Shop small this year.
In response to the murder of George Floyd and the civil unrest that followed, HandsOn Twin Cities is working closely with local corporations including Target, General Mills, and Thrivent Financial to provide pro bono consulting services for Black, indigenous, and people of color-owned/led small businesses and nonprofits in the Twin Cities to support their rebuilding efforts. The business services delivered include strategy, finance, marketing, human resources, merchandising, and others.
The goal of this programming is to build better than before and in a way that recognizes Minnesota’s long history of racial injustice in property ownership, lending, and individual opportunity. With more than 60 pro bono projects underway, the following small businesses represent the retailers who you can support this holiday season!
Life Juices
Take your pick: Cleanse, Restore, Energize, Immunity, Strength, Longevity. Life Juices says that nutrition has no boundaries. They believe that everyone should have access to healthful, flavorful beverages- regardless of where they work or live.
Lovely’s Sewing and Arts Collective
Their mission is to shift the mindsets of youth through unity and community bridge building, one stitch at a time. They teach youth sewing, yoga, dance, public speaking, entrepreneurship, poetry and so many other life skills. They use these skills as tools to teach patience, focus, leadership and accountability.
Maazah
Maazah Chutney is a small-batch, gourmet goes-with-anything condiment, inspired by the Sajady sister's’ mother. Growing up, their Mom made “Magic Green Sauce”. They put it on everything, and they are STILL putting on everything!
Qe’Bella Couture
Qe'Bella broken down means: (Qe) beginning (Bella) beautiful. Qe'Bella appeals to different impulses by diversifying lines and accommodating the Ready-to-wear street savvy to high-end couture. Everything from a simple pair of jeans to extravagant wedding dresses with hand embroidery and embellishments.
Revival Training
Revival Training’s customized personal training approach allows them to work with individuals from all walks of life through their own personal journeys. Their ultimate goal is to help folks get in tune with their mind, body, and soul so that they can experience holistic wellness, health, and continuous growth.
Strive Publishing
Strive Publishing's vision is to give all children the opportunity to see African American culture from different perspectives, and to provide pathways for illuminating stories across cultures and generations. They will begin by filling the need for picture books and young adult novels that our children can see themselves in, and work toward filling the need for a diverse range of representation in children’s, young adult, and adult genres.
Coconut Whisk
Coconut Whisk is a mission-driven vegan & gluten-free baking mix company that helps busy families create healthy indulgences & positive kitchen experiences. Their yummy-tasting baking mixes are easy-to-make, dietitian-approved, dairy-free, egg-free, gluten-free, peanut-free, soy-free, non-GMO and made without preservatives or artificial ingredients.
Cultivated CBD
Cultivated Industries CBD is a Minnesota based CBD company. They source their organic material from the Emerald Triangle on the West Coast and work directly with farmers in select micro-climates to bring you the best Hemp based products in the world. They have one simple goal - to Cultivate Joy!
K-Mama Sauce
The tastiest and healthiest condiment, K-Mama Sauce is a rich and spicy Korean hot sauce that adds deep and complex flavor to a variety of dishes. 30% of K-Mama’s profits goes to local and national charities.
Hair Love, LLC
Hair Love, LLC is a microblading studio in Maple Grove, MN. Taquisha Jallah, the founder and owner is a MN state licensed cosmetic tattooist specializing in providing the highest quality of microblading services through her continuous education and training. Hair Love, LLC also provides the highest quality of raw virgin hair extensions including Cambodian and Indian hair bundles, closures, frontals, and wigs.
Twiggy Fresh
Twiggy Fresh was inspired by tradition and desire to make a difference in the world. For thousands of years, humans have been using natural oral care products. One example of this is the ancient Miswak, or the chewing stick. Plastic pollution is one of the biggest crises we face today. Billions of plastic toothbrushes end up in landfills and in the ocean every year! On the other hand, Moso bamboo grows quickly, can be harvested in just a few short years, naturally repels water and gone in months after it’s disposed.
Chicago Furniture Warehouse
Chicago Furniture Warehouse’s original building was burnt down during the civil unrest. They are excited to relocate temporarily in the Mall of America (in front of Macy’s 2nd floor store NO.S258) while they rebuild.
ARWAY
ARWAY: "Mua Nah" (KRU Language) translates as: Beautiful...."It's Me". ARWAY uses art as a vehicle for social change. Their sole objective is to engage Liberian youth in the art sector by encouraging collaboration with Liberian Artists to create appealing products. ARWAY produces beautiful handmade bags and earrings.
Infusedlife Plant Based Eatery
This delicious eatery serves healthy options from organic and locally-sourced vendors when possible in the Midtown Global Market. They feature daily soups, salads and healthy bites. They are expanded and will soon open up a Plant Based Emporium near the Nokomis and Longfellow communities. They are currently looking for Plant based Makers for a shared production and marketing space.
Kobi Co.
Stay cozy! Kobi Co. makes candles, salt soaks, bath bombs, and luxury mists. The owner, Kobi, is a senior in high school and started this business as a way to save up to go to college!
Rocky Robinson
Rocky Robinson was created to encourage girls to be at their best and to love themselves both inside and out, flaws and all! Rocky was made with love, respect and authenticity. By purchasing Rocky Robinson products, you help build dreams. Rocky products include lotion, shower gel, lip balm, and hand sanitizer.
Midtown Global Market
Mouth-watering tastes. Locally made art. International entertainment. Fresh produce, meats and baked goods. Everything you need to create a memorable experience. Plus the widest variety of restaurants under one roof. Find it all here at Minnesota's Midtown Global Market. (Now on Shipt!)
House of Gristle
House of Gristle is a popular pop-up and catering operation. Jametta Raspberry is known for her bold flavors, flawless technique, and a voracious curiosity, driven to learn and share her wealth of knowledge. Passionate about social change, she also mentors women through the Ramsey County Correctional Facility Culinary Arts program in hopes of bypassing the prison pipeline system.
Marc Heu Patisserie Paris
Marc Heu Pâtisserie Paris is a pastry shop and online store located in Saint Paul, MN, specializing in French pastries, desserts, wedding cakes and catering. The Mission of Marc Heu Pâtisserie, Paris is to create a magical experience that will transport you to Paris with every delightful bite of our luscious, elegant and artistic French pastries.