Abode's 2019 Small Biz Guide

Indigenous Wheel Co.- Your destination for bike repair, community cycling events and year-round enthusiasm for cycling in the Puget Sound. Joey (owner) is known as a client centric, intelligent, bike repair extraordinaire within the Biking Community. Their shop is located on 3320 N Proctor Street Tacoma. Don’t be shy. If you are new to the biking scene or have a bike repair that needs a local expert, pop in and say hello. PS - They have gummy bears available for you when you arrive!

Cupcake Amour - Amber Kennedy is the owner and maker of all of her sweet treats. I’ve ordered her gorgeous and tasty desserts for birthdays, weddings and community events. Let’s just say I never have left overs!

Minuteman Press- Locally owned Printshop. Jeff (the owner) and his team are the best. They care about the print material they are delivering to you, will make suggestions and quick adjustments to assure you love the final product and provide concierge service that will leave you smiling as you walk out the door. I go here for all of my personal and business branding and marketing material.

Wane and Flitch- Want a custom live edge wood furniture piece made here locally? These guys are the best. 701 E 72nd Street Tacoma. Go here for large and small projects. If you have a piece of work you’d like to create into a furniture piece, they can do this too. Wane and Flitch will help make any space more custom, welcoming and gorgeous.

Make your own custom gifts with the TShirt Men! They don’t hold you to quantities, and have quick turnaround times depending on the order. They have done a great job on the Abode signature hoodies, and always step up when there is a need for custom shirts in the community.

Located in the Real Art building on South Tacoma Way, Dumb Jocks Clothing line is one of the most slept on (in my opinion) clothing lines in Tacoma! While there is no shortage of Tacoma-centric wear, DumbJocks take iconic logos and make them relevant to us in their special way. https://www.dumbjocks.co/

The Humble Beast brand is founded and created by entrepreneur, Chris Brown. The hoodie says it all, and really pulls no punches. I love the vision, the attitude, and support the Humble Beast brand! www.humblebeast.us

MotherlandCo - Custom embroidery hoops of your family, pets & home. Loving the ultrasound and footprint hoops.

Motherland Co.

X Wax Studio- Our faves: Waxing service for both men and women, including brows, ears, nose. Jess’ favorite is a brow tint & wax and the lash lift.

Imperial Motion - Ryan is a big fan of the IM boardshorts.

Proctor Art Gallery is a wonderful place to get gifts small or large. They feature locally made jewelry, art, wood pieces, and lots of prints! When you walk you will be greeted by one of the local artists or owners then you can pop by the other great spots that the Proctor District has to offer

Buzzerd’s Barbershop- Get your guy and old fashioned hot shave & haircut.

Harper + Reed Boutique- Online boutique offering trendy & comfortable clothing, accessories, and shoes. Current favorite stocking stuffer: the tassel fringe earrings.

Tacoma Skin Care by Courtney offers waxing, eyebrow shaping and tinting, facials and organic spray tans, and so much more.

Check out Delsa+Brass! Kelly is a Tacoma native and handcrafts and designs all her jewelry in her family’s historic Tacoma home built in 1905.

Odegard Print Co. is a full package wholesale screen printing and design company fueled by quality and driven from integrity. They can help you build beautiful designs, and elevate your brand to the highest potential. Odegard is a Pierce County family owned business striving to create change for our industry. For your next custom t-shirt project, vinyl branding, or promotional item, Odegard can handle it.

Leancrush is your plant powered living guidebook! Whether you are just looking to dabble with plant powered living or you’ve committed your life to it, Leancrush is your go to. The girls at Leancrush are knowledgeable and committed to helping you achieve the most out of your life.

Nick is anything but verklempt when asked about his favorite coffee shop: “I can’t say enough about the group at Lander Coffee! My dear friends have built, yet again, another beautiful space for our community to gather! It’s a great place to get some work done, study, hang with friends, or have a play-date! I watched Dusty and Alicia build the space out on their own and I know how hard it was to bring it all together while maintaining State Street, and a young family. Literally their blood, sweat, and tears went into building this coffee shop out for the Tacoma community. This very reason is why I love to support this small business!”

Lander Coffee is in Tacoma’s Three Bridges District

As a co-owner of one of Tacoma’s favorite small businesses (UXC) you can understand why Nick is so passionate. Here are a few more of his “must visit” recommendations around town: Peach Baby, Satori, Little Sister, Yoga Wild, and The Fern Seed.

Sweet Pea and Boy - This company is a festival/market regular, and their gear is in my core rotation. I love their unique designs and really appreciate their soft fabrics (I am only tough on the outside).

Tacoma Consignment recently opened up in a large space downtown that used to be a JCPenney store. They are filling a big need in Tacoma with their eclectic mix of furniture and a fun shopping experience.

All Star Vintage is located in Tacoma’s Lincoln District. I love them because they have old school apparel that you can’t find anywhere else; this is one of the few places you can find Sonics gear! They also have a great variety of old school UW hats. (If that’s your jam too, you can just skip past this next suggestion from Ian…)

All Star Vintage is located in Tacoma’s Lincoln District

Cougarwear| Anyone who knows me, knows what a huge Cougar fan I am. Love that I’m able to stay current with my gear… even on this side of the mountains!

The Harbor Studio | This photography studio & gallery is located on the water in downtown Gig Harbor (by the photographer who shot our wedding, Nick Balera!) From their website: “The Harbor Studio was created not to just showcase one specific person’s work, but to be a place to cultivate a community of creatives - to grow, share & gather…”

Route 16 Running and Walking | Harper (our golden retriever) and I like to run Cushman trail as often as we can. This independent shop in Gig Harbor will fit you for the right style of shoes, and is conveniently located off of Kimball Drive.

Customize a mug for someone special!

Downing Pottery- Handmade tableware. Sarah does different designs for all sorts of cities and neighborhoods (check out the Tacoma Pride mug!) and she can do custom orders as well. Visit her Etsy shop, or look for her at many of Tacoma’s local markets.

Jillian MADE - a local PNW artist who creates beautiful, one of a kind accessories. I not only love to support her business because of her beautiful pieces but also because she is a dear friend who I had the privilege to work with when I had my own Etsy shop. You can find Jill’s items in many local boutiques in Seattle and also right here on here in her Etsy shop. She’s based out of W. Seattle so she ships fast. Once in a while you might find her out and about in her darling vintage RV at a pop up shop!

Right here in downtown Sumner we are lucky enough to have a couple of cozy coffee shops to sit, work, visit and maybe even read a good book. However, one of the things that makes Craft 19 stand out is there handmade crepes and locally roasted coffee! This is a great place to pop in for specialty coffee, mugs or gift cards this holiday!

Craft 19 Coffee & Crepes in Sumner

One of my favorite downtown Sumner shops is Northlight Interiors! It’s eye candy from the second you step in and Juleen and Chris are always there to help you out to find the perfect gift or help curate a beautiful gift basket. I have often found perfect closing gifts for my clients here and if you have people in your life who love cooking or making drinks the selection of specialty cool books and cocktail recipe books is endless! They also sell one of my favorite brand of Paddywax candles! Take a look at their website and their beautiful IG feed. But more importantly, visit their shop in person! There is so much to see downtown Sumner!

We all know how important having an amazing salon and stylist is! I have referred over 20 people to LeeAnn and her team of crazy talented stylists over the past 8 years! I would never stray from Bangs Salon! This holiday season stop in, meet their team, check out the gorgeous line of makeup and hair products too! Schedule an appt while you are there and you will feel like family. Tell them Shelley Heck sent you and be sure to check out their IG feed.

eTc Tacoma - This iconic Tacoma shop recently changed locations -- just in time for Small Biz Saturday. Check them out at their new spot, and if you see something you better buy it now! ETC releases new designs as collections, and they often sell out fast.

eTc Tacoma just reopened in a new location

Ervins Barbershop- Not only is this the only barber Prince will trust his hair with ;) this shop also does solid things in the community. From Walk-In Wednesday (described as “a space for community conversations, networking and fellowship”) to their support of Graduate Tacoma via two college scholarships they awarded to local students this year. Let’s spend our money with businesses that give back!

Gino’s At The Point- A local family in the Brown’s Point/Northeast Tacoma area owns and runs this terrific restaurant down on the water . The views are spectacular and the food and drinks are incredible! As you can see, the reviews online say a ton! The menu is extensive and the atmosphere is ideal.

Mail Copy and More is located in Dash Point Village and is Federal Way’s locally owned printing and mailing center - but for many, it’s so much more! Many see each other in passing when shipping and mailing from here- it’s become a hub. My family buys greeting cards and office supplies here, many have mailboxes there, and I’m there often mailing client notes and cards!

Harbor General Store - There’s something for everyone here. You can drive through for coffee, pick up wine, eat lunch inside and then browse all of the retail. Harbor General Store is owned by a local family and they have been generous in their support of local students on both sides of the Narrows!

SamijoboArt- Original art always makes a good gift, no matter what time of the year it is!

Devoted Kiss Cafe - Great spot on the water in downtown Gig Harbor with beautiful views and a tasty menu. Stop in before or after a walk on the waterfront.

Our Adorned Abode - Opened shop in 2015 and is located in Freighthouse Square. Benita and her staff always welcomes their customers with a warm smile. Every time I help a client close on a transaction, her shop is always one of my stops for a closing gift. From the wide range of Voluspa candles that she carries to fine, unique and fair trade gift items. Check her out!

Adorned Abode at Freighthouse Square

West Coast Laser Designs - Nikki and Charlene are a mother and daughter duo, they are a laser engraving company ready to get you personalized gifts for your friends and fam! They also design these birch wood laser cut earrings that I absolutely love!

Jan Parker Cookery - Give the gift of experience! Chef Jan is active in the Farmer’s Markets and Tacoma Night Market, but she also holds a series of culinary classes that would be a fabulous gift! Her goal is to introduce filipino culture through her food.

The Lemon Tree House - Ever since I was a kid, I have a healthy obsession of planners. I discovered Amber and Lindsay through a workshop, two local ladies who can customize your planners and all the other cool paper products.

Vessel Vintage Collective- the outcome of 4 handmade and vintage vendors whose goal is to provide you with a unique shopping experience focusing on mid-century modern furniture and decor! Visit their cool store downtown on Broadway amongst some of Tacoma’s best antique shops.

Combat Flip Flops - Do you like to shop online, and want to support locally! Please support a Tacoma based, Veteran owned business that educates young women in conflict war zone areas who are traditionally denied education...all the while creating jobs and changing the environment!

Harbor Greens Market- Locally owned stores (one in University Place and one in Gig Harbor) who buy locally and offer everything from groceries, liquor, fun last minute gifts, fresh cut trees and wreaths! They have a great butcher as well as a deli that makes great sandwiches and take and bake pizzas.

Chambers Bay Distillery

Speaking of liquor, Harbor Greens carries bottles from two local faves,Chambers Bay Distillery andHeritage Distilling. A bottle of their Brown Sugar Bourbon is delicious with egg nog or cider and makes the perfect hostess gift!

You may have already visited Honey Coffee + Kitchen for their lovely brunches and coffees, but be sure to visit Alma Mater some evening soon to sample the creative cocktails at the Matriarch. One favorite cocktail of ours is the “Gold Dust Woman”. It is made up of brown butter washed bourbon, Belgian candy syrup and cherry bark vanilla bitters and it’s just as tasty as you would imagine. Plan to grab a bite to eat as well from their seasonal menu.”

Christine Studer is the talent behind the beautiful creations of Marigold and Pearl. Her macrame wall hangings, plant holders and other fiber art are all made here in Tacoma. You will be able to find her at several markets this holiday season and she can also be contacted for custom orders. Follow her on Instagram at marigoldandpearl to find out which markets she’ll be this holiday season or to find out when her classes are coming up in 2020.

Honeyberry Studios

Honeyberry Studios is a shop that I discovered last year at the Tacoma’s for Lovers market, held at King’s Books. Yuko Miki’s cards and prints are full of positivity and cheer. Her 2020 calendar, Self-care is not Selfish, calendar has inspiring words and beautiful designs and colors that would be a perfect gift for a friend or oneself this holiday season. Her website is honeyberrystudios.com and if you want a bit of joy on your Instagram feed, follow Yuko at honeyberrystudios.

Valerie Madison is an incredibly talented fine jewelry artist working with recycled metals and offering eco-friendly stones. All of her jewelry is drool worthy, but especially her gem stone rings. Not enough can be said about how beautiful her work is, which can be found at valeriemadison.com.

Bespectacled Studios is a new shop that is located in the Sanford and Son Antiques in the Theater District of Tacoma. Mel Brewster has had a long time online presence on Etsy and would sell her art and creations at local markets, but this fall she took the leap to having a brick and mortar store. She sells paintings, buttons and stickers, an array of beautiful handmade items, and vintage wares. I especially love her bees wax food wraps for my kids’ lunches! Follow her at bespectaled_studios on Instagram or visit her shop at 743 Broadway in Tacoma.

Johnson’s Candy Co is a third generation, local family business that has been making candy since 1925! Located in Tacoma’s Hilltop neighborhood, they are currently being impacted by the new light rail construction. So this would be a great time to make a special trip to see them! One of the things we’ve appreciate is their large assortment of sugar free chocolate. This is just a fun shop to visit that will put a smile on your face!

Paige is the super talented artist behind Plain to Sea that I met on Tacoma’s annual studio tour. Her Etsy page says she sells “Native Made Jewelry And Art From The Pacific Northwest” but I was blown away by her work across multiple mediums. (Her beadwork is lovely but I was particularly taken with her painting and quilting; you can see an example here: https://www.instagram.com/p/Bug1HUxlQh4/) Meet her in person at the upcoming Native Art Mart on December 14th and 15th at Indigo Studios in Tacoma.

Plain to Sea Native Made Jewelry & Art

There are two new businesses in Lakewood that are doing big things and both deserve your support! One is Revive Yoga Co, which is located in a beautiful space near Clover Park High School. They will be doing 20% off of gift cards for Small Business Saturday, and extending their $90 per month Founders Membership. Visit www.reviveyoga.co to purchase.

Also in Lakewood is a new salon & spa:Ms. Beautiful Me. WIth a focus on self defined beauty, and customized products and services, it’s no wonder I’ve been hearing great things about them!

Northlight Coffee is located by my college rival (Pacific Lutheran University) in Parkland but that’s ok, I can still support them! It’s great to have a community minded coffee shop there by campus. Stop in and show them some love the next time you’re headed to Spanaway or Puyallup. It’s just a few minutes off of Hwy 167 when you take the Pacific Exit.

Another Facebook page that I’ve been following for a while is Lizzie Lou’s Too. A friend was just telling me how good their food is, so I’ve added it to my list of lunch spots. I don’t venture out to Fife all that often, but this seems like a much better reason than emissions testing! (I’m a sucker for baked goods and their poundcake looks amazing!)

Nearsighted Narwhal- In the heart of the 6th Ave District and true to the neighborhood’s eclectic character, this small shop is quirky, slightly subversive, and stocked with handcrafted, handprinted, handpainted, items by Tacoma artists. Find pins from Masha Fikhman, and whimsical woodsy jewelry by Woodland Teatimeamid t-shirts, zines, and all manner of Tacoma goodness.https://www.instagram.com/thenearsightednarwhal/

Nearsighted Narwhal

Cocobolo- If you’re searching for local fashion gurus, look no further than the 3 stylish Tacoma women who opened Cocobolo. They combine carefully curated vintage and modern fashion while also creating their own house line. Find cotton gauze blouses, linen tunics, silk velvet holiday wear, and jewelry, or smaller gifts like socks, cosmetics, and candles.

Chalet in the Woods - Turn your car down a road through Gig Harbor farmland. Just when the trees begin to close in and you think you’ve lost the track, you’ve arrived at Chalet in the Woods. It feels secret and magical, and then you step inside to a small world of Scandinavian home design, kitchenware, linens, apparel, books, and decor. Take yourself on a treasure hunt. There’s a warm welcome waiting.

Molly’s Tamales - If you like to give the gift of an experience rather than an object, get in touch with Molly’s Tamales to give a loved one the gift of a cooking class with Molly. A vibrant and supportive member of the Tacoma community, Molly regularly hosts classes teaching the craft of authentic tamales, as well as beautiful charcuterie boards, and more.

Soy & Cedar - Puyallup-based candle maker Soy & Cedar gives candle making a special local flare by designing all her candle scents to reflect a specific place in Washington State. Try her Hoh Rainforest candle with scents of Spruce, Oakmoss, Patchouli, and Sandalwood, or maybe you’d like The Gorge with its Cannabis Flower, Sage, Tobacco, and Bay Leaf.

KdBird Botanical Dye Studio- A local business guide wouldn’t be complete without Tacoma’s KdBird. She creates botanical dyes down at Salmon Beach transforming linen and silk velvet into bows with earthy rich depth of color. The holiday silk velvet collection features colors like marigold, jasper, carnelian, sapphire, and amethyst. You’ll be wanting to bedeck yourself and all your friends in her beautiful bows.

Heidi wants to be sure you meet Bailey, Kaia and Zora. Bailey makes homemade dog treats. Kaia makes the best smelling homemade body scrubs, and Zora owns Sweet Tooth Bakery. “We sampled her pineapple upside-down cupcakes and Oreo cookie cupcakes! Delicious!” If you would like to order anything from this family of entrepreneurs, contact cupcakesbyzora@gmail.com.

Zory of Sweet Tooth Bakery

Another family owned business in our community is Tubes and Timber. They sell quality, handmade modern vases. Check them out online and say hello to Gus and Luke!