Support small and local businesses when you travel!
Are you a shopper? Some people love to load up on souvenirs when they travel while others like to travel light, only taking home memories. When I travel, I love to shop for goods made locally from the area. I so enjoy bringing something unique back with me to remind me of my time spent in that area but I also love supporting a local business owner. When I lived in Hawaii, I worked in a beautiful shop where local artists sold handmade items using traditional methods. Seeking out venues like this is a deep-seated impulse I have and is something my husband and I naturally seek out during our travels. With small businesses around the world trying to recover in the Covid era, let’s get shopping!
Belize
Belizean Arts
San Pedro-Ambergris Caye, Belize
Sharing creations from Belizean artists for over 30 years, the variety found in Belizean Arts is impressive. From gorgeous paintings to woodcarvings and jewelry, it’s clear that you’re surrounded by items that were made with incredible care and talent. Their website showcases the artists they represent, detailing their works and processes. These are some of the beautiful pieces I picked up while in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye in Belize.
Hawaii
Polynesian Treasures
Haleiwa-Oahu, Hawaii
This family-owned operation has provided a venue for traditional crafters and artists for over 25 years. The Cooper family has cultivated relationships with artisans from Hawaii and throughout the South Pacific, delivering truly unique designs and keepsakes. The owners and employees are well-versed in the history of the traditional methods used to create these art pieces. These are some of my favorites from my collection.
North Shore Goodies
Haleiwa-Oahu, Hawaii
Attention peanut butter lovers: This is the best! This North Shore Oahu family business is growing and for good reason. Their honey coconut peanut butter has been a part of my morning smoothies for years now. The quality and variety of their products are something you must experience for yourself. If you can’t make it to Hawaii, thankfully, they now have locations on the mainland. You can also order online which is what we do in bulk. I have given their products as gifts the last few years and it usually results in creating new peanut butter addicts!
