During this season of gratitude & giving, I wanted to take a moment to shine a light on a special group of entrepreneurs who have worked hard at becoming their own boss. Each of the California-based, small businesses listed below is owned and operated by someone that I am proud to call a friend. I promise that you won’t be disappointed in the truly amazing products and services my talented pals have to offer.
413 Bakehouse – Homemade sweet treats decorated to perfection
- My close friend, Yvonne, who I’ve known since high school makes tasty baked goods in her free time. Her cookies are insanely delicious, and her piping skills are out of this world. She takes custom orders and truly has an eye for design. You won’t be disappointed if you choose to buy a batch of desserts from 413 Bakehouse for your next big celebration. Trust me – the cookies I ordered for the fiesta themed baby shower I threw last year were a major hit with guests.
Promotion: Mention Homemade In LA to receive 10% OFF your first order!
Beady & The Beast – Beautiful handmade bracelets perfect for everyday wear
- My sorority sister, Jamie, turned her quarantine hobby into a full blown Etsy business just a few months ago. She handcrafts each of her bracelets with high quality, natural stone beads such as white howlite, green aventurine, and African turquoise to name a few. Each of Jamie’s designs are fully customizable and incredibly affordable. So if you’re ever on the hunt for a unique, personalized gift or a fun piece of jewelry for yourself – Beady & The Beast is the place to shop.
Promotion: Use Promo Code “HOLIDAY10” to receive 10% OFF any order placed by 12/18/2020.
Chiellabrate – Interior design & renovation services
- My friend Chiell Ann is by far one of the hardest working women I know. Whenever she sets a goal, it’s quickly accomplished. Aside from her work ethic, Chiell Ann is an artist at heart. She’s been a dancer since before our days in high school & has always had a knack for design. Those creative talents eventually merged with her entrepreneurial spirit and in turn, has allowed her to create a thriving business full of so much heart.
Promotion: Mention Homemade In LA to receive 15% OFF any renovation or design service!
The Colorful Coach – Plant-based nutrition and health coaching
- Sachi (aka: The Colorful Coach) is one of my best friends from college. She became a Personal Trainer a few years after graduation and now inspires her clients to not only exercise their bodies but take charge of their diets. Sachi is incredibly intelligent, wonderfully kind, ferociously fit, and a badass business woman. If you’re looking to make a positive change in your eating habits, the Colorful Coach is the one to see.
COVID-friendly business practices are in place at this time including video coaching.
Promotion: Mention Homemade In LA to receive a FREE 30-minute phone consultation!
Danielle Murray – Commercial photography and videography services
- This lady is an outright gem! Danielle and I started as coworkers but became fast friends. She has a heart of gold, a fun loving personality, a whip-smart mind, and talent for days. Danielle has the rare ability to light up any room she enters, which in my opinion, is the perfect quality for any professional behind the camera 😉
Promotion: Mention Homemade In LA for a discount on services!
Diaz Studio of Dance – Dance and fitness classes for adults, teens, and kids
- Kira was a client at work who soon became a friend. A few years ago, she and her sisters quit their jobs and went after their dream of opening a dance studio. Amazing, right? I had the honor of attending the grand opening of their facility and can personally attest to the fact that this studio is gorgeous. The space is modern and new yet warm and inviting. The Diaz sisters are high energy, exceptionally talented, and excited to share their love of dance with the world.
COVID-friendly business practices are in place at this time including outdoor & video instruction.
Promotion: Use Promo Code “HOMEMADELA” at checkout to receive 10% OFF your first month’s subscription to on-demand video classes!
Fifth Row Center – Dance and musical theatre classes primarily for children and teenagers
- My dear friend, Deborah, and her business partner, Sheri, opened this amazing performing arts school almost a decade ago. I have had the immense pleasure of attending two showcases in the last few years, and I can honestly say – these kids are taught well because I always leave feeling both entertained and amazed by their skillset. Those with a passion for dance and musical theatre will seriously thrive at this studio, and kids just looking for a fun after school activity will immediately feel at home. All of the instructors, including Deborah who was a dance major while we were in college together, are extremely experienced and accomplished in their own right. More importantly, all of the Fifth Row Center instructors possess the warmth, love, creativity, and passion that allows them to make a lasting and meaningful impact on the lives of their young students.
COVID-friendly business practices are in place at this time including video instruction.
Promotion: Sign up for a 4-Week Session of Classes & receive a FREE 4-Week Session of Classes for a friend when you mention Homemade In LA!
Graceful Expression – Speech, language, and feeding therapy for the little ones in your life
- Grace is one of my best friends from high school and a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist. She is a kindhearted soul dedicated to helping her young clients hone their communication skills. The cherry on top is that she works just as hard educating & supporting the parents of these darling kids. The best thing about Grace is the experience she has working with all types of children & the patience and creativity she exhibits during each therapy session.
COVID-friendly business practices are in place via teletherapy sessions done through video.
Promotion: Receive 15% OFF any speech therapy, feeding therapy, & evaluation service when you mention Homemade In LA!
Jen LaVita Art – Gorgeous paintings, prints, and products
- I met Jen five years ago when she started freelancing at my place of work. I was immediately drawn to her unique backstory, easy going personality, and immense artistic talent. Jen uses vibrant colors and her innate illustration skills to paint gorgeous pieces that brilliantly portray the beauty of nature. She recently transferred her most popular prints onto a variety of useful products such as coasters, beach towels, and greeting cards. I love that Jen did this because it makes her art accessible to all. Any piece from her collection would serve as the perfect present this holiday season.
Promotion: Enter Promo Code “HomemadeInLA” at checkout to receive 15% OFF any purchase!
Love & Life Events – Wedding & party planning services
- You may be wondering why I would be promoting this business since I’ve got my own event planning company that I’m trying to establish. Well the answer is simple: 1. I love my friends. 2. They do great work. AND 3. There’s more than enough business (once COVID subsides) to go around! My friend Chiell Ann of the aforementioned Chiellabrate and our other friend from high school, Emily, have worked hard to build LVLF. They are both so kind, fun, and excellent at creating and executing the most beautiful of parties. Love & Life Events is based out of Orange County, but their services extend well beyond.
Promotion: Mention Homemade In LA to receive 15% OFF any event planning service!
Patrick Canning Books – Fabulous reads of epic proportion
- Pat and I became great friends in college. I studied Screenwriting, and Pat studied Film Production. Although his main concentration wasn’t creative writing, it quickly became his primary focus after graduation. Unlike me, Pat is a stellar writer who has an outstanding ability to concoct imaginative tales, immediately engage the reader, and eloquently create a world full of intrigue and adventure. His new book Hawthorn Woods is definitely a must-read so be sure to snag your copy today! And hey, if your loved ones enjoy a captivating piece of fiction, purchase a copy for them as well since we all know that a good book makes for a great holiday gift.
Promotion: Unfortunately, Amazon does not allow promo codes for book sales. Pat sends his apologies but many thanks for the support!
Wonderness – Big little adventures for the tiny tots in your life
- My friend, Lauren, is one of the sweetest people to grace this planet. We met years ago in the office and immediately hit it off. Aside from her stellar work ethic, Lauren is teeming with creativity, joy, and loads of personality. A fun scavenger hunt set up for her two young daughters quickly evolved into a brilliant business idea! Wonderness provides parents, teachers, and sitters fun adventures designed to both entertain and stimulate critical thinking in young children. The best thing about these activities is that you can download them in an instant and just need a printer, pair of scissors, and a few household items to get started. If you’re like me and don’t have kids of your own, these adventures are the perfect gift because you can email it directly to the parent(s) or grandparent(s) of your favorite little ones.
Promotion: From now until December 31st, Wonderness is selling their Detective Adventure for just $5.00 as a pre-launch special! I took advantage of this amazing deal myself and literally just purchased this caper themed mystery for my niece. And get excited because come January 1, 2021 – you can use the code “HOMEMADEINLA” to receive 10% OFF any purchase over $20.00!
And there you have IT…
… a nice long list of wonderful small businesses I fully support. I am so grateful for the generous discount codes each of my friends so willingly shared with you all & absolutely thrilled to promote their companies this holiday season. Cheers to each of them, and cheers to all of the other small business owners out there working hard to support their communities! ❤
HOMEMADE IN LA 