CHICAGO—The Windy City is packed with home-grown small businesses offering unique products and services. Small Business Saturday is a great day for Chicagoans to browse in person or online and get something great from a local source.
For decades, the Institute for Justice Clinic on Entrepreneurship at the University of Chicago Law School has helped South Side entrepreneurs turn their business dreams into reality. Below are some of the Clinic clients offering products perfect for holiday shoppers.
Reporters interested in profiling one of these businesses can reach out to Andrew Wimer, IJ Media Relations Director, for more information.
Wild Blossom Meadery & Winery
Tucked along the Major Taylor bike trail, Wild Blossom Meadery bottles wine and mead and is happy to help customers get acquainted with the delicious and sustainably produced honey-based brew.
Where to buy: In store at 9030 S. Hermitage Ave., Chicago, IL 60620, online at Wild Blossom Meadery or your nearest Binny’s Beverage Depot
Y. J. Lacour Collection
Yohance Lacour is a lifelong Chicagoan who makes luxury handcrafted leather goods and shoes. He has a new line of fashion sneakers available online and near the Magnificent Mile.
Where to buy: Online at YJLacour or in person at SLVERRM Designer Lab at 900 N. Michigan Ave.
Piel Bella by Jazz
Piel Bella by Jazz creates clean, plant-based, sustainable & eco-conscious skin + hair care products featuring locally sourced ingredients. Jazmin Curiel crafts these small batch, multipurpose formulas to uplift our communities & help restore our planet while they nurture the body & soul.
Where to buy: Online at Piel Bella by Jazz
Shops at Boxville
Bronzeville’s innovative Boxville, which is composed of repurposed shipping containers, hosts an open-air marketplace featuring African American food, fashion finds, home goods, literature and artisan goods.
Learn more here about businesses located at Boxville 330 E 51st St Chicago, IL 60615 or visit on Thursdays and Fridays.
Hemp Heals Body Shop
Started out of a desire to ease the owner’s mother’s pain, Hemp Heals Body Shop offers luxurious organic CBD salves and other products for pampering and self-love.
Where to buy: Online at Hemp Heals Body Shop or in person at the The Silver Room in Hyde Park or The Honeycomb Network Storefront in Humboldt Park