Small Business Holiday Shopping guide has something for everyone on your list – from the book worm, skincare fanatic, wine lover, to the shop-a-holic. Support local this year and consider one of the businesses on our list to satisfy your shopping needs. Click on the hyperlink text to be taken directly to their site to get your shopping started. 


    Food and Drink

    23rd and Vine

    23rd and Vine is Pittsburgh’s boutique wine shop. Locally owned, globally sourced, 23rd and Vine is located right in the historic Southside Flats. They offer an extensive, curated wine list from small vineyards across the globe for you to enjoy by the glass or bottle that aren’t available at PA State Liquor Stores. 23rd and Vine also carries specialty food products local to Pittsburgh, including local pasta sauce, olive oil, biscotti, and more. To order online, visit https://www.toasttab.com/23rd-and-vine/v3. All bottles are available for delivery in the Pittsburgh area, or you can pick up your order curbside, located at 2333 East Carson Street, Pittsburgh, PA.

    MAXX Restaurant

    Food. Drinks. Sports. What more could you ask for out of a Pittsburgh sports bar? Located in the heart of Warrendale, PA, MAXX merges refined cuisine and creatively crafted cocktails for a dynamic experience of spirits and sports. MAXX is offering cocktails loaded with seasonal flavors like creamy caramel, crisp apple, and cinnamon this holiday season. Be sure to check out these limited-time sippers. They also offer a unique, upscale space for a private party, gift cards for your favorite foodie, and a grocery section that offers homemade cheesecakes (perfect for your next holiday get-together), bottles of wine, and more! Located at 400 Warrendale Village Dr, Warrendale, PA 15086.

    Liokareas Olive Oil 

    Liokareas has been pressing Greek olive oil for over 150 years by only old-world means and simple hand tools. With a local presence in Pittsburgh, yet sourced from their family-owned orchard in Southern Kalamata Greece, their oils are naturally rich in healthy fats and antioxidants, iron, and Vitamins A, E & K. You can use Liokareas olive oil to saute, stir-fry, and grill your favorite proteins and vegetables, dress salads, finish soups and pasta, or even use it for baking and in cocktails. Check out their website for more information on their holiday gift bundles – from their 2021 Charcuterie Box, Holiday Gift Box, and more!

    Soergel Orchards

    Warm pies right out of the oven, produce straight from the field, and your favorite gourmet foods in the middle of an apple orchard that dates back to the 1850s. Soergel Orchards is the place to be for locally grown produce and homemade goodies.

    Soergels also offers an online store with curbside pick up with some of their most popular items from their market. Check out their online store here, and pick up your goodies at 2573 Brandt School Road, Wexford, PA 15090.

    Allegheny City Brewing Company

    Allegheny City Brewing is an award-winning neighborhood brewery located in the Deutschtown neighborhood of Pittsburgh. This brewery is equipped with both outdoor and a newly opened indoor seating area back just in time for the cool weather. They sell Middleswarth chips and partner with local food trucks almost every day they’re open. With something for everyone, they offer online sales for pickup or walk-in ordering to-go. Or, just grab a seat at the bar at 507 Foreland St. Pittsburgh, PA 15212.

    Cafe Raymond

    Family-owned and designed around the customer experience and quality eats, Cafe Raymond is the kind of place Pittsburgh is blessed to call its own. Cafe Raymond serves delicious baked goods, all made from scratch and using the finest and fresh, locally grown seasonal produce. Located right in the Strip District, you can browse the generous menu crafted by Chef Ray, whose bread was famously served at the White House when both Bill Clinton and George W. Bush were president.


    Health, Wellness, and Beauty

    Studio Booth

    Studio Booth is one of Pittsburgh’s premier luxury salons and spa. They have been in the East Liberty neighborhood for over a decade, next to Trader Joe’s in Pittsburgh’s East End. Their in-salon retail store carries the finest products in hair and skin care for hair of every color, texture, and length, including Kevin Murphy, Ouidad, Babor, Phyto, Olaplex, and CBD Daily. They also carry several unique jewelry pieces and accessories. They’re currently offering 10% off gift cards through the end of the year.

    Call 412-362-6684 for more information or to order products for curbside pick up – they are also accepting holiday appointments.

    Ali’s Apothecary

    Founded by a licensed aesthetician, aspiring herbalist, and organic skincare formulator, Chelsea Ali, Ali’s Apothecary makes botanical, high-performance skincare products, macerated oils, skincare, body care, herbals, and teas accessible to all. All products are hand-made locally and ship nationally. Give the gift of wellness to a loved one in your life with her curated tea packages, anti-aging serums, or luxury, botanical skincare lines. All products are cruelty-free, all-natural, and sustainably sourced.


    Apparel and Accessories

    Yinzer Store

    Yinzer Store is your ultimate source for Pittsburgh apparel and products for the “Yinzer” on your Christmas list! Created by Pittsburgh personalities Jim Krenn and Larry Richert, Yinzer Store celebrates the city we love with an iconic line of t-shirts, sweatshirts, masks, mugs, cards, & more. 

    Yinzer Store also includes “Yinzer Cards,” which offers unique, Pittsburgh-themed greeting cards for every occasion brought to life by cartoonist Rob Rogers, and “Jim Krenn Yinzer Life,” an upscale clothing line created by Pittsburgh legend Jim Krenn.

    All products from Yinzer Store are available online and can be shipped nationwide. YinzerCards are available at Market District, select Giant Eagle and Hallmark stores, Ambridge Do It Best Home Center, and the Heinz History Center.

    Mountain Flowers Design

    Comfy, fun clothing made right here in Pittsburgh. Visit Mountain Flowers Design’s Etsy shop to find the perfect addition to your holiday wardrobe. Run by Sara and Mike Kriley, you can check out their sturdy and warm sweatshirts with printed and embroidered options. They have everything from holiday-themed to newlyweds shirts that will be the perfect gift for under the tree this year.

    Hot Rod Piercing Company

    Hot Rod Piercing Co. has been providing the city of Pittsburgh with the most experienced piercing staff and the highest quality body jewelry available for over twenty years now. As Pittsburgh’s premier body piercing studio, Hot Rod Piercing Co. is committed to providing the safest and most comfortable piercing experience possible. Located at 95 S 16th St Pittsburgh, PA 15203, Hot Rod Piercing Co. offers ear, facial, oral, and body piercings, as well as a selection of the finest jewelry. 

    Signature Styling Services

    Discover the power behind your signature look. Signature Styling Services is helping Pittsburgh millennials ditch their “young adult” or college wardrobes, define their signature style, and take on the world as the adult they were meant to be. Work with Alex to work through your own personal style, colors, lifestyle, and budget to find your signature style.

    Enliven Boutique

    Opened in June 2020, Enliven Lifestyle Boutique, was founded by two fierce women who always dreamed of owning their own business. Their online boutique collection is sourced from over 13 fellow small business owners located throughout Pittsburgh and the US! Their goal is to provide collections to revitalize all aspects of your lifestyle. Whether you purchase a gift for someone else or gift yourself, this online collection allows you to give locally!

    Larrimor’s

    Larrimor’s is a men’s and women’s designer clothing store located in the heart of downtown Pittsburgh. Larrimor’s is locally owned and offers the finest in upscale men’s and women’s fashion from coats, sweaters, accessories, and more. Shop online or in-store, located at 249 Fifth Ave, Pittsburgh, PA.

    Pro Bike+Run

    Visit Pittsburgh’s bike and run shop with the best selection and the most passionate and knowledgeable team of cyclists and runners. With over 4,000 bikes in stock and new bikes arriving daily, you’re bound to find something for the athlete on your holiday list – from stocking stuffers like socks, bike gear, and more! Pro Bike+Run also offers an active community to join with 300+ group rides, runs, walks, and 150+ classes and events yearly.


    Unique Gifts and Experiences

    Love, Pittsburgh

    Love, Pittsburgh’s mission is to connect makers to shoppers by serving the local community as well as the thousands of visitors who travel to Downtown Pittsburgh and Mount Washington each year. They curate a fantastic selection of locally made gifts and proudly tell the stories of the artists and makers they support. A Pittsburgh artist designs everything in their shop, and they can ship it directly to your recipient or order for curbside pick up. Love, Pittsburgh has two locations: Downtown (805 Liberty Ave, Pittsburgh, PA) and Mount Washington (301 Shiloh Street, Pittsburgh, PA).

    Wildcard

    Wildcard has provided the area with unique cards, handmade gifts, fun gift wrap, creative crafts, t-shirts, baby and kids’ gifts, original art, and much more for several years. Opened by Pittsburgh native Rebecca Morris in October 2009, many of Wildcard’s items are made in Pittsburgh by local artists. Located in the Lawrenceville neighborhood of Pittsburgh, at 4209 Butler Street, 15201, Wildcard prides themselves on getting to know their artists and crafters as well as their customers.

    Farmer’s Daughter Flowers

    Inspired by natural elements, handpicked and one-of-a-kind items, and the magic of flowers, Farmer’s Daughter Flowers beautifies Pittsburgh with their floral arrangements. The owner sources flowers for her designs from her own garden or local whenever possible. At her 502 East Ohio St. store, expect to find home goods, candles, textiles, and of course, fresh floral designs and plants to dazzle anyone on your list.

    White Whale Bookstore

    White Whale is a family-owned, independent bookstore in Pittsburgh. Their selection of new books includes a broad range of contemporary and literary fiction and nonfiction, poetry, history, philosophy, local authors, independent presses, children’s books, and more. They have several options for gifts for the book lovers in your life! Know someone who’s a writer? Visit their Workshops page to learn about signing them up for one of their writing workshops as a gift!

    Leaf and Bean

    Initially making its debut in 2003, Leaf & Bean in the Strip District has become a true Pittsburgh favorite for cigar smokers, coffee lovers, and even those just looking to escape to a “Florida Keys” environment. Owned and operated by cigar icon Jim Robinson (more commonly known as “Island Jim”), Jim has created an environment that truly feels like you’re taking a step into an island-style oasis getaway. Check out the 2200 Penn Avenue location to see their fully-stocked humidor, freshly brewed coffee and other drinks, and cigar accessories for the cigar lover this holiday season.

    The Attic Record Store

    Find your music treasures at the Attic Record Store. With loads of new and used records arriving daily, no matter your taste, the Attic’s knowledgeable staff will help you find exactly what you’re looking for from a wide variety of genres. Located just minutes from downtown Pittsburgh at 513 Grant Ave, you can find both new and used records and CDs. 

    Del Caiman

    Del Caimán is an art collective that represents renowned Cuban artists. They aim to connect the world with the natural, unpolished art that defines Cuba’s very soul but is rarely seen by the outside world. We guarantee that the artist in your life will be blown away by a unique piece crafted by a Cuban artist. Learn more and view their unique collections here.

    Pittsburgh Glass Center

    Established in 2001, Pittsburgh Glass Center is a hub for innovation and creativity. Anyone can take classes, explore the contemporary glass gallery, and watch the live hot glass demonstrations. People interested in learning more about glass come here to take a class, explore the modern gallery and watch live hot glass demonstrations. Pittsburgh Glass Center is the largest arts organization on Penn Avenue in the East End.

    Mix Candle Co.

    Tucked into Pittsburgh’s exciting Lawrenceville neighborhood, explore over 100 different fragrances to create our own custom scent at Mix Candle Co. Pour candles with your crew for the holidays! Mix Candle Co.’s holiday parties make for a fun-filled time in Pittsburgh. Create the perfect holiday gift, or blend your favorite fragrances to fill your home with the best holiday scents. During your party at Mix Candle Co., candles are buy three, get one free!

    Songbird Artistry

    Songbird Artistry was started by Debbie Jacknin and her daughters, Jennifer and Jacklyn. They specialize in their own craft and have long been selling their jewelry, mosaics, screen-printed apparel, and vintage finds at craft shows. At their shop on Penn Ave, they are selling an expanded inventory of locally crafted jewelry, prints, clothing, beauty supplies, vintage goods, and the items of over 40 other Pittsburgh artisans.

    The Black Cat Market

    The Black Cat Market is Pittsburgh’s Cat Cafe. Whether you come to adopt or just for a bit of pet therapy, you won’t be disappointed with their sweet and playful cats! All of the cats are adoptable and come from Frankie’s Friends Cat Rescue, and The Black Cat Market can help you get started in the adoption process. Open at 5135 Penn Ave, The Black Cat Market is the ideal place to go for any cat and coffee lover.


    Did you know that when you shop locally, for every $100 you spend, $68 of that will stay in the community? This year, get the perfect gifts for everyone on your list, all in Pittsburgh.

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