MEET THE MAKERS IN THIS YEAR’S SMALL BUSINESS CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE
RENAJOY — BY RENA JOY PHILLIPSI came into this world early — nine weeks premature — tiny, fragile, and waving my limbs like I refused to give up. Doctors had warned my mum, “You won’t carry another baby to term,” but she didn’t let certainty stop her.
Years later, losing my dad shattered my world. Grief pushed me to stop dimming myself for everyone else and ask the question I had avoided my whole life: “What is your joy?”
That question led me to RenaJoy — a brand built from creativity, resilience, and a deep desire to help women feel seen, confident, and fully loved in their authenticity. When you wear RenaJoy, you’re connecting to your joy, which naturally brightens the lives of everyone around you.
ELS PASSION JEWELLERY — BY ELENA COSENTINOElena has been obsessed with gemstones since her seventh birthday — and honestly, you can feel that devotion in her creations. Every piece is handcrafted by her personally, infused with Art Deco, Art Nouveau, and vintage influences. She cleanses each crystal and creates with intention, meaning no two designs will ever be the same. Her jewellery isn’t just worn — it’s felt.
Her essence: Passion, purpose, spiritual gemstone jewellery, handmade one-of-a-kind jewellery.
SUNSET VALLEY CHICKS — BY MARIA MCCARTERMaria made her tree change in 2013 and built a life that blends chickens, sustainability, and community into something truly special. Whether she’s helping families hatch eggs, running re-homing programs, or teaching kids about ethical chicken care, she pours heart into every moment.
She’s known as “Maria, the Chook Lady,” — a crown she wears with love and pride.
Her essence: Community, kindness, sustainable living Australia, backyard chicken care, ethical pet chickens.
TSUGA BEADWORK — BY GRACE PARIKHGrace is a wildlife biologist by day and a jewellery artisan by night — blending her scientific curiosity with a love of global art. Her pieces honour culture, craftsmanship, and the intricate detail that only someone with a biologist’s eye could bring. She creates for thoughtful women who value meaning and cultural beauty in what they wear.
Her essence: Global-inspired handmade jewellery, art built on curiosity.
PSYCH PAPER PRESS — BY JENNIFER FAHERTYBurnout pushed Jennifer to rediscover herself through journaling and positive psychology — and that healing journey became Psych Paper Press. Her signature product, The Positive Psychology Planner, is an evidence-based wellness planner grounded in the PERMA framework, merging evidence-based science with beautiful, intentional design.
Her essence: Wellbeing, science-backed transformation, paying it forward, journaling for mental wellbeing.
BOLD & BLOOM — BY LINDSEY GANNLindsey rediscovered herself through polymer clay during a season where she felt lost from years of caring for everyone else. What began as healing became a calling — to create jewellery for women who are rising, recovering, rebuilding, and blooming again.
Her essence: Resilience, strength, wearable art, handmade jewellery gifts.
DESIGNS AMANO — BY JEANETTE VELASQUEZ KARNASJeanette’s pieces are created with heart, intention, and a deep love of crafting meaningful home décor. Each design feels like a warm hug for your space — elegant, thoughtful, and made to be treasured.
Her essence: Soulful craftsmanship, personal warmth, handmade home décor, timeless keepsakes.
277 DESIGNS — BY JEANETTE & HER HUSBANDBorn during the pandemic when her retired-firefighter husband began sewing masks, this brand evolved into intricate, handcrafted bags made from firefighter turnout gear and other upcycled materials. Every bag takes 6–8 hours to craft and holds a story of service and resilience.
Their essence: Honor, legacy, precision, sustainable handmade gifts.
GLORIA CHOU PR — BY GLORIA CHOUGloria is shaking up the entire PR industry by helping product-based founders get visibility without gatekeepers, big budgets, or insider connections. She has helped businesses earn over a billion organic views using a proven, unconventional approach — and she’s leading the conversation on how small businesses can show up in the era of AI search.
Her essence: Empowerment, innovation, lifting overlooked founders into the spotlight.
WHY SHOPPING SMALL MATTERS MORE THAN EVERYou’re saying, “I see you.”
You’re saying, “Keep going.”
And trust me — that support changes lives.
EXPLORE THE FULL CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDEFor gifts that are meaningful, thoughtful, and created with real heart. Meet the makers. Feel their stories. Find the perfect, unique gift for your loved ones. And maybe…be inspired to explore your creative side.
