Small Business Love
On my Instagram page: @dr.alenarusso I asked everyone to comment their favourite local and small businesses on my post so that I can include them in a gift guide. The responses I got were overwhelming I have over 50 (!!!) businesses to go through, and that’s not even including the ones that I love and wanted to include too. I’m so passionate about supporting small businesses because I am a small business owner too, check out my chiropractic clinic - Russo Family Chiropractic located in Brampton, ON.
So I’m going to start off with listing off some Canadian small businesses, both local and across the country, that I’ve tried and love!
Food & Drink
Cristina’s Tortina - Brampton
http://www.cristinastortinashop.com/
This shop/people/cupcakes are the BEST, hands down, no questions asked. Not only are they some of the greatest people I’ve ever met creating an entire business to showcase people with exceptionalities, their desserts are out of this world. Their cupcakes are AMAZING. The buttercream icing they uses just melts in your mouth and their sangweeches are BOMB. Plus they’re walking distance from my clinic (dangerous).Freshly Thai - Brampton
https://freshlythai.com/This restaurant was the last place I actually dined in pre-COVID, and thank goodness they’re open for take out/deliveries because after I tried this I needed to keep ordering from here. The food is so fresh, flavourful, and absolutely delicious. I am obsessed with their chicken pad thai, and their golden curry and basically everything else.
Cozy Corp - Brampton + Online
https://cozycorp.ca/
This family owned business loves coffee which means that we definitely are off to a great start. I’ve tried their europa coffee, and some of their different loose leaf tea flavours, and wow. They easily could be the staple every day drinks to have - stay tuned for a review on their products!Chiamigos - Online + in select stores
https://www.chiamigos.com/
Do you ever just feel like you have no idea what to eat for breakfast or as a snack or just in general? Ok not anymore. This is soooo good, filling, and even better you can take it on the go (not that we are going anywhere really). The best part is it’s good on it’s on own too so you don’t have to look around for stuff to put in it.
Style
Krave Jewellery - BC
https://kravejewelryco.com/
Ok I am not kidding when I say that I would wear every piece of jewelry from here. Their stuff is gorgggggg, you all know your girl loves gold and these are the perfect pieces to pull your outfit together. You have to check them out. I wear their necklaces on the daily since getting them, the Cleopatra Necklace has the chunky yet classy look, and the Coin Necklace is perfect for layering. Plus I can’t wait to show you the bracelets and earrings too!!Feminine Statement - BC
https://femininestatement.com/
Bad hair day? Not anymore. These handcrafted headbands and scrunchies got you covered. I love my Iconic Headband - it’s silky, black, and knoted at the top and is so flattering and has a subtle pattern for that extra special detail. It just makes you feel glam even when your hair is not. My next one on my list is some of her velvet headband with pearl detailing, so stunning.Canada Active - GTA + Online
https://www.canadaactive.ca/
You all know how much I love leggings (how many blog posts now do I have about lululemon???), but it’s hard to shop local for clothing… not anymore. This Canadian Company of two sisters are workout wear wizards and have created a leggings that is going to give all your other ones a run for their money. I have their high waisted legging and it’s both comfy and compressive, I love it. Plus their long sleeve crew neck that I have, blew me away since I normally don’t love formfitting athletic wear, but this just feels different. You have to try it.
Design
Jaye Designs - Brampton + Online
https://jayedesigns.ca/
Jill is my go to girl for all things logo, web, branding, and everything in between. She made MY business logo, which I can’t even begin to describe to you how much I love it. I get complimented on it all the time. She does wedding invitations (will definitely be calling her up once we need ours), Christmas ornaments, children’s growth charts… she basically is just magic - everything she touches is beautiful and is exactly what you hoped for!Isabella Villani Photographer - Caledon + GTA
https://isabellavillaniphotography.com/
This girl is SO talented and is your go-to for all things photo related. She makes feel like a model, and the pictures come out with you looking like one too!! We did the most gorgeous photoshoot this summer and I have some exciting collabs coming up with her soon!3 Petite Pears
https://www.instagram.com/3petitespears/
Sabrina makes the most beautiful work, Christmas ornaments, custom works - she made a pumpkin with my clinic logo on it! She is such an inspirational person, and her business is such a testament to that. I highly recommend checking her out, and placing an order while you still can for the holidays!
