As we head into the holiday season, it has been really important to us to shop local and help others do the same. When we started our search for which businesses to head to for our holiday gifting, we were mind blown by just how many small businesses there are in our area. It was almost as if for every new business we found, another two showed up right after.

And that feeling was inspiring.

It felt so inspiring to know that our community is full of small business owners working so hard to serve our community so well. From providing insurance to candles, and essentially everything in between, you can find it in our little community.

2020 has been a hard year for small businesses. With many small businesses being seriously impacted by COVID-19, many small businesses (like the ones listed below) have adapted to ensure they can keep their doors open. For us, we rescheduled a significant number of weddings to 2021 and ensure we wear masks at all times.

One of the incredible things about small businesses, is that even when things are hard, we are a resourceful bunch who are dedicated to our communities (fun fact: for every $1 spent at local businesses, $.67 stays in your local community). This holiday season, we wanted to come together to help support each other and YOU – our community.

We’ve pulled together a massive giveaway of over $1800 in value contributed by 16 different small businesses. This giveaway will have 3 winners and is taking place on Instagram – so be sure to head over to Instagram to enter for your chance to be one of the lucky winners!

A little bit about the businesses involved

A.R. Davis Media (formerly A.R. Davis Photography)

SURPRISE! When Becca quit her full-time job to start working for our business full-time, we also made some other big business changes, one becoming A.R. Davis Media. We made this exciting change to our business name since we have expanded our business offerings to cover photography and videography. We provide photography and videography services for weddings, families, branding, and commercial.

We started this business together just before our wedding in 2016. Since then, we have become one of the top wedding photographers in Indiana being recognized as “The Knot Best of Weddings” 3 years in a row. We also often offer mini sessions which are ideal for a quick family photo!

How can you support A.R. Davis Media?

–       Hire us for your photo and video needs

–       Purchase a gift card for a future session (for yourself or a loved one!)

–       Share our business with your friends & family

–       Follow and engage on social media

Keywords Co.

Keywords Co. is owned by local lettering artist, Jenni Kiesler. Keywords Co. is your go-to place for unique, customizable gifts, business messaging or home décor.

Keywords Co. has adapted to COVID-19 by shifting to digital and licensing art which provides customers with unique hand lettered goods that can be reproduced and delivered contact free through email. Keywords Co. is also focusing on smaller items that are easier to mail, like a wider variety of ornament offerings this holiday season.

How can your support Keywords Co.?

 –       Follow and engage on social media

–       Shopping their website (www.keywordsco.com) for custom ornaments and so much more!

Viewpoint Books

Viewpoint Books is the second oldest independent bookstore in Indiana. The store opened in 1973 and will celebrate its 50th birthday in October 2023! Viewpoint Books is a general bookstore rather than specializing in a specific genre. As a frequent patron of Viewpoint (both as a little kid growing up in Columbus, and now with our own little one) I can say Viewpoint is one of my favorite places to shop. There are so many great gift options – even beyond books! Viewpoint can order any book your heart desires if it isn’t in their store. Adam and I love finding new bookstores when we travel (we seriously love books) and every time we go into Viewpoint, we always leave saying that it is so special. It is by far one of the best bookstores we’ve found (even in large cities!).

I especially love how much they have adapted to COVID-19. I feel so comfortable shopping their because they require masks when in the store and gloves are required (and provided) if you plan to touch anything. They also offer shipping, curb side pickup, local delivery, and private shopping by appointment if you are not comfortable shopping during store hours.

I have an extra special place in my heart for Viewpoint because they go so far beyond their role as a bookstore. My entire life they have found ways to give back to the community through events for kids (like reading sessions) and most recently they hosted a free “Reindeer Ride” so that kids could get up close with reindeer while being safe and social distancing.

I really could go on and on about this store, but you can stop in and find out for yourself!

How can you support Viewpoint Books?

–       Shop in the store

–       Order online or through a private shopping appointment

–       Follow and engage on social media

Sky Sport Fitness

Sky Sport Fitness is owned by Christine Nesci and will be celebrating their 10 years business anniversary in January 2021. Sky Sport Fitness is an indoor cycling and personal training studio in downtown Columbus, Indiana.

Sky Sport Fitness patrons find that SKY is, in a way, a sanctuary from the continuous outside noise – especially during the challenges of 2020. Attending a class at SKY leaves them feeling empowered and renewed and ready to tackle whatever their day brings.

To ensure that SKY is a safe space to be during COVID-19, Christine has adapted the studio layout to accommodate the protocol changes including social distancing, hand sanitizer stations, and signage, among other things.

How can you support SKY?

–       Attend classes at SKY (bikes are 6ft apart), take a Small Group Strength class or Personal Training (offered in-studio or online)

–       Buy gift cards and merchandise for friends and family

–       Join in on SKY’s fun fitness challenges

–       Follow and engage on social media

Richard Hawes Insurance Company

Richard Hawes Insurance Company is your local independent insurance agency that offers a variety of services including auto, home, life, and business insurance. As a team, Richard Hawes Insurance takes pride in their customer service and loyalty to each client.

They would love to help you save money on your policies while also providing you with the coverage you need.

I recently have gotten know Scott and Bri, the new owners of Richard Hawes Insurance Company. They are just wonderful people (and actually are a huge part of helping pull this entire giveaway together! Even though they are new to Columbus, they have jumped in headfirst and found ways to not just get involved but also to support fellow small business owners.

How can you support Richard Hawes Insurance Company?

–       Call us for a quote (office: 812-376-3869 text: 812-264-5787 email: info@hawesins.com)

–       Follow and engage on social media

AMES Mercantile

AMES Mercantile a home décor shop selling old and new items with goods from local makers sprinkled in. They also have a little kids’ boutique. They are currently working on the finishing touches of their downtown Columbus, Indiana storefront.

How can you support AMES Mercantile?

–       Follow and engage on social media

–       Stay tuned for their website launch and store front grand opening!

Golden Girl Designs

Golden Girl Designs is owned by Lexi Saalfrank and sells custom door hangers, wall décor, t-shirts and onesies, and earrings! You can easily find custom, made to order gifts when shopping from Golden Girl Designs.

How can you support Golden Girl Designs?

–       Follow and engage on social media

–       Order custom gifts for your friends!

Boutique Elise

Boutique Elise is a women-owned clothing and we’ve been in operation for 5 years in downtown Columbus. Boutique Elise’s owner, Renee Elise, goal is to make you excited to get dressed in the morning. She loves finding soft, comfortable, yet stylish pieces for her customers.

How can you support Boutique Elise?

–       Shopping in-store at the downtown Columbus retail location (408 Washington Street)

–       Shopping online with shipping and in-store pick up options (www.boutiqueelise.com)

–       Follow and engage on social media

Amy Louise Esthetics

Amy McCorry is the esthetician behind Amy Louise Esthetics. She is a former social worker turned license esthetician. She has been practicing in Columbus since 2012 and took the leap to self-employment full-time in 2016.

Her specialty is eyelash extensions but additionally provides keratin lash lifts, eyebrow and eyelash tinting, brow lamination, body & facial waxing, and dermaplaning. Her menu is continuously growing as she learns new methods and services. Amy is also currently working on fixing up her own shop space!

You can shop Amy’s services by contacting Amy through her contact info listed on her Instagram account (@amylouiseesthetics) or by calling Genesis Salon which is where her current booth is located.

You can feel safe visiting Amy for your appointment because she is following CDC guidelines for capacity, social distancing, strictly enforcing masks, and taking extra sanitation measure in between clients.

How can you support Amy Louise Esthetics?

–       Purchase an appointment with Amy

–       Gift an appointment with Amy

–       Follow and engage on social media

Little Bo & Co Boutique

Little Bo & Co Boutique is a brand-new infant and children’s online clothing and accessories boutique. Little Bo & Co is run by Bianca How and Shelby Howe, sisters-in-law. Bianca has two little girls and Shelby has a little boy.

As they have been raising their little ones close in age, they have enjoyed keeping their littles trendy whether it be for a special event, daycare or bedtime.

When the pandemic started, Shelby was pregnant and there were not any local options for unique infant clothing. This is how the idea for Little Bo & Co came to life. They quickly made the rash decision to go for it. They feel that their style can serve both genders with trendy, affordable, and unique pieces with quality in mind! They also will provide great, high quality pieces that can be used as gender neutrals and passed down through multiple children.

How can you support Little Bo & Co?

–       Shop their online boutique at www.littleboandcoboutique.com

–       Follow and engage on social media

Courtney’s Sweet Creations

Courtney’s Sweet Creations is owned by Courtney Imlay. Courtney is a full time Tax Accountant at Cummins Inc and a Pampered Chef Consul
tant. Courtney enjoys baking and thought it would be fun to share with other. You can find all of Courtney’s sweet creations on her social media accounts (Facebook and Instagram). If you make an order with Courtney, you can ensure a contact-free delivery experience.

How can you support Courtney’s Sweet Creations?

–       You can order your sweet treats for Christmas, baby shower, wedding, work event, or just because!

–       Be sure to join the Loyalty Club where every 9 items purchased, the 10th item is free!

–       Follow and engage on social media

GLO Aesthetics

Macy Shockley is a Licensed Esthetician and owner of GLO aesthetics. She specializes in facials and brows. One of the best ways to support her business without spending anything is to follow her social media accounts and share her posts! (@gloaestheticscolumbus) The other way to support her small business is of course by booking an appointment through GLO aesthetics on Facebook!

COVID has definitely brought on many challenges to the Esthetics industry and one of the many ways she has adapted is by offering virtual consultations through zoom & FaceTime. She is there to solve all of your “maskne” (mask-acne) problems and more! Macy loves running her small business and can’t wait to meet you and help you achieve the best skin ever!

How can you support GLO Aesthetics?

–       Book an appointment through GLO aesthetics on Facebook

–       Follow and engage on social media

Zen Fitness

Zen Fitness was established in 2009 to provide the Columbus area with the most reputable source for mindbody fitness. They are a welcoming community filled with people of all shapes, sizes, and ability levels. Zen is the perfect place to begin your fitness journey or to enhance a seasoned practice. With both group classes and private sessions available, it’s easy for those with a busy lifestyle to find their perfect fit. Zen Fitness offers yoga, pilates, and barre classes with highly trained and certified instructors. They are form-focused and fun, ensuring your workout is safe and effective but never boring!

You can feel safe visiting Zen Fitness because they follow all CDC guidelines and protocols. The studio is impeccably clean, masks are worn, classes are very small and socially distanced to ensure everything is safe.

How can you support Zen Fitness?

–       Take a class online or in the studio

–       Purchase gift cards and merchandise

–       Follow and engage on social media

Maddison McElroy

Maddison McElroy, Columbus native, wife, mom, Certified Personal Trainer and Certified Indoor Cycling Instructor. She has been in the fitness industry for 5 years and offers small group training, one on one personal training, and coaching. After having her son in 2014, she worked to lose 90 pounds and found a passion for helping others reach their health and wellness goals.

How can you support Maddison?

–       The best way that anyone can support me is to share & follow my personal Instagram or Facebook, share my stories/posts, referrals, or work with me. I love to support local small businesses in Columbus & pride myself on referring every person I can to all of the small businesses that I love and use. Columbus has the best people and so many unique things to offer. I am proud to have been born & raised here.

Taylor Baughman (Vannatta)

Taylor has been a hairdresser for just over 5 years. She offers women’s cuts, colors, men’s cuts, kid’s cuts, and facial waxing services. She also sells professional hair styling products. While it was definitely rough in the beginning, Taylor has adapted well to the new circumstances with COVID. She has her own suite space which enables her to easily clean her space after each client – this was an easy transition because Taylor had made this part of her practice standards even before the pandemic. It is also easy for her clients to feel comfortable during their appointments because it is just the two of them in her suite as opposed to a large open space with other people.

How can you support Taylor?

–       You can book an appointment with Taylor by using the Vagaro app or by reaching out to Taylor directly on Facebook (Taylor Vannatta) or Instagram (@tayrae2014)

–       Follow and engage on social media

Simply Pottery

Simply Pottery is a paint your own pottery studio. Simply Pottery is a family-owned business that has been operating for 17 years! You are able to paint in person or do a To-Go order. The details of how to do a To-Go order are on Simply Pottery’s Facebook page.

How can you support Simply Pottery?

–       Place a To-Go order to paint your pottery at home

–       Paint in-store

–       Purchase a gift card

–       Follow and engage on social media

So, what can you win?

Be sure to head over to Instagram to enter the giveaway! We will have (
3) total winners! You could win some of the following items:

–       A.R. Davis Media: (3) photo shoots valued at $250 each

–       AMES Mercantile: (3) $25 gift cards

–       Keywords Co: $50 gift card

–       Sky Sport Fitness: $50 gift card and $50 worth of other items

–       Boutique Elise: $25 gift card and an ornament of your choice ($10 value)

–       Little Bo & Co Boutique: $25 gift card

–       Simply Pottery: $25 gift card

–       Amy Louise Esthetics: Lash extension treatment ($115 value)

–       Viewpoint Books: (3 books) author signed copies ($35 value each)

–       Zen Fitness: (3) Pilates personal training sessions with owner, Kate ($70 value each)

–       GLO Aesthetics: $25 gift card

–       Richard Hawes Insurance Company: Truck ornaments and gift baskets ($20 value each)

–       Maddison McElroy: (1) personal training session ($40 value) and (1) month of macro & cardio coaching ($125 value)

–       Golden Girl Designs: Custom Christmas Door Hanger ($35 value)

–       Courtney’s Sweet Creations: Holiday Sweets Platter ($25 value)

–       Taylor Baughman (Vannatta): $30 gift card for shampoo, cut, & styling and Professional Shampoo & Conditioner set ($40 value)