Women of Cincy Gift Guide: Spring 2021
Written + Compiled by Courtney Reynolds. Photography provided.
Sustainable, ethically sourced, and reusable! Yes, we use these buzzwords daily, but Gabrielle Lauren actually applies them in practice. Her shop, Fill More Waste Less, offers zero-waste liquid refills for common household products such as laundry detergent, hand soap, toothpaste, and more. That means you don’t have to keep buying products that come in wasteful plastic bottles. Fill More Waste Less also offers everyday items that are sustainably made, such as hair combs, kitchen brushes, bath towels, and more!
4305 Whetsel Ave Cincinnati, OH 45227
This past winter has been difficult for all of us, so why not treat yourself to some fun earring designs that can add a pop of color just in time for spring? Owner and creator Maya Collins shares, “The process of making these earrings is like a type of therapy for me, so if I can bring joy to someone from something that I've made, I've done my job." And Maya has done this magnificently; the Mutiny Club’s unique designs offer something for everyone.
I discovered CG Ceramics a few years ago while at Fern (another great shop!) and decided to treat myself to a stone hanging planter. It remains one of my favorite purchases to this day, even after the plant I originally bought for it ended up dying. Upon discovering Christie Goodfellow’s stoneware pottery, you’ll start to notice it throughout Cincinnati, from restaurants to a few lucky shops. Her pieces are in soft natural colors and bring a sense of peace with them. Check out her website to see the heirloom quality goods.
As if this adorable boutique didn’t offer enough to love already with its jewelry, vintage clothing, and planters, owner Anna Steffan now has two beautiful locations in Cincinnati and Covington. Both locations showcase her love and talent for visual merchandising expertly. Visiting her boutique is like an exciting treasure hunt, you never know what new must-have you’re going to stumble on.
1400 Vine St. Cincinnati, OH 45202
326 Scott Blvd. Covington, KY 41011
Forage
Green thumbs have been on the rise as we’re staying home and wanting to bring a piece of the outside in. Forage, owned by Jamie Fairman, has what you need to spruce up your plant collection or replace the plants that simply couldn’t make it. Her shop is also unique because of its four core values: education, environment, sustainability, and community. Jamie is here for all of your needs, as she’s kind of an expert – this is her seventh Forage location with other shops in Louisville, Denver, and Lexington. Forage in Cincinnati opened in February, so be sure to look over its new selection now!
320 W 4th St, Cincinnati, OH 45202
Also recently opened next to Forage is Koko! Koko is the sister store to Forage but with its own identity. Jamie Fairman of Forage is co-owner with Adria Hall (who also happens to be the Brand Experience Director of Forage). Koko gives you sustainable living tools to really start practicing what most of us preach when it comes to being more environmentally conscious. I’m so excited about this new location as I’m eager to test out their new products such as deodorant cream – I don’t know exactly what it is but I am headed downtown A.S.A.P to check it out.
318 4th St W, Cincinnati, OH 45202
Jen Watson’s original plan was to be a professor when pursuing her Master of Fine Arts degree at the University of Cincinnati. But upon graduating in 2018, she realized it felt wrong for her. Instead, she slowly turned this part-time business into a full-time job doing what she loves. You can feel the love in her ceramics, the intention she puts into making them, and how she wants to share her ceramics with everyone. I found her pieces at a pop-up and adored her – so did my son, who covets his ceramic incense holder from her. (Teenagers, am I right? Full of surprises).
Wolfpack isn’t just a shop of ethically made artwork, clothing, home goods, and gifts – it also encourages a creative, community-based mindset. Creator Katherine Dalton (and her giant dog, Timberwolf) believes in supporting a large network of creatives and small-business owners. As we are all becoming more aware of where our dollars are going, Wolfpack is intentional about its support for businesses run by women, people of color, and the local community. I like knowing that by purchasing something fun, like a bamboo toothbrush, my money supports a business that truly believes in social change.
1813 Elm St, Cincinnati, OH 45202
Check out our Black-owned Business Guide here.
Want more? Check out our past gift guides. Know of a woman maker, baker, artist, or entrepreneur you’d like to see featured in future guides? Give us a shout.
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