National Made in The USA Day is July 2nd - Support These Small Businesses with USA Made Products
Did you know that July 2nd is National Made in The USA Day? What a great way to celebrate and acknowledge small businesses that make or manufacture their products here in the States. I am the Founder of a gift packaging tool called Disguise The Surprise. It was very important to me to have the dividers manufactured domestically, but it did not happen without a story. I will share my story in a bit, but I wanted to write this blog post to showcase the reasons why shopping from small businesses who manufacture in the USA is important and to share some fabulous business owners and their products whom I have been lucky to cross paths with as a small business owner myself. Let's start with the WHY.
In today's fast-paced consumer landscape dominated by large corporations, it's essential to recognize the value of supporting small businesses that manufacture their products in the USA. While big-box retailers may offer convenience, there are compelling reasons why choosing to shop from small American-made businesses is not only beneficial for the local economy but also for consumers themselves.
1- Fostering Local Economy and Community
When you shop from small businesses that manufacture their products in the USA, you directly contribute to the local economy. These businesses are often deeply rooted in their communities, employing local residents and sourcing materials from nearby suppliers. By supporting them, you help create jobs, stimulate economic growth, and enhance the overall well-being of the community.
2- Personalized Customer Service and Attention to Detail
Small businesses thrive on building strong relationships with their customers. When you shop from a small American-made manufacturer, you're more likely to receive personalized customer service and attention to detail. These businesses take pride in their craftsmanship and are dedicated to ensuring customer satisfaction.
3- Environmental Sustainability and Local Production
Shopping from small businesses that manufacture their products in the USA can also align with environmentally conscious consumer choices. Local production generally requires fewer transportation miles, reducing carbon emissions associated with long-distance shipping.
4- Unique and Handcrafted Products
Small American-made businesses often pride themselves on creating unique, handcrafted products. When you purchase from them, you're more likely to find one-of-a-kind items that reflect the passion and artistry of the artisans behind them.
5- Supporting Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Small businesses are often the birthplace of entrepreneurship and innovation. By choosing to shop from American-made small businesses, you actively support the dreams and ambitions of passionate entrepreneurs. These individuals take risks, invest their time and resources, and contribute fresh ideas to the marketplace.
Now that we covered the WHY, I would love to showcase several fabulous small business owners who make or manufacture their products in the USA. I have been fortunate enough to meet all of these owners through online communities and highly recommend you check out their businesses.
Cre8tive Crayonz
This mother- daughter duo is inspiring tech free and imaginary play with their handmade personalized crayons for the creative ones in your life. Cre8tive Crayonz is based in Montville, NJ.
Disguise The Surprise
Social Media @disguisethesurprise Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest, YouTube, Facebook
This is my company : ) Disguise The Surprise is a set of dividers you arrange around your one special gift to disguise in a shirt box OR create sections to curate your own multi-item gift box. You know your people and what they like. You are in control of what goes in their box, making your gifts more personal and thoughtful. Packing your gifts this way creates a much nicer presentation than shoving your items in a gift bag. Use the dividers for any occasion throughout the year (Birthdays, Baby Shower, Graduation, Trip Reveal, Sports Fan, Coaches Gifts, Teacher Gifts, Bridesmaid Proposal, Engagment, Christmas...anything you put your mind to! The dividers are Reusable, Recyclable & manufactured in St. Louis, MO.
When I was researching the best way to manufacture the dividers, I was told that I would have to get my injection mold made in China due to costs. When the quote came back for the mold it was literally double the cost. I took into my own hands and found the AMBA (American Mold Builders Association) to assist me with my search. I called about 20 companies across the US and ended up finding a fantastic mold maker just outside Chicago for less than the China quote. I am THRILLED to say that all aspects of my dividers and manufacturing are Made in The USA. If you like to make your gifts stand out and bring smiles to the faces of your people, you really should check this out!
Inside My Locket
IG @annahudick
Anna, Founder of Inside My Locket is based in Virginia. Every piece of jewelry tells a story, and hearts are at the center of our brand story. Within our collections you’ll find my connection to hearts and lockets, from subtle and understated to obvious and statement pieces. We handcraft jewelry using sterling silver, 18kt gold, and ethically sourced natural gemstones saturated in color. I chose Inside My Locket as my business name because lockets are keepsakes of treasured memories. But they also help those memories flourish and thrive, to be retold and handed down.
We recently debuted our Fordite line of beautiful “gemstones” also known as Detroit Agate. These gemstones are actually born from hardened layers of spray paint we’ve sourced from Detroit automobile factories. While the paint colors would change for each new ‘run’ the rails the cars were on would not, which would cause the paint to layer and build up in the bays. Eye-catching colors of these layers - sometimes 100 thick – would bake and harden and eventually be discarded. These discarded pieces have been reclaimed and we are able to turn them into stunning pieces of jewelry with vivid colors perfect for accessory design. Perfect to fill the need for jewelry lovers, car junkies, and everyone that likes a give-back, feel-good, eco option!
Jester Swink
IG/FB/Pinterest: @JesterSwink
Discover the artistry of Jester Swink, where every handcrafted piece tells a unique story. With a maker-made approach, we proudly showcase creative passion and unique design elements. From wood and semi-precious stones to clay, fibers, metal, and more, our creations are crafted with a variety of materials, infusing each piece with character and charm.
Transform your home into a sanctuary of individuality with our custom wall hangings and other inspiring accessories. Embrace the beauty of one-of-a-kind treasures, bidding farewell to mass-produced items. Each Jester Swink creation reflects your personal style and values, meticulously crafted to elevate your home sanctuary with authenticity.
Join us on a creative journey where wall art and decor becomes inspiring. Choose Jester Swink for handcrafted excellence and infuse your space with the warmth and tranquility it deserves. Jester Swink is made in Santa Cruz, CA.
Tooktake Dosage Reminder Labels
IG @tooktake
Tooktake is a woman owned small business and is proudly made here in the USA. Tooktake is the only dosage reminder system that works on all forms of medication and supplements, liquids, lotions, drops and of course pills. It also allows all of your wellness products to stay in their child-safe packaging with all the instructions, expiration dates, refill information and warnings.
Since Tooktake labels were invented during my own experience with cancer treatment and it was refined over a whole year of treatment so I know it works well. It also is great for pet owners :)
Lacee Swan
Lacee Swan is an artist who creates whimsical stationery, paper goods, and gifts with her beautiful watercolor and signature style Fashion Illustrations. She creates products to brighten the every day and bring more zing to the everyday routine. Coloring books for girls to empower young girls and cultivate kindness, creativity, confidence and kindness. Creating art in the prairies of North Dakota and printed in manufactures in the USA.
Peggy Li Creations
IG @plcpeggy
Peggy is a handmade jewelry designer that features a mix of feminine and minimalist jewelry designs. Many of the pieces are made by Peggy herself in her studio space in San Francisco, CA. What started as a hobby became a business when Peggy got her jewelry designs on the TV show "Buffy, the Vampire Slayer" and she's been working with top costume designers ever since! You may currently spot her work on TV shows like "Dead to Me", "And Just Like That" and more.
A D'Zine
Social Media @adzineny
I make jewelry that honors memories of the past while creating pieces that will make memories of the future. I incorporate vintage pieces that are not being used anymore and create an updated design. The new pieces that I use are made in USA. This is important because it is important for me to keep the dollars I spend within my community.
Ruth Nathan's
Social Media IG @ruthnathans FB @nicoleatruthnathans
We create joy by helping you express your need for bold looks with bow ties, flower lapel pins, and more. With a focus on sustainability and original textile designs, we hope to bring dapperness and delight to your days and nights.
What sets Ruth Nathan’s apart is our commitment to innovation and originality. We proudly print our fabric designs, offering unique patterns and styles that can't be found elsewhere. We maintain strict quality control and support local artisans by focusing on small-batch production and manufacturing exclusively in the USA. Nicole was a former Quality Control specialist for an international brand, so she knows what it takes. Sustainability is at our core, as we prioritize using eco-friendly materials throughout our fabric production process in North Carolina. Our self-tie, reversible bow ties showcase our dedication to versatility, offering our customers multiple styling options and endless possibilities.
Alicia Boateng Designs
Alicia Boateng has always loved creative pursuits, but it wasn’t until she left her career as a wedding planner that she started to think about turning her own designs into a full time gig. It was her morning cup of coffee that turned out to be the inspiration she needed and her line of handcrafted mugs started to come to life. Today she runs her business Alicia Boateng Designs alongside her husband, churning out festive mugs that come in a range of different styles; from her Afro-Glam collection, to her seasonal cups to her collection highlighting different cultures from around the world. The Coral Springs, Florida-based mompreneur counts celebrities like Tiffany Haddish and Octavia Spencer as fans of her designs and is determined to, “Get my cups into the hands of as many women as I can.”
PrintArtKids
Social Media @printartkids Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest
PrintArtKids is a mom-owned and operated small business creating fun, unique, personalized items featuring YOUR KID’S original ART, your own masterpieces, and favorite family and pet photos. Our products inspire children's creativity and enhance their self-esteem by preserving and transforming their artwork into functional, one-of-a-kind cards, notepads, journals, puzzles and other fun items to use and enjoy every day. How cool for your student to go to school with a notebook featuring one of their own creations?
Our unique products make thoughtful, practical gifts for grandparents, aunts and uncles, friends, teachers and pet-lovers. What Grandma wouldn’t cherish a set of notecards to show off the art created by her “favorite” grandchild?!
Mikutowski Woodworking
Social Media @mikutowskiwoodworking Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook
Founded in 1986, Mikutowski Woodworking is the definition of “small but mighty”. We specialize in handmade, high quality wooden jewelry boxes and is located in North Eastern Wisconsin/Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
In pursuit of a superior product, handmade jigs, custom pieces and even equipment are all designed by the woodworkers. The woodworking techniques may be described as “old-school”, but it only adds to the character of the line. Each jewelry box is still expertly hand sanded to a smooth buttery finish. In addition, all products are finely detailed by hand. Furthermore, stain is never used in the manufacturing process.
Owners, Dan and Jessie are inspired daily by nature and their family. Their hope is to continue Mikutowski Woodworking for the next 30+ years by building upon these foundations and bringing these expertly handmade traditional pieces into the modern world not only through design but through the use of technology.
Supporting small businesses that make or manufacture their products in the USA is an investment in both local economies and individual passions. Take a few moments and head to each of these small businesses to learn more about their products, as well as their stories. Each of them is working very hard to pursue a passion or dream. We all have a different version of The American Dream. National Made in The USA Day is a perfect way to celebrate and support these small businesses and their dreams. Cheers to the Red, White & Blue!
Duffy