This One’s for the Girls: Gifts for Women by Women
March gives us many reasons to celebrate women: it’s not only Women’s History Month, but also contains International Women’s Day (March 8 th ), Equal Pay Day (March 14 th ), and Rosie the Riveter Day (March 21 st ). As we honor the women in our lives this month, you can double your celebration by shopping small and supporting local women-owned businesses! And there is no shortage of badass business women in the Triangle offering goods and services for you to bestow upon the women (or anyone, really) that you love.
Truthfully, this blog was inspired by all the amazing woman-owned businesses I leaned on as I planned bridal party gifts for my wedding that got cancelled due to COVID. I’ve shared some awesome personal experiences I’ve had with several vendors as “fun facts,” but please shop them all and help women by supporting women.
1. Gift Them Handmade Treasures
3. Spa at Home
4. Booze it up
1. Gift Them Handmade Treasures
Where to shop: Online, Saturdays at the Durham Craft Market, across NC, and at Bulldega (129 W Parrish St, 27701)
With a focus on watercolor art and stationary, Amy’s whimsical pieces boast adorable animals and blooming florals. She also has a line of NC prints in themes like coffee, beach, chickens, and mushrooms. You can even sign up for one of her in-person, virtual, or on-demand watercolor workshops.
Two fun facts:
1) I gifted my entire family different prints from her Flower Crown collection during COVID so we could all feel connected.
2) Amy wrote and illustrated a children’s book called Buddy Worried about a dog overcoming anxiety, which I bought for several friends and family members to read to their kiddos. So consider this gift for your mom friends!
Where to shop: Online or at various markets across the Triangle
From cheeky cards to hyperlocal prints, Carrie Richardson’s art is created to make you happy. Want custom wall art representing your home state or city? She’s got you. Looking for a card to celebrate a long distance relationship? Carrie’s on it. Want to learn how to watercolor with your gal pals? Register here.
Fun fact: I bought seven Bright Kind Creative prints for me and my college girlfriends and Carrie was so inspired by our long-standing friendships that she asked if she could make a sticker to represent us. Talk about girl power, check out Bright Kind Creative today!
(Side Note: Carrie also has a line called Art of Snark that is one of Chrysti’s favorites. If pretty colors and an abundance of curse words are your calling, you can shop the collection HERE.)
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Where to shop: Online or at her own studio (1601 E Geer St, Suite C, Durham 27704)
Delores was the first artist whose work truly spoke to me when I moved to Durham. Her initial pottery with bright blues and rich browns was mesmerizing. In the past few years, she has expanded her styles to include raku (a type of fired pottery), textured pots, and her ever popular seasonal pumpkins. This self-taught potter also opened her own studio which hosts classes and open studio time. Gift your bestie with a wheel-thrown vase or intro pottery class this month!
Fun fact: I chose my wedding colors (teal and brown) based off some delicious Delores dishes.
Where to shop: Etsy
Erika Martinez crafts lovely fabric handbags in cute, quirky patterns as well as some small pots and planters. When I approached her about making custom toiletry bags for my bridal party, she helped me locate fabrics with each of their favorite animals, let me select a custom interior, and even connected me with another artist to craft unique labels. So whether you’re looking for bold bucket bag or a custom clutch, Erika is your gal.
Where to shop: Online or various markets across the Triangle
When I think I’m a big Durham fan, I have to tip my hat to Lori Melliere, the artist behind Papermill Creative. Lori has hand-drawn three different, super detailed Durham scenes (Downtown, Durham Central Park, Brightleaf [now retired]) and a rumored new scene of Ninth Street is upcoming. Each scene has been made into prints (I have two in my home), tea towels (my personal fave), and notecards. Durham Magazine even featured her art on the cover of their 2022 Visitors and Relocation Guide. Her love doesn’t stop at Durham, though, as she has done the same for Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Asheville, Wilmington, Saxapahaw, Boone, as well as the whole state and a few other states as well. Custom pen & ink or watercolor paintings are announced in her newsletter, so sign up today and book her to paint your partner’s portrait, pet, or house.
Where to shop: Online or these 5 NC shops (Wake County & Wilson)
For this shop, I’ll break my Durham-centric focus to introduce you to Rachelle, owner and creative mind behind Raven + Unicorn. This quirky shop has greeting cards and mugs for any occasion, which is actually why I’m listing her: for this adorable bridesmaid “proposal” card. Not only has Rachelle created prints for reproductive rights and a whole “SAY GAY!” collection, but she also tees, totes, towels, and taco pins (which are dangerously close to selling out!). Check her out online or at one of the FIVE North Carolina shops her work is in.
Where to shop: Online or at Golden Belt (800 Taylor St, Durham 27701)
Tiffany is a talented metalsmith, crafting gorgeous, lightweight jewelry in sterling silver, copper, and bronze. She has also offered jewelry-making workshops, which are super fun to do with your girlfriends.
Two fun facts:
1) Me and five of my girlfriends huddled under her tent at a Durham Craft Market in the rain one Saturday morning and after gabbing and gushing over her jewelry, we each ended up buying one since her pieces are universally appealing.
2) Tiffany custom-made my wedding earrings and earrings/necklaces for each of my eight bridesmaids, integrating my signature teal color. So definitely hit her up if you’re looking to craft a special piece.
2. Send Them Treats
If someone is having a bad day (or having a good day for that matter), what better way to cheer them up than sending them delicious snacks. Well these Durham based, women-owned businesses offer a variety of treats that are sure to hit the sweet tooth of any woman in your life.
Where to shop: Only via email
I was shamefully unaware that such artistry could exist in the cookie world until I was introduced to Baker Street Cookies. Her decorated sugar cookies match any occasion: birthdays, wedding/baby showers, game day (both Duke and UNC are represented, among others), Christmas/Hanukkah, Easter, St. Patrick’s Day, you name it, there’s a cookie for it! Keri, the cookie artist, even offers boxed specials, like paint-your-own cookies and teacher gift packs (which are ideal!). Her treats even graced the December 2022 cover of Chapel Hill Magazine. Email her for your custom design to surprise that special woman in your life.
Where to shop: Online or at Bull City Sweet Shoppe (2022 Angier Ave, 27703)
Nasira has a motto for her business that can be tasted in all her treats: always pursue sweetness. Her hand-crafted mini bundts are super moist and incredibly delicious. Order them for pick up by the dozen or half-dozen, or swing by Bull City Sweet Shoppe to see what’s in the case. Nasira has also been known to throw down the sugar gauntlet at joint events with fellow business owners across the Triangle, so check out her Instagram and rally your girlfriends for her next boozy brunch with bundt cakes. Fun fact: Nasira donated a gorgeous cake to my neighborhood noon year’s event and it was even more anticipated than the countdown to the “noon” year.
Where to shop: Online or 17 shops around the Triangle
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What started as a side hustle for extra Christmas cash in 2008 has turned into a staple of Durham. Rebecca Burnett creates two signature sweet treats: her flagship Durham Toffee to Brittled Nut Clusters and Mash Up, which is a combo of the two. She’ll often release seasonal special additions and also offers gift boxes. Whenever I have friends ask what Durham products they recommend sending to friends, I always promote Durham Toffee. Make your sweetheart’s day by sending a special treat from Durham Toffee.
Where to shop: Online
When my daughter was about to turn one, I knew I wanted to shop local for her smash cake. I found Lunchbox Bakery on Instagram and the owner, Che, was so innovative and supportive through the whole process. Not only did I get a smash cake that looked like a sunflower, but I got a variety of sunflower sugar cookies, chocolate chip cookies, and ice cream sandwiches, two of which she made vegan for my sister! The level of care Che puts into her baking makes it taste that much sweeter. So if you need a cake, cookie, or other treat for any of your favorite women, please reach out to Lunchbox Bakery.
Where to shop: Online or at The Mad Popper shop (105 W NC-54, Suite 259, 27713)
A teacher turned popcorn connoisseur in 2011, Andrea Ginsberg has put her shop on the map for gourmet popcorn. Whether you’re wanting custom colors or flavors for your wedding favors or party favors (which I did), or looking for a sustainable way to get your weekly popcorn fix through the tin refill program (a personal favorite), The Mad Popper has got you covered. Enter the shop and try their flavors of the week or check out some wares from other local makers. Andrea’s shop is truly a Durham establishment not to be missed. Shipping is even available for popcorn tins.
Where to shop: Instagram for holiday drops or online for custom orders
Whatever the holiday or occasion, trust Y’all Need Cookies for your sweet treat needs. Maren puts so much love and detail into her craft that you can be sure every time you order these cookies for a friend, coworker, or loved one, they’ll remark on how adorable they are. From traditional holiday themes (think Christmas cookies and paint-your-own Easter eggs) to custom themes (like these teacher appreciation and Schitt’s Creek cuties), Y’all Need Cookies has got you covered. Pick-up only in Durham, so you know it’s hyper-local and hyper-delicious. Fun fact: Maren saved my baby shower by stepping in two days beforehand when my previous baker backed out!
3. Spa at Home
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Everyone loves some good pampering and it’s even better when you can pamper from your own home. Give the women in your life the gift of a spa-like home environment by supporting these local women- owned businesses.
Where to shop: Online, 24 shops in the Triangle (and nationwide), or Bright Black’s Scent Showroom (2020 Chapel Hill Rd, Suite 24, 27707)
In case you’ve been living under a rock, let me tell you that Bright Black is a Durham force to be reckoned with. Created by Tiffany Griffin and her family, Bright Black is a candle company that has collaborated with the likes of Michelle Obama and Jordan Peele, and they were even included on Beyonce’s 2020 Black Parade, a list of Black-owned businesses across the country. Tiffany uses her products to share positive stories about Blackness, which have resonated with folks in Durham and nationwide. If that’s not enough reason for you to buy a candle or discovery set for yourself and a friend, I don’t know what is.
Where to shop: Online or at various markets across the Triangle
Lysandra Weber makes the most comfortable clothing that can be worn for work and for fun. Not only does she hand make every piece, she also promotes body positivity with holistic sizing from S-3XL. Plus her patterns all have geeky names and themes to promote the STEM field to women! Her pencil skirts are one of my wardrobe essentials and her blanket scarves make the ideal present for all my girlfriends. Check out her tops, sweaters, accessories, and even handmade slippers, all of which ship anywhere!
Where to shop: Online or 17 shops in the Triangle (and nationwide)
Treat the ladies in your life to a skin boost with products from Lo and Behold Naturals. Founder, owner, and general business badass Lizzie Chadbourne started Lo and Behold to remove harsh, toxic ingredients from her skincare and focus on the natural benefits of herbs and botanicals. With products serving your face, body, lips, and even a bug spray, Lizzie offers products for anyone looking to utilize Mother Nature’s own ingredients for their skin. Her gift sets are perfect for bridesmaids, new mommas, or friends who just need a pick-me-up, plus she ships!
Where to shop: Online or at their Lakewood shop (2001 Chapel Hill Rd, 27707)
Sometimes you gotta stop and smell the flowers, or bring them into your home. At Pine State Flowers, you can treat yourself or your loved ones to flowers grown locally, and I mean like within the surrounding three counties around Durham local. Their seasonal subscriptions bring a glorious assortment of blooms into your space through in-store pick-up or local delivery to Durham, Chapel Hill, and Carrboro.
Where to shop: Online, at their Raleigh store, or at their Durham flagship store (123 Market St, B, 27701)
No spa environment would be complete without some plants to give the space some life. Mother/daughter team Margaret and Megan George opened The Zen Succulent in 2016 in downtown Durham as a way to combine their love of urban planting with inspiration from our natural surroundings. Not only can you score succulents and terrariums, but The Zen Succulent offers plant terrarium workshops. So the next time your boss asks for team building ideas, offer this one up. Plus, local delivery, pick-up, and nationwide shipping are available to share some indoor plant delight with your favorite ladies.
4. Booze it up
Where to go: 3117 Guess Rd, Suite B, 27705
Just five months before COVID, Virginia George launched her dream: a DIY bar called Crafts & Drafts. The space combines arts and crafts and craft brews, with “craft kits” starting from $20-$25. Kits range from terrariums to jewelry, cross stitch to wood burning. There are some to-go kits from independent makers, but the main focus is grabbing a drink from the bottle shop and busting out a craft with your buds. You might consider this spot for your next girls’ outing or perhaps even bachelorette bash!
Where to go: 105 Hood St, Suite 6, 27701 or over 20 Triangle area retailers
The Founder of Honey Girl, Diane Currier, first discovered mead at a spot in Alaska that made mead with honey from a local flower she had seen earlier on a hike. That connection to nature transitioned Diane from a home brewer to an award-winning home meadmaker to then creator of Honey Girl in Durham. Don’t be mistaken: while some meads can be made sweet, like Blueberry Mead, the flavors run the gamut from dry, herbal Hibiscus Lemonthyme to semi-sweet Ginger Peach Session to Barrel Aged Apple Cyser Visit the tasting room to sample a flight of 4 meads or order online to ship to your bestie in any of the 39 states they serve.
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Where to go: 602 Foster St, Suite B, 27701
Newer to the Durham booze scene, Liberty and Plenty is a distillery and cocktail bar located right next to The Rickhouse event space. Owner Tina Williford established Liberty and Plenty in 2020 as a purpose-driven business focused on aspiration (liberty) and abundance (plenty). Tina offers three spirits so far: Bronze Bull Spirits Bourbon Whiskey, Slate Belt Vodka, and Cap & Cane White Rum (being released on March 15th ). It also looks like Tina plans to open locations in Wendell and Wilson, so hop down to the Central Park district to catch this first iteration with your girlfriends.
Where to go: 4608-F Industry Ln, 27713
Founder Lashonda Fort-Modest established Melanated Wine in Durham as a way to “decomplicate” wine and “uncork the culture.” Lashonda strives to create wines that speak to the community as a whole and works with farms and growers across NC to support local. Currently, Melanated Wine offers five different wines: Blackberry (DREAM), White Blend (PRIVILEGE), Riesling (MANIFEST), Red Blend (LUST), and Sangria (VIBE). Plus, Lashonda hosts community events on the regular, so check her calendar or just swing by the tasting room to try out all these incredible flavors.
This list of local women-owned businesses is certainly not comprehensive. Please check out The Bulls of Durham’s list of over 200 women-owned businesses and Discover Durham’s round-up to discover even more lady bosses to support. To all the
I’m Chrysti!
Durham real estate agent and enthusiast for all the best the area has to offer.
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