Your Ultimate Guide to Supporting Local Businesses This Holiday Season

The holiday season is here, and there’s no better time to support the amazing local businesses and nonprofits in our community. Whether you’re shopping for unique gifts, looking for thoughtful gift certificates, or supporting meaningful causes, this guide highlights some of my favorite places and people to help you shop small and give back this season.

Local Businesses with Unique Gifts

Looking for something special? These local shops offer cute products and unique finds that make the perfect holiday gifts:

• Found Home Provisions (Avon Lake): A delightful shop filled with beautiful home décor and gifts.

• Belle - A Shop for Girls (Rocky River): A boutique celebrating girls aged 5-14, with adorable clothing and accessories.

• Lake T Apparel (Avon Lake): Your go-to for Avon Lake gear, including custom designs.

• Emily O and Bows (online): Emily’s charming merchandise line is perfect for gifting (and I love seeing how her business has grown - I used to babysit her when I was in high school!).

• Cotter Books (online): My childhood friend Billy’s whimsical book series will delight any young reader—start with Don't Push the Button!

• Michelle Brunner Art (online): Stunning artwork featuring hydrangeas and coastal scenes—I’m obsessed!

• Shore Society (Cleveland): Celebrate your love for the Great Lakes with their locally inspired clothing and home goods.

• Erie & Anchor (Vermillion): Find coastal-inspired gifts and apparel for anyone who adores nautical charm.

• Peter & Company Jewelers (Avon Lake): Elegant jewelry and timeless pieces that make perfect holiday gifts.

Businesses with Gift Certificate Options

Gift certificates are a practical and thoughtful way to show you care. Here are some local businesses offering giftable experiences and services:

• Sherman Acres Floral (online): For my East Side CLE friends - fresh bouquets and floral subscriptions—imagine receiving fresh flowers every week!

• Secret Garden Floral Design (Avon): For my West Side CLE friends - gorgeous floral arrangements for any occasion.

• 3 Cheers Charcuterie (online): A perfect option for food lovers and entertainers.

• Emilie’s Coffee House & Wine Bar (Avon Lake): A cozy spot to treat the coffee lover in your life.

• Organizers - Declutter with Devon and Square 1 Organizing: Help someone declutter their space—a unique and practical gift.

• Coaching - Melanie Shmois & Emily Capuria: Support someone’s personal or professional growth with a coaching session.

• Milestone Home Design (me!): My onsite design consults make a great gift for new homeowners or anyone tackling a project. Gift certificates available, and I can even create a custom basket to go with it!

My Fellow BNI Members

Being part of BNI (Business Networking International) West Side Connections, has been one of the most rewarding parts of my entrepreneurial journey. Over the past several months, I’ve gotten to know some truly incredible professionals who I not only admire but genuinely trust. These are hardworking, kind, and talented people who I’m proud to call my network—and in many cases, my friends.

Here’s a look at our members, categorized by their areas of expertise. If you need help in any of these areas, I can personally vouch for the exceptional work they do!

Home Services:

• 360 Painting - Cleveland: High-quality interior and exterior painting services.

• ACE Handyman Services - Cleveland West: Reliable home repair and improvement solutions.

• Brothers That Just Do Gutters - Cleveland West: Specialized gutter installation and maintenance.

• DRYUNOW Emergency Restoration Services: Prompt restoration for water, fire, or mold damage.

• Erie Inspection Service: Comprehensive home inspection services.

• Eyring Movers: Professional moving services for a stress-free experience.

• Floor Coverings International - Cleveland West: Custom flooring options brought directly to you.

• GCS Electric: Expert electrical installations and repairs.

• Golden Hammer Remodeling: High-quality home remodeling and renovations.

• Mike Vonderau: Premier realtor serving the West Side communities of Cleveland.

• Ohio Junk Force: Professional junk removal services.

• PressureWays Power Cleaning: Top-notch pressure washing for various surfaces.

• Prevent Pest Control: Effective and eco-friendly pest control solutions.

• Royalty Roofing: Expert roofing services for your home.

• Stack Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric: Trusted HVAC installation and maintenance.

• The Tailored Closet: Custom storage and organization solutions.

  
  

Personal Services & Products:

• Ameriprise Financial: Financial planning and investment services.

• Christian Brothers Automotive - Avon: Honest and reliable automotive repair services.

• Gioffre, Schroeder & Jansky: Legal services specializing in various areas to meet your needs.

• JPotter Health: Personalized health and wellness coaching.

• Joseph L. Motta Co., LPA: Specializing in estate planning and elder law.

• LGS Careers: Expert guidance in personal development and well-being. MedPro Insurance Group: Comprehensive insurance solutions for individuals and businesses.

• Peter & Company Jewelers: Family-owned jewelry store offering fine jewelry and exceptional service.

• Simoson Chiropractic: Holistic chiropractic care for improved health.

• State Farm Insurance - Nate Courtney: Wide range of insurance products with personalized service.

• Union Capital Mortgage - Fletcher Cartwright: Mortgage lending services with personalized solutions.

  
  

Business Services:

• AM Design Group: Creative graphic design and branding services.

• Blue Ridge Media: Digital marketing and web development services.

• Corpus Law: Legal services specializing in business law.

• Dollar Bank - Tammy Taylor: Personalized banking solutions for individuals and businesses.

• First National Bank - Christopher Brown: Banking solutions tailored for businesses.

• Fully Promoted - Cleveland West: Branded apparel and promotional products.

• Jager Consulting: Business consulting for strategic growth.

Nonprofits to Support This Holiday Season

Giving Tuesday is a wonderful reminder to support local nonprofits that uplift our community year-round. Here are some incredible organizations to consider:

• Community Resource Services (CRS): As a board member, I’ve seen firsthand how CRS serves Avon and Avon Lake by providing food, financial assistance, and support to families in need.

• North Pointe Ballet: On the advancement committee, I’m proud of how they make the arts accessible and inclusive for all.

• Blessing House: A safe haven for families in crisis, providing stability and care during difficult times.

• Genesis House: Supports domestic violence survivors with shelter and advocacy.

• Neighborhood Alliance: Strengthens families with services like emergency shelters and childcare.

Supporting Local Businesses - A Message of Gratitude

Thank you for joining me in celebrating the amazing businesses and organizations that make our community shine. This season, let’s embrace the power of shopping small and giving back. Together, we can create a ripple effect of kindness, support, and gratitude that lasts well beyond the holidays.