This time of the year brings a whirlwind of festivities—cherished moments with loved ones, indulging in delectable meals, and, for those who celebrate the holidays, the inevitable task of finalizing a gift list before the clock strikes midnight on December 24th. Like everyone else, our team revels in the joy of selecting meaningful gifts for those special people in our lives. Yet, amid the holiday cheer, we are mindful of the strain it places on small businesses—a sort of "keeping up with the Joneses" scenario. Small brands often work with limited budgets, making it challenging to offer discounts on days like today, Cyber Monday. Nevertheless, their significance should not be underestimated.
At the core of hone, we are passionate about several things: DIY endeavours, conscious learning, creating spaces that inspire creativity, and championing entrepreneurs who support each other. A study by Science Direct revealed a disheartening fact:
"Female-led ventures are 63% less likely than male-led ventures to obtain external funding."
Learning about this statistic saddened our team, as we recognize the importance of rectifying the imbalance. In a world that frequently idolizes and celebrates male entrepreneurship, it is more crucial than ever to give female entrepreneurs the recognition they deserve.
This Cyber Monday, instead of pushing a sale to advance our agenda, our team is devoted to amplifying the amazing work of some Canadian-founded female entrepreneurs. Below, we've curated a selection of top-notch gift ideas where your investment goes directly into the pockets of individuals who pour their heart and soul into their businesses.
For Your Pantry
Whoa Sauces: Small Batch, Handmade
Crafted and conceived by Sunta Sem, WHOA Spicy Peanut Sauce is more than just a condiment—it's the result of years of dedication. Sunta not only mastered the perfect ratios and ingredients but also mustered the courage to share her creation with the world. Produced in small, fresh batches, the Whoa Peanut Sauce boasts a delightful blend of sweetness, savoriness, and garlic goodness. It's not just a sauce; it's a labor of love.
Ideal for a variety of culinary adventures, this sauce elevates the experience of dipping fresh rolls (my personal favourite), pairing with veggies (cucumbers being my go-to), spreading on sandwiches, or creating a delectable dressing by mixing it with lime or water. And for those who crave an extra kick, the Whoa Peanut Sauce is available in extra spicy.
For Your Vanity
BIPOC-Owned and Founded by Creators Rashel & Gloria: Elevating Skincare with Purpose
Rashel and Gloria, the visionary minds behind this mission-focused brand, are on a quest to help individuals embrace the beauty of their skin through impactful products. In 2021, Gloria found herself grappling with dry skin during the humid summer months. Enter Rashel, armed with an incredible product that transformed Gloria's skin forever—what we now know as the Chelle Body Exfoliation Kit. Little did they realize that this exchange of skincare wisdom between two friends would mark the inception of Chelle Body.
Rooted in a planet-friendly and vegan ethos, our kits redefine the at-home spa experience, allowing you to revel in the benefits of exfoliation without leaving behind excess waste. The Chelle Body Exfoliation Kit stands out as the first of its kind, seamlessly combining an exfoliation mitt with a polishing stone for instant and remarkable results in a single application.
This deep exfoliation kit is the ideal winter gift, offering a physical exfoliator that is not only eco-friendly and vegan but also lasts up to four months with twice-a-week use (that's less than $1 per application).
For Your Home Cleaning
Small Steps, Big Impact: ECOKIND Cleaning
Spearheaded by founder Pamala Ho, ECOKIND is driven by a compelling mission—to eliminate single-use plastics and make eco-friendly practices accessible to all. Pamala's vision stems from a desire to leave a positive legacy in the world. For her, choosing an eco-friendly lifestyle isn't just a personal choice; it's a commitment to creating a better world.
Offering a range of products from comprehensive Clean Kits to the indispensable Laundry Essentials Kit, ECOKIND Cleaning has something for everyone. What truly sets them apart is their commitment to Clean Ingredients—products free from dyes, bleach, and harsh chemicals. This not only ensures an environmentally friendly cleaning experience but also guarantees effectiveness.
They go beyond conventional cleaning—it's about cultivating a cleaner conscience. Pamala and her team have curated kits that simplify the process, allowing individuals to contribute to a cleaner world while saving on costs and reducing emissions.
Shop ECOKIND Cleaning Products
For Your Mental Health
The Human Being Journal: Start 2024 With Mindfulness
In a world that often moves at an unrelenting pace, finding moments of mindfulness and tranquility becomes an invaluable gift. That's where Mahara comes in—a company founded on the belief in the transformative power of mindfulness to enhance mental health and unlock human potential.
Genevive and Sheba, the visionary minds behind Mahara, embarked on this journey after a decade-long corporate career, driven by a shared passion for mindfulness practices. Their personal experiences with journaling, meditation, breathwork, energy healing, psychedelics, and forest bathing led them to launch Mahara in early 2020. The mission? To curate meaningful products and experiences that serve as a gateway to a world of mindful practices and personal transformation.
The Human Being Journal, a flagship product, is designed for the busy go-getter seeking a mindfulness practice that reduces stress and enhances overall well-being. This transformative journal has even garnered attention in publications such as The New York Times, Forbes, The Ellen Show, Oprah Daily, and more!
This thoughtfully crafted journal is more than just a blank notebook; it's a guide on the journey to a more mindful existence. With questions rooted in the fundamental pillars of a happy life—including health, career, and relationships—The Human Being Journal bridges the gap between our everyday selves and the deeper sense of being that many of us crave.
As you explore these brands, remember that your support goes beyond the purchase of a product; it fuels a dream, sustains a vision, and contributes to a more conscious and compassionate world. This Cyber Monday, let's not just shop; let's invest in the stories and ideals that resonate with us, and support small businesses.
Happy Shopping!