Small businesses are thriving in Raleigh’s Creative District. And you probably don’t know about some of the hidden gems that are producing some of the coolest things in Raleigh. We asked our contributors here on southwestraleigh.com to recommend some of their favorite small businesses in our area for Small Business Saturday. All of you get to benefit from our highlights. The next step is to go out and support these great businesses in our area. Find out what you’ve been missing.
- Sweets Raleigh
- Creative T-shirts & Imaging
- Patina Fine Art and Design
- Furbish Studio
- Tasty Beverage Company
- CityFabric
- Epona & Oak
- Your recommendation
Sweets Raleigh
recommended by Beth Eiserloh Johnson
Operating out of their Boylan Heights home, Sweets Raleigh (aka Rick and Rande) is bringing Southwest Raleigh some of the world’s best baked goods. Baking up a storm of mouth-watering treats using local and fresh ingredients, Sweets will change your mind about what a scone/pretzel/muffin/pie should be. They sell these items at Rebus Work’s Saturday Market (now over for the season) and other various locations…but even better? Order your own ready-to-bake supply and have it whenever you want! They have packages of sweet and savory baked goods and home-cooked family dinners for you to take home (ready to eat or frozen for later).
South Boylan Avenue, Raleigh | To order call 919.795.9282 or email [email protected] | www.sweetsraleigh.com
Creative T-shirts & Imaging
recommended by Kris Montgomery
Creative T-Shirts & Imaging specializes in creating custom t-shirts, banners, signs, and more. Whether you need something for your business, professional organization, sorority, fraternity, or youth sports team, they’ll make sure your group is outfitted. They can help create custom artwork or work with your design to create your finish product. Creative T-Shirts & Imaging is located at 2526 Hillsborough St across from NC State. To order call 919.828.0204 or email [email protected] or visit www.thatsmytee.com.
Patina Fine Art and Design
recommended by Amy Howard
Patina features art from the talented local artist, Jenn Hales. In addition to her original artwork, she also sells prints, postcards, and unique gifts to fit any price range. Patina is located in City Market at 300 Blake Street. From her artist statement:
“In my art I explore the tension between the human and animal worlds,and the concept of dialogue between species. I try to evoke the way I saw the world as a child while tackling concepts like loss of habitat and human effects on the planet.”
Furbish Studio
recommended by Beth Eiserloh Johnson
In it’s new home near Glenwood South, this amazing little design and decor shop feels like it jumped right out of the pages of Elle Decor or Domino Magazine. Owner and interior designer Jamie Meares brings her outstanding style and taste level to a store filled with colorful re-purposed vintage furniture, stylish throw pillows, creative home accessories, custom-made dog beds, unique art and so much more.
312 W. Johnson Street, Raleigh | www.furbishstudio.com
Tasty Beverage Company
recommended by Anthony McLeod
A new specialty beer retailer in the Depot (across from The Pit). They are open from 5PM – 10PM on Black Friday and are a great place for holiday gifts or finding something to help unwind after a long day of family and turkey. Tasty Beverage Company has a huge selection of beer and expert help to locate a new favorite.
Too tired from shopping on Friday to stop by? They have a tasting from 1-3PM on Saturday (11-26) showcasing Olde Hickory beer with 10% off all NC Beers. If you are still shopping for Thanksgiving they have you covered as well – check their blog for Thanksgiving pairings.
CityFabric
recommended by Jason Hibbets
CityFabric let’s you showcase your civic-pride, from Raleigh to San Francisco and many other cities in between. They have a variety of apparel including prints, T-shirts, totes, and more. CityFabric is a locally owned business that started here in Raleigh.
Epona & Oak
recommended by Beth Eiserloh Johnson
This specialty boutique offers up a gorgeous collection of hand-made gifts and merchandise from independent designers and artists. Carrying everything from one of a kind jewelry, beautiful bags, clever greeting cards, art pieces, home accessories, apparel for men, women and babies and more. The bonus? There is also a tranquil wellness studio in the back that provides massage therapies, energy work, and organic beauty products.
Located in Raleigh’s Historic City Market | 329 Blake Street Raleigh | www.eponaandoak.com
Do you have a small business that you’d recommend?
Shout out in the comments. Don’t be afraid to evangelize for your favorite spot…but if you own it or are affilated, provide a short disclaimer. It’s just the nice thing to do. We’re glad you’re a part of Soutwest Raleigh (South of Wade Avenue to downtown).