Smart Neighbors Shop Locally BuckHaven Buys
Article Rhiannon Bankes | Photography Dennis Malcolm Byron, John McDuffie
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mall businesses can be considered the backbone of the U.S. economy, accounting for about half of all private-sector jobs and 65 percent of new jobs created in the past 17 years. And in Georgia they represent 97.7 percent of all employers, employing 44.8 percent of the private-sector labor force. Small is good! Research has shown that for every $100 spent at a locally owned store, $45 remains in the local economy, compared with about $13 per $100 spent at a big box store. Local businesses provide a unique value to their communities that goes beyond the goods they offer: charitable endeavors, youth sports team sponsorships, quality shopping experiences — all while preserving an integral communal phenomenon known as human interaction. Here are a few businesses you should check out and support, right here near home:
AtlantaFresh Artisan Creamery AtlantaFresh turns their daily delivery of hormone-free and antibiotic-free milk from humanely treated, fully pastured and grass fed cows, into fresh Greek yogurt. Made by hand in small batches, AtlantaFresh uses only natural ingredients with no chemicals or preservatives. Available at most Whole Foods and Kroger. AtlantaFresh.com
Burly Bakers Owner Bill Armstrong's motto is “If you’re gonna be bad, it better be good.” Burly Bakers whips up some of the most delectable gourmet bars, cookies and pies you will ever have the privilege of tasting, like Blackberry Shortbread Bars or the Gooey Black Bottom Praline Brownies that have been turning saints into sinners one dozen at a time. This thriving bakery offers mail order and local delivery, with plans to establish a small retail space this year. BurlyBakers.com
Mama Bath + Body Emilie Sennebogen formulates, manufactures, pours and packages every batch of her artisan body products on location using only pure plant-based essential oils - no synthetic fragrances ever and all products are 100% natural (with the exception of lotions, which contain a synthetic preservative, so they are 95% natural.) One of her hottest sellers are her "Neighborhood Soaps" featuring some very recognizable Atlanta neighborhood names. Mama is so loved that Sennebogen will be opening another retail store this year. Shop now at the Atlanta History Center and The Four Seasons Spa. LoveYourMama.com
Atlanta Honey Company Atlanta Honey Company produces and distributes pure, unprocessed, raw honey by collecting direct from their hives. Using no synthetic chemicals or antibiotics, just light straining to remove unwanted debris. Bee smart and shop now at Savi Urban Market in Brookhaven, Nuts N’Berries and Lucy’s Market. AtlantaHoneyCompany.com 20 BuckHavenLifestyle.com | January 2014
Buckhead Berries Double dipped chocolate strawberries made to order. Whether you need a Party Favor Pack (2-pack,) a boxed dozen or 50 piece "family reunion," Buckhead Berries will hand deliver your sweet treats right to your door. BuckheadBerries.com High Road Ice Cream Chef Keith Schroeder incorporates bitterness and salt into flavor combinations such as Pistachio Honey Ricotta, Hibiscus Ginger, and Bourbon Burnt Sugar. Produced by hand in small batches, High Road Ice Cream has created quite the following in the Atlanta area and beyond and can be scooped up at Whole Foods. HighRoadCraft.com
Chocolate South Chocolatier Amy Stankus pairs the best chocolates, with organic cream, organic spices, liquors and other fine ingredients, many of them local, to make small batches of truffles, bonbons,