Baltimore Local Makers
I’ll be honest. I’m not a fan of Valentine’s Day. At all. However, it is has become abundantly clear that the world does not operate based on my preferences because here it is on the calendar yet again this year…😐….😐
Anyway, shop we must! And if we must shop, we are shopping local!
More importantly, love requires soul and physical connection…so we are shopping local makers that put their soul into what they physically make because they deserve of our love too!
Baltimore holds a crazy amount of talented artist and business owners - there’s no way that I can get them all in this list. So to narrow it down, I’m sharing shops that I have supported and loved within the last year.
If you have experienced the Honey Graham flavor, you already know why we are here. This company was built out of simply wanting to be a helping hand to the people of Baltimore that need it the most. They give back to their own employees/owners as well as our community. So for your Vday, make your their ice cream your dessert.
I came across this gentleman a few years back and he was doing the dirty work, literally! The first video I saw he was down ( “he” meaning his entire person!) in a sewage drain (or something like that) and found a mini old rusty firearm. He goes places the average person would not go and does things that average person doesn’t want to, but he always pulls out something you would want on you dinner table or collection. Baltimore history is what he uncovers and he sells some of the artifacts on his website. Visit his website and grab your valentine a 1800s sugar dish or 1700s glass flask that truly is part of Baltimores history.
Well it’s the day of love, you have to get candles! I love TGP because their candles are made without the junk that you shouldn’t be inhaling and they are hand poured onsite. She offers a great blend of unique scents as well as massage candles. Of course you can buy your lover some candles, but I suggest you go for a candle making date night instead. That Good Peace offers that in a small intimate environment for just you and your person or in group sessions. Do you know how much you can learn about someone’s likes and dislikes while candle making? Book the class, take your wine and light the flame!
This maker sells journals with THE best covers Ive ever seen. As a lover of all things Baltimore, she stole my heart with the journal covers inspired by our very own row homes and brownstones. Boring where?!? Thoughtless where?!? Now Im not the boss of you so you can do what you want, but if I were you - Id buy one for my lover and explain the intent is for you to take turns writing love notes to each other in it over time. Single? Never forget that you are your first and truest love. Same concept! Write love letters to yourself about yourself. You’re welcome.
They know their stuff and they take it seriously. As someone who cares about what I use on my body this place is a dream. I go in here usually for one or two things and I spend an hour minimum every time just looking and learning from the staff. With that said, if you have a naturalist on your heart - go in here and grab a few things and present it in a way you know they will love. (Side note: I use one of their essential oil inhalers when I feel a headache coming on and it works great!)
I love to know through and through what im ingesting and that the makers gave a damn about that as well. Black Acres executes in this area. They use local vendors and ethically sourced coffee. It’s vday, either you are going to need a cup to get through the day or need a cup to get up the next day. Make it a coffee date and grab a bag for home.
Great custom art from a local artist. I became familiar with work while sitting in Blue Moon Cafe looking at the wall art. I purchased a couple of pieces. One of them were custom and Thomas was incredibly easy to work with and had crazy good pricing and turn around time. How this works for Valentine’s Day? An idea that comes to mind is where did you and your partner share you most memorable moment? Have Thomas memorialize you guys in that place - in PAINT.
I love tranquility, I love home decor and I luuuuvvv that these body candles give me BOTH! Get one in each color or a few in the same. These creates a spark of conversation and an intimate flame to keep it going. I suggest that you make them part of the most intimate part of your Valentine’s evening.