life (lahyf) | supporting the locals

With Christmas around the corner, I've been trying to support a lot of local businesses for most of my stocking stuffers, holiday exchanges and goodies for myself. Growing up with a dad that owned a small business, I understand the importance of supporting local businesses and what it does for the economy. Although I get blind sided (maybe too often) by un-beatable prices at large retail stores, the items that can be found in small boutiques are much more unique and sometimes more meaningful.

I live down the street from Columbia College, which is an amazing art school and well known in the Midwest for their great fashion, as well as design programs.  A few months ago I stumbled upon Shop Columbia, which is the school's art store that sells many of the students' one of a kind masterpieces such as prints, cards, jewelry, clothing, accessories and much more.  Last week when I was on a mission to find a good white elephant gift, I headed to the Shop Columbia and the store didn't disappoint.

Walking through the store, there were so many great pieces I wanted to take home and at decent prices.   I was on a mission to find a fun gift for an upcoming gift exchange, but alas I was distracted and of course ended up grabbing something for myself instead.  I'm a true believer of that rule, "One for you, one for me" and in this case, I just started with myself before buying a gift for someone else. 

I love that I discovered this store.  It's like a group of Etsy sellers all combined in one roof that are much more accessible.  I'll definitely be back when I have more gift giving to do, or when I need to frost myself with some unique jewels.  Even though it's a Chicago based store, you can check out their amazing artists by shopping online at Shop Columbia.

|Are there any local stores in your neighborhood that you recently discovered or like to support?|