Small Businesses in the DMV
BY SUOMO QUARSHIE
For Mid-Atlantic locals, the DMV is not where one renews their driver’s license. In fact, the colloquialism stands for the region encompassing D.C., Maryland, and Virginia, dense with shopping hubs like Georgetown, CityCenter DC, and Tysons. Because of the convenience of these shopping centers, residents tend to forget the similar and affordable brands just around the corner. The Chamber of Commerce states that 70% of American small businesses are individually run, and 99.9% are those with 500 employees or less. Thus, there are small businesses everywhere with products similar to popular brands. By supporting local businesses, you can help to grow your community’s economy and diversity.
BEST LIFE ORGANICS
Body butter from Best Life Organics. Best Life Organics
Best Life Organics is a small business focused on self-care using organic and natural products. Founder Shadora Martin is an “ingredient enthusiast” who started the business in 2018 as a result of her increased prioritization of self-care. She began creating products at home, later partnering with small farms to create all-natural products. Best Life uses non-toxic and cruelty-free products, a rarity when 88% of the fifty largest beauty brands support animal testing. They use natural ingredients like shea butter, carrier oils, botanical extracts, and aromatics in their items like body butter, soaps, and oils. You can find this shop at pop-ups in Fairfax, Virginia and Washington, D.C.
Hero Heads
Ruth Bader Ginsburg design. Hero Heads
Hero Heads is a unique and stylish clothing line that bases its designs on “inspirational heroes” like Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Alexander Hamilton, and Rosie the Riveter. The founder, Colin Bill, noticed that there was a lack of inspirational heroes in apparel. He collaborated with Atula Siriwardane, the artist of the portraits on the clothing, to create t-shirts, baseball caps, tote bags, and more. By wearing Hero Heads, “you wear your heart on your tee” and can positively inspire others with your clothes.
All Very Goods
Vinyl stickers. All Very Goods
All Very Goods is a brand that sells a diverse range of shop cards & stationery on the foundation that “representation matters,” and that it is important to appreciate a variety of backgrounds and cultures. Their shop features pieces based on places the owner, Ama Schulman, has visited or things she has seen. For example, one of their bandanas is based on the zebras that went wild in Prince George's County. Other patterns include those depicting the cherry blossoms in D.C and the markets in Accra, Ghana. You can find their many bags, bandanas, scarves, and paper goods on their online website.
