Small Business Saturday is an annual event celebrated on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, which was created as a marketing initiative by American Express in 2010 to encourage holiday shoppers to support small businesses.
During this special day, individuals have the opportunity to show their support for local entrepreneurs who pour their hearts and souls into their businesses. By shopping at small, independent businesses, we can make a significant impact on the local economy, create job opportunities, and help these businesses thrive.
In this blog, we will be introducing you to four remarkable businesses: Boxed in Black, Operation Made, Fire Sign Style, and Andre’z Dipped and Drizzled. Each of these businesses brings something unique to the table, showcasing the creativity, innovation, and passion that defines small businesses.
We believe it’s essential to shine a spotlight on the incredible contributions and stories behind these businesses. By doing so, we hope to inspire others to support local businesses not just on Small Business Saturday but throughout the year. After all, every purchase made at a small business has a ripple effect within the community.
So, join us as we dive deeper into the journeys and offerings of Boxed in Black, Operation Made, Fire Sign Style, and Andre’z Dipped and Drizzled. Discover the stories behind these inspiring women entrepreneurs and learn how you can support them and other local businesses on Small Business Saturday and beyond. Let’s celebrate the strength and resilience of our community by championing these remarkable small businesses.
Andre’z Dipped and Drizzled
Located in North Providence, Rhode Island, Andre’z Dipped and Drizzled, a woman and LGBTQ+-owned business, is a dream come true for chocoholics. Known for its beautifully decorated treats and party favors, this shop offers a unique experience that allows customers to create their own chocolate-dipped delights.
The star attraction of Andre’z Dipped and Drizzled is undoubtedly their signature “Loaded Apple.” For New Englanders, there’s nothing quite like biting into a crisp, juicy apple covered in gooey caramel and rich chocolate. But at Andre’z Dipped and Drizzled, you can take it a step further – designing your own apple with over 15 topping choices, such as walnuts, M&Ms, sprinkles, shaved coconut, mini-marshmallows, chocolate chips, gummy bears, Snickers, Heath Bar, Oreos, and more.
But the customization doesn’t stop at apples. Their extensive menu also includes other chocolate-dipped treats like Oreos, brownie bombs with fluff, and Rice Krispies Treats. From Nonpareils to Pretzel Pops and even seasonal treats, there are plenty of options to satisfy any sweet tooth.
And if you need another reason to keep coming back, the “Loaded Apple Rewards Card” lets you earn a free apple after ten purchases!
Andre’z Dipped and Drizzled also offers delivery through DoorDash and Grubhub, making it easy for customers to enjoy their delicious treats from the comfort of their own homes.
Whether you’re in the mood for a decadent dessert or looking for the perfect gift, Andre’z Dipped and Drizzled offers a unique and deliciously satisfying experience. So why not treat yourself to a custom creation today?
Fire Sign Style
Nestled inside Salon Dragonfly on Nooseneck Hill Road in Coventry, Rhode Island, you’ll find a delightful boutique named Fire Sign Style. This woman-owned business is a testament to the power of dreams and the magic that happens when passion meets purpose.
Owned by a passionate entrepreneur who dreamt of owning her own business from a young age, Fire Sign Style offers an array of fashionable, trendy, and affordable clothing, accessories, and giftables sourced from across the globe. The owner’s love for fashion and retail is evident in the carefully curated selection of products available in the store.
“We strive to offer something for everyone. No matter your age, style, size, or budget. We welcome you to shop with us, fall in love with what you buy, and come back to shop time and time again.”
From chic dresses to stylish tops and cozy sweaters to trendy jackets, Fire Sign Style’s clothing collection caters to all styles and sizes. Looking for the perfect accessory to complete your look? Browse through their range of accessories, including jewelry, handbags, scarves, and more.
But the shopping experience doesn’t end with clothing and accessories. Fire Sign Style also offers a variety of unique giftables that are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a special birthday present, a holiday gift, or just a little something to treat yourself, you’ll find it at Fire Sign Style.
So, how can you support this small business?
On Small Business Saturday, which falls on November 25th this year, Fire Sign Style will be open from 9 am to 4 pm. This is a perfect opportunity to visit the store, meet the passionate owner, and discover the wide variety of products they offer. Whether you’re looking for a new outfit, a unique accessory, or a special gift, you’re sure to find something you love.
If you can’t make it to the store, don’t worry! Fire Sign Style also offers online shopping. You can browse their collection at your convenience and have your favorite items shipped to you.
Supporting small businesses like Fire Sign Style is about more than just shopping. It’s about investing in dreams, supporting local economies, and celebrating the diversity and creativity of our communities. So this Small Business Saturday, consider stopping by Fire Sign Style – not only will you discover fantastic products, but you’ll also be supporting a woman-owned business that truly values its customers.
Operation Made
Among the women-owned businesses making a difference in Rhode Island is Operation Made, a unique artisan boutique that supports and encourages entrepreneurship within the military community. Founded by Nicole O’Brien, Operation Made is more than just a gift shop. It’s a platform for veterans and their families to showcase and sell their handcrafted home goods and accessories.
Nicole’s journey began back in 2011 when she crafted a sign from license plates as a special gift for someone close to her. This single act of creativity sparked the birth of her other business Unique Pl8z, a business focused on handcrafting custom meaningful gifts. Starting as a hobby in her home while stationed overseas in Okinawa, Japan, Unique Pl8z has grown into a full-time business operating out of a manufacturing facility in Warwick, Rhode Island.
Recognizing the support she received from the military community over the years, Nicole decided to pay it forward by opening Operation Made. The boutique provides a space for veterans and their families to share their creations, ranging from photography and woodworking to home décor, fashion accessories, jewelry, clothing, pottery, and more.
Operation Made stands out with its mission to encourage entrepreneurship in the military community. They aim to connect Veteran Owned and Military-Connected product-based companies with consumers who are proud to support military makers and the movement to buy products Made in the U.S.A.
There are several ways to support Operation Made and its mission. You can visit their store in Warwick, RI, where you can directly purchase the quality merchandise made by those who have served. If you prefer shopping online, their website offers a wide variety of products available for shipping. Additionally, every Thursday night, Operation Made spotlights select products and introduces new veteran-owned brands on Facebook.
As we celebrate Small Business Saturday, let’s not forget businesses like Operation Made that go beyond selling products. They provide a platform for veterans to showcase their creativity, foster entrepreneurship, and contribute to the local economy. By choosing to shop at Operation Made, you are directly supporting those who have served and continue to serve our community.
Boxed in Black
In the world of gifting, one Rhode Island-based company is making waves by challenging norms and celebrating diversity. Welcome to Boxed in Black, a women-owned business that is transforming the way we think about luxury gifting.
Boxed in Black is the brainchild of Crystal Da Cruz, a first-generation Cape Verdean from Providence, Rhode Island. With a degree in fashion and nearly a decade of experience in the gift card industry, Crystal noticed a significant gap in the market, “I found myself questioning why people from communities like mine were absent from certain industries.” Determined to change this narrative, she founded Boxed in Black.
The mission of Boxed in Black is simple yet profound – to curate elegant gifts featuring premium items from Black-owned and culturally diverse brands. The belief in inclusive luxury is at the core of what they do, offering a range of gifts from premium to ultra-high end. As a premier source of BIPOC-owned gifts, Boxed in Black is committed to delivering an exceptional gifting experience through their carefully handpicked offerings.
So, what can you expect to find in a Boxed in Black gift box? Each box is a treasure trove of high-quality products, ranging from gourmet foods and beverages to beauty products, home goods, stationery, and more. Every item is selected with care and intention, ensuring that each box tells a unique story and offers a personalized gifting experience.
Supporting Boxed in Black goes beyond buying a gift; it means championing diversity and inclusivity. You’re not only purchasing a beautifully curated gift box but also supporting Black-owned and culturally diverse businesses who are often underrepresented in the realm of luxury goods.
This Small Business Saturday, consider choosing Boxed in Black for your gifting needs. You can browse their Ready Boxed Collection, which offers a variety of pre-curated gifts suitable for any occasion. Simply select the theme that best suits your needs and let Boxed in Black handle the rest.
Whether you’re celebrating a personal milestone, strengthening professional relationships, or expressing your gratitude, Boxed in Black offers a unique and meaningful way to do so. By choosing Boxed in Black, you’re embracing inclusive luxury and making a positive impact on the BIPOC community.
As we conclude our exploration of “Supporting Local Businesses on Small Business Saturday,” we are reminded of the tremendous impact we can have on our communities by choosing to shop at small businesses. By featuring four women-owned businesses in Rhode Island – Boxed in Black, Operation Made, Fire Sign Style, and Andre’z Dipped and Drizzled – we have witnessed the power of entrepreneurship, creativity, and determination.
Small Business Saturday serves as a call to action, urging us to shift our focus from big-box retailers to the local gems that make our neighborhoods unique. It is through our support that these small businesses can continue to flourish, creating jobs, fostering innovation, and contributing to the growth of our local economies.
But let’s not confine our support to just one day of the year. Let’s make the conscious decision to prioritize shopping locally throughout the year. Whether it’s purchasing handmade goods, dining at independent restaurants, or seeking out services from small businesses, every choice we make has an impact.
By choosing to support small businesses, we are not only investing in the dreams of passionate entrepreneurs but also enriching our own lives. We gain access to unique products, personalized experiences, and the satisfaction of knowing that we are making a difference.
So, as we prepare for Small Business Saturday and beyond, let’s make it a habit to support the incredible women-owned small businesses in Rhode Island and beyond. Together, we can create a vibrant and thriving community where small businesses are valued, cherished, and celebrated. Remember, every purchase is an opportunity to support a dream, uplift a community, and make a positive change. Let’s continue to support local and embrace the magic of small businesses each and every day.
