14 | December | 2020

By: Lizzy Woxland and Anna Hisle

With the holiday season now in full swing, it is the biggest shopping season of the year.

Now, more than ever, it’s important to give some attention to, and consider, shopping at small businesses this year. It’s no secret that COVID-19 has impacted our country’s small businesses drastically.

From trying to manage new COVID restrictions, to dealing with a lack of business throughout the pandemic, small businesses are in need of attention.

Whether you’re shopping in person or online, here is a list of some small businesses located in the Twin Cities.

I Like You

I Like You has store locations in both Minneapolis and St. Paul and showcases local artists. Collaborating with over 200 artists, I Like You has something for everyone. Their stores are currently open in person and online (https://i-like-you-minneapolis.myshopify.com/).

Image taken from: https://m.facebook.com/Beautiful-Small-Businesses-Twin-Cities-216550541802014/

Minnesota Makers

If you like art, this is a great shop for you! Minnesota Makers has a couple of store locations, with one in Minneapolis and one in Excelsior. This business has art from over 120 Minnesota artists. They sell soaps, home decor, paintings, ceramics, and so much more. This shop has great gifts and such a variety, you can find something for everyone (https://minnesota-makers.square.site).

Minnesota Nice Gifts

The online shop, Minnesota Nice Gifts, makes themed gift boxes for all occasions. These boxes contain products created by local artisans including Minnesota Nice Spice. This business’s proceeds go to a local non-profit organization for artists with disabilities (https://www.nicegifts.shop).

Arlee Park

Arlee Park is a second hand store, located in Minneapolis, run by twin sisters Ashley and Jamie. Arlee is great for vintage and secondhand lovers. Secondhand shopping is not only better for the environment but also a great way to see a variety of things in one place. Arlee Park is open in person and online (https://arleepark.com/).

Electric Fetus
Electric Fetus is a record shop with two locations; one in Minneapolis and one in Duluth. Not only does this shop sell records but also unique gifts which are perfect for the holidays (https://electricfetus.com).

Awakenings

Awakenings is a gift and guidance store, located in South Minneapolis, and has a variety of gifts that can fit anyone’s wishes. Our personal favorites from their shop are their candles and crystals. Awakenings is now open both in person and online as well (https://www.awakeningsmn.com/).

Artscraps

If you’re looking to get crafty this year, Artscraps is the way to go. Artscraps is a non-profit arts organization that sells original art from local artists and sells reused art supplies. Not only is this store eco friendly, but it helps provide arts education for both adults and children. Artscraps is open both in person and online (https://www.artstart.org/).

Mother Plants

If you, or anyone you know, is looking to get more plants, this is the perfect store. Located in Minneapolis, this store has everything from plants to home accessories. You could find the perfect gift here. This plant shop has cacti, large plants, as well as tropical plants. The plants located here are brought in by collectors and growers from the Twin Cities. Not only are there plants, but there is a large variety of pots, and sustainable accessories, and home goods (https://mother-plants.com/plants).

Mischief

Mischief is a toy store for all ages and all types of people. With cool games, candy, drinks, toys, books, crafts, accessories, and other random finds, Mischief is a store for everyone. Our favorite things from Mischief are their super cool pins and their selection of Japanese candy and drinks. A very quirky store with lots of good finds. We are sure you can find a great gift for anyone (http://www.mischieftoy.com/).

Now that you know about all these small businesses and shops, go check them out! You can find the perfect gift for anyone from any of these shops.

Stay safe and warm during this holiday season.

Image taken from: https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.glamour.com/story/joe-biden-and-kamala-harris-announce-first-all-female-white-house-communications-team/amp

President-elect Joe Biden, and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris, have announced who will fill the top communication jobs at the White House, and they are all qualified women. An all-female White House communications team would break the barriers and mark the first time that women will hold top communications jobs at the White House.

Here is a list of some of the women who will be filling these important roles:

Kate Bedingfield, who recently just served as deputy campaign manager for Joe Biden’s 2020 presidential campaign, and who also served as his communications director when he was Vice President, will take over the job as the White House Communications Director.

Jen Psaki, who took on several senior roles during the Obama-Biden Administration, and who also spoke for the Department of State, will serve as President Biden’s White House Press Secretary.

Jean Psaki will serve alongside Karine Jean Pierre, who will serve as the principal deputy press secretary. Karine Jean-Pierre was a senior adviser to Joe Biden, and chief of staff to Harris during their presidential campaign. She will also be the first Black, and gay, person to take on this role.

Symone Sanders, who recently served as a senior adviser to the Biden-Harris campaign, will be getting the job as the senior adviser, and chief spokesperson, to the Vice President-elect Kamala Harris.

Ashley Etienne will get the job as communications director, and senior adviser to the Vice President. She will be the first woman of color to get this role.

Elizabeth Alexander, the former press secretary to Biden, at the beginning of his term as Vice President, will take on the role to be the communications director for First Lady Jill Biden.

Biden is soon expected to nominate Neera Tanden, whose parents immigrated from India, to serve as the chief executive of the left-leaning Center for American Progress. Giving her this role would make her the first woman of color to supervise the agency.

Cecilia Rouse will serve as chair of the three-member Council of Economic Advisers. Rouse will be the first African American to take on this role.

Also, Janet Yellen will serve as Joe Biden’s treasury secretary.

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