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TDS associates share their small business recommendations

It’s no secret that COVID-19 has wreaked havoc on small businesses across the country. More than a year and a half since it all started, many are still struggling to get back on their feet. November 27 is Small Business Saturday, a day to encourage shopping at local and online small businesses. Shopping small is an easy way to support our communities and even our associates and their families. Here are five small businesses recommended by TDS associates.

Inkwell & Brew and Macdonald Book Shop – Estes Park, Colorado

Recommended by Tariq

What is this small business?
Kevin and Anastacia Reed are TDS customers and both of their business are in downtown Estes Park, Colorado.  Inkwell & Brew offers hand-pressed papers, cards, fountain, wooden, and Calligraphy pens, a coffee bar, and an assortment of baked goods and sandwiches. Macdonald Book Shop is a beautiful brick and mortar store, where you can always be matched with the right read.  The book shop has over 8,000 titles in stock.

Bushel & Peck’s – Beloit, Wisconsin, and Online

Recommended by Tammy

What is this small business? Bushel & Peck’s is an Etsy shop and a brick-and-mortar store in Beloit, Wisconsin. It is owned by a woman who makes a ton of pickled vegetables, jams and jellies, and hot sauces.

What is your favorite product? I am not a hot sauce fan, but my husband swears they are the best in the business. Their fan-favorite product is the Ghost Pepper Trinity set that comes with three hot sauces: Friendly Ghost, Golden Ghost, and Holy Ghost. I love their jams and jellies, especially the strawberry rhubarb!

Modern Farm and Artisan Co-Op – St. George, Utah

Recommended by Sarah 

What is this small business? The Co-Op is a curated collection of goods from local artists, gardeners, and farmers. They have a wide variety of products, from artwork, pottery, stained glass, and jewelry to snack mixes, produce, teas, and pastured meat to lotions, soaps, herbal tinctures, and teas. It’s like a year-round indoor farmers market.

What makes it special? They’re part of the MoFACo nonprofit, so as much money as possible goes back to the artisan. Also, products are added and changed out frequently, so there’s always something new to discover.

What is your favorite product? They recently started carrying Obsidian’s chocolates, which are to die for!

The Prairie Bakery Candle Kitchen – Verona, Wisconsin, and Online

Recommended by Pamela 

What is this small business? The Prairie Bakery Candle Kitchen is my niece’s small business that she owns with her husband. They sell candles made with renewable soy wax and low-smoke hemp wicks.

Where is it located? They primarily sell their candles on Etsy, but they also have a selection available at Kismet Books – a business that happens to be a TDS customer – in Verona, Wisconsin.

What is your favorite product? The Apple Pickin’ scent – not only is it a cute name, but it also smells like a fresh McIntosh apple!

Green Life Trading Co. – Madison, Wisconsin, and Online

Recommended by Erin

What is this small business? Green Life Trading Co. sells natural and zero-waste products for home and self-care. It is an excellent place to shop for gifts!

Where is it located? On Willy Street, along with many more small shops, restaurants, and cafés. Make a morning of Small Business Saturday – have brunch on Willy and spend a few hours exploring!

What is your favorite product? Toilet bombs! These smell amazing and make an unpleasant task a little more tolerable. Conventional toilet bowl cleaners are typically filled with harmful chemicals, but these use hydrogen peroxide and citric acid to safely clean.

By Hannah Drewieck, TDS Communications Intern



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