The Journal

Stories worth sharing. People worth knowing.

Behind every small business is a person with a story, a dream, and years of hard work. The Journal is where we celebrate those stories—sharing conversations with founders, discovering remarkable businesses, highlighting trusted professionals, and exploring the people and places that inspire us. We hope every story helps you discover someone new and reminds you why supporting small businesses matters.

Caitlin Kerr 12/29/25 Caitlin Kerr 12/29/25

A Thoughtful Year’s End

As this year comes to a close, I want to pause and acknowledge what made it meaningful: this community. This project may look like a website or a directory, but behind it are real people—reading, sharing, shopping thoughtfully, and supporting small businesses when they can. Hearing that you’ve used this space to find gifts, plan experiences, or discover something new is what keeps this work moving forward for me.

People We Admire

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Tara Shanahan

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Sparrow For Everyone

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Basker

… When Jessica announced the launch of her newest venture, BASKER, and shared that she had become certified in Horticultural Therapy, it immediately felt like a natural and meaningful evolution of her path. I was genuinely excited for her—and certain this was something special. BASKER brings together so many of the things she does best: care, education, creativity, and connection to the natural world.

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Cities In Dust

Chicago’s Cities In Dust Jewelry creates playful, nostalgic pieces with a modern twist. Led by designer Meghan, this female-run studio hand-fabricates every design with a deep love for storytelling—blending the past and present into accessories made for every body and every style.

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Businesses Worth Knowing

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Tara Shanahan

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Goldust Studio

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Toulouse, France: A Few Businesses Worth Crossing an Ocean For

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Sparrow For Everyone

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Places We Love

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Goldust Studio

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Toulouse, France: A Few Businesses Worth Crossing an Ocean For

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Goldust Studio

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Things We’re Learning

Coming Soon!

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Community

Coming soon!

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From My Notebook

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A Thoughtful Year’s End

As this year comes to a close, I want to pause and acknowledge what made it meaningful: this community. This project may look like a website or a directory, but behind it are real people—reading, sharing, shopping thoughtfully, and supporting small businesses when they can. Hearing that you’ve used this space to find gifts, plan experiences, or discover something new is what keeps this work moving forward for me.

Read more →