Shop Small

BIG LOVE FOR SMALL BUSINESS

By Euni Lee

Don’t get us wrong, we love businesses of all sizes! But, when it comes to curated shopping (and dining) experiences, we like to give the “Davids” just as much consideration as the “Goliaths” (err…Amazons?). Here are a few of our favorite smallbut-mighty local enterprises to support this fall.

Fork in the Road Catering

Founded by husband-and-wife duo Kyle and Marisa Powers, Fork in the Road is a Black-owned business that’s been catering special occasions in Southern California for more than 10 years. No pre-set menus here—every event catered by the Powers has a custom menu to match the special occasion. Fork in the Road’s meals are always made with the intention of creating long lasting memories through food. Try their new Fork On the Go meal delivery service and have delicious dishes like shrimp fajitas, creamy macaroni and cheese, and blueberry lavender pie delivered to your front door. Fork on the Go menus are rotated every two weeks to keep loyal customers anticipating the next meal. All meals are prepared with the highest food safety measures to ensure clients stay healthy and happy. forkintheroadcatering.com / @forkintheroadcatering / 562 252 6923

Laguna Candles

Add a locally crafted Laguna Candle to your home and feel the stresses of your day melt away. Founded by Sharie Hendricks in 2003, Laguna Candles is a Black-owned business renowned for its high-quality materials, sustainable and artisanal craftsmanship, and lush range of fragrances. Prioritize your wellness by lighting a hand-poured Heirloom Artisan Candle, or place an Essential Oil Diffuser in your home workspace for all-day serenity and intentionality. If you’re searching for the perfect scent before making a fullsize purchase, try the 4 Plus Kit and sample the elegant fragrances Laguna Candles offers. Shop online or pick up your new candles curbside. 821-A Laguna Canyon Rd, Laguna Beach, CA 92651 / lagunacandles.com / @ lagunacandles / 949 510 2943

Blooms Dunn Right

If you’re missing someone right now due to the pandemic, consider sending them a gorgeous bouquet or flower arrangement from Blooms Dunn Right. Working out of Anaheim, husband-and-wife pair Billiann and Jeffrey Dunn have specialized in wedding floral arrangements since 2018. Since COVID-19 has put traditional weddings on hold, the Dunns’ new mission is to spread joy throughout Orange County with their intentionally wild bouquets. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or simply sending a pick-me-up present, Blooms Dunn Right will design an abundant floral arrangement in vibrant color palettes and unique shapes, complete with rustic embellishments. These arrangements— overflowing with tree peonies, peachy roses, and accenting greenery—are sure to bring joy to your friends, family, or even to that special someone in your life. bloomsdunnright.com / @bloomsdunnright / 559 618 7177

Daydream Surf Shop

Combining high-quality coffee and handcrafted surfboards, Daydream Surf Shop has been adding positive energy to Orange County for the past four years. Owned and operated by Becca Mantei and Kyle Kennelly, this Newport Beach staple focuses on providing excellent products to its patrons and promoting intentional and ethical shopping. Many of the items found at Daydream Surf Shop are exclusively available through their storefront, making every purchase here that much more special. The Shop also works to positively impact the community at large; in June alone, Daydream Surf Shop donated almost $8,000 from iced coffee sales to racial justice reform and LGBTQ+ advocacy groups. Shop their curated vintage collection and unique coffee roasts instore or online, or pick up a cold brew or sparkling lavender lemonade in person. 1588 Monrovia Ave, Newport Beach, CA 92663 / daydreamsurfshop.com / @daydreamsurfshop / 949 612 7175

Kembali Collective

Seagrass beach bags, linen throw blankets, handwoven leather sandals—these are just a few of the items that will instantly catch your eye while browsing Kembali Collective’s website. Inspired by the craftsmanship and talent of the Indonesian people, co-founders Melissa Butcher and Erin O’Brien created the Collective with the core value of kembali —or giving back—in mind. A portion of each Kembali Collective sale is donated to Bali Wise, a non-profit organization that empowers marginalized Indonesian women through skill development. Sustainable, artisanal, and elegant, Kembali Collective’s items are the perfect additions to your summer wardrobe and décor. Shop at Kembali Collective to empower women of color and support Balinese artisans. kembalihome.com / @kembalicollective

Local Fare

Celebrating a special occasion soon? Find the perfect gift at Local Fare, a Costa Mesa boutique offering unique home goods and décor sourced from local brands. Curated by founder Sheri Metzler, Local Fare’s selection of coastal-inspired glassware, vibrant throw pillows, uplifting inspirational signs and other artisanal goods can be found online or in-person at SOCO’s OC Mix. If you’re looking to enhance your home décor instead, pick up a set of Harborside Glass Lanterns or Sealife Hanging Planters to brighten up your backyard. Whether you’re shopping for yourself or someone else, you’re sure to find a memorable and cherished gift at Local Fare. 3313 N Hyland Ave, Costa Mesa, CA 92626 / oclocalfare.com / @local_fare / 714 455 9878

The Collection by Casa Teresa

Looking for an alternative to fast fashion? Visit Old Towne Orange and shop for a cause at The Collection by Casa Teresa. Established in 1976, Neill and Sally Sullivan created Casa Teresa to provide outreach programs and valuable resources for pregnant women in crisis. The Collection by Casa Teresa is one part of a much larger system designed to support women and children throughout Orange County. The Collection is staffed by volunteers and current Casa Teresa residents gaining valuable customer service and work experience. Shop gently used donated clothing, shoes, and accessories inside a renovated 20th-century bungalow. You’ll find a selection of brand name items at great prices here—even better, all sales go towards supporting Casa Teresa’s numerous outreach and residential programs. You can also support Casa Teresa by placing orders through their Poshmark account from the comforts of your home. casateresa.org/shop-our-store / @thecollectionbycasateresa / 714 633 1938

Tribute Coffee House

Visit Tribute Coffee House in Garden Grove, a Black-owned coffee shop owned and operated by Uduma Ikpa. Established in 2017, Tribute Coffee House is known throughout OC for excellent customer service, mouth-watering breakfast sandwiches, and their signature Kyoto cold brew. The Coffee House has rave reviews and loyal customers who return for the inviting atmosphere and delicious variety of pastries, coffee, and desserts. Craving something sweet? Stop by their drive-through and pick up an order of warm Banana Nutella Waffles, or cool down with a refreshing blended coffee. Follow Tribute Coffee House’s social media to stay current on their exclusive promotions for the best deal on your next drink. 13960 Harbor Blvd, Garden Grove, CA 92843 / tributecoffeehouse.com / @tributecoffeehouse / 714 852 3005