5 Small Businesses to Keep On Your Radar

It is Small Business Saturday! I want to share some business that are near and dear to me. They are movers, shakers and dream makers and I am happy and proud to tell you about them.

KisKin Spa Essentials

Owned and operated by Michelle, KisKin Spa Essentials is a line of body care. They use natural based ingredients to make products that will indulge your skin, hair, lips, senses and spirit. My favorite? The Stress Relief Foot & Heel Balm. I have really cracked heels (divastated!) and this balm works beautifully on them! There are also lip balms and body oils. With products being added to the line up regularly, KisKin will keep you coming back. And, I know she’s having some sweet deals on the site now.

Amaya Papaya

Yolonda is the mother of 6 year old Amaya, who is of course the inspiration for the "Play-Lounge". Yolonda enjoys spending time with her husband Thomas, Amaya, and their dog Simba. Yolonda has a degree in Psychology and has worked as a Health Educator and Counselor serving both children and their families in the Central Florida area for over 10 years. After becoming a mother, Yolonda recognized the need for an environment that was fun for small children yet a chill spot for parents as well. And so Amaya Papaya was born. And we are so glad for it.

We have had all of our parties there. And you should definitely check it out.

Gigi’s Cupcakes Orlando

I had cupcakes from Gigi’s at Florida Blog Con. And wow! They were amazing. So of course, when the frog princess requested cupcakes for her birthday, I knew who to call!

Lee is the owner of Gig’s Cupcakes of Orlando, Florida. I love that she had a dream and that she made it happen. “For me, that smell of fresh baked wholesome food was always a part of family reunions and cherished Holiday gatherings. We see and experience that same feeling of baked from scratch goodness and pride in the Gigi’s Cupcakes products. It’s as if Gigi’s were an extension of our family heritage.”

Hurry up and try their white chocolate pumpkin cupcakes! I love that they have mini’s. They are more appealing to me than big ol’ cupcakes. And these are beyond delicious! Check out their menu and tell me nothing calls your name!

Hot Clove Garlic Company

If you follow me on Instagram, you know I have been using some delicious spices lately. Well, they are the brainchild of Michael Anderson over at Hot Clove Garlic Company. Michael is working hard to make his dreams come true and he recently had a very successful Kickstarter campaign which is how I got the goods (thanks to those who contributed so that I could get my spices).

The flavors range from slightly spicy to “ohemgee your butt is going to need to call the fire department”. And you will love each and every one of them. I’m in love with the garlic salts. Specifically the Spicy Garlic Salt with Hawaiian Black Lava Salt. Then again, I dig the Spicy Garlic Rub with Habanero Chile Peppers. Oh and, can I just say that the Spicy Garlic Rub with Ghost Chile Peppers is the new secret ingredient in my chili. From tilapia to wings to chili. If you don’t get these spices, your taste buds are going to resent you. You don’t want that, do you?

Bebe Lanugo

Founder Carla Curiel could not find a product when her girls were born so she set out to create it! Bebe Lanugo brings Spanish language attire for children to the market. They also have personalized music CD’s that I can personally vouch for because my frog princess loves hers. I’m sure you know a kid that’s in need of some Spanish language awesomeness in their lives.

Last and certainly not least…

I have one last business to share with you. Mamihood Media! If the name sounds familiar well…you know.

It’s me. Surprise! Mamihood Media is a digital services agency specializing in social media management, project management, coaching, strategic planning and process improvement. We tailor our services to help you leave your mark in the world.

This is my short list of businesses that I not only support but hope to motivate others to do the same. Tell me, do you shop local?