BY SARAH HODRICK
It really is the most wonderful time of the year! I cannot think of a better way to get into the holiday spirit than bundling up, grabbing a warm drink from Merridee’s, and strolling up and down Franklin’s historic Main Street. If I didn’t know better, I’d think I was walking on the set of a Hallmark Christmas movie. The charming storefronts are decorated with the colors of the season, child-size nutcrackers stand at attention outside Gray’s, and holiday music fills the air. From the glow of “NOEL” atop the White’s Building to the twinkling lights on the Square, there’s no mistaking that the holidays are officially here.
Do you still have a few names to check off of your list? No need to stress! Whether it’s a last-minute hostess gift or something unique for that special someone, close your laptop, grab your coat, and head to Main Street. ’Tis the season of giving, so why not support the independent shops that make our town so special.
It’s the perfect time of year to be a conscious consumer and support businesses having a positive impact on human health, the environment, and the world. What better way to gift those we know and love than with a gift that keeps on giving! Instead of purchasing just any old gift, we have an opportunity every single day to invest our money in companies committed to giving back.
Certified B Corporations are companies that truly stand apart. "Meeting the highest standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability," B Corps use business as a force for good. Their bottom line? People, planet, then profit. A few of my personal favorite B Corps are ABLE, Allbirds, Apolis, Athleta, Beautycounter, Bombas, Dr. Bronner’s, Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream, and Patagonia. (You can find a full directory of Certified B Corporations at www.bcorporation.net.).
From beauty products to accessories, here are just a few of the many gifts you can purchase right here in Franklin and feel good about giving! I hope you will join me this holiday season in supporting our local stores and investing in socially responsible companies that are making a change that you want to see in the world.
ABLE Mamuye Classic Tote in Cognac, $178
This is not the first or last time you will see this best-seller on a holiday gift guide. What makes this gorgeous cognac tote even more beautiful is the mission behind the company that creates it.
With their headquarters and flagship store right here in Nashville, Certified B Corp ABLE “is an ethical fashion brand that employs and empowers women as a solution to end poverty.” I found it challenging to select just one ABLE gift for this list! I encourage you to check out their other fabulous bags, jewelry, and shoes at livefashionable.com.
Hearne Dry Goods Necklace, $95
This unique, boho-chic necklace with its signature nylon strap was created by Nashville jewelry designer, Leigh Hillenmeyer. Wanting her customers to “do good while looking good,” Leigh donates a portion of her proceeds to support a community health clinic in Lwala, Kenya, that provides clean water and other resources to children and their mothers. Check out her other fabulous goods here: hearnedrygoods.com
Dry Bath Brush, $28
Looking for an affordable clean beauty gift? A dry body brush is a simple option with amazing health benefits. Best done before showering, drying brushing exfoliates the skin leaving it smooth and radiant. It also helps release toxins from one's body by stimulating the lymphatic system and increasing circulation. The health and wellness enthusiasts on your list will love it!
Herbivore Botanicals Soaking Salts, $22
Ethically sourced and sustainably harvested, every ingredient in Herbivore’s products have a therapeutic purpose. Key ingredients in the Calm Soaking Salts exfoliate and moisturize the skin while the calming aroma of ylang-ylang and chamomile helps to relieve tension. The Detox Soaking Salts contain invigorating eucalyptus essential oil and Cambrian Blue Clay that balances the skin and draws out impurities.
Apolis “Franklin Tennessee USA” Market Bag, $68
Go ahead and buy two of these bags...one for them and one for you! This durable, 100% jute bag with leather straps has a waterproof lining and can hold up to 100 pounds, making it the perfect beach, farmer’s market, or everyday tote. A proud B Corp, Apolis was founded on the “simple idea that people can live better lives when they are given equal access to the global marketplace.” Through sales of this handcrafted tote, Apolis has been able to provide Fair Trade wages and sustainable work to mothers in Bangladesh. To learn more go to: apolisglobal.com.
Goop G.Tox 5 Salt Detox Body Scrub, $40
A must-have from Gwyneth Paltrow’s non-toxic beauty brand, this body scrub is loaded with mineral-rich salts and moisturizing essential oils that exfoliate the skin, lock in moisture, and leave skin “velvety-smooth” and smelling divine.
Ranger Station Soy Candle to Cocktail, $36
There’s no shortage of 100% soy candles on Main Street. Why choose soy? Soy wax is biodegradable, making it a cleaner choice for the environment.
This Nashville company creates vibrantly scented candles in weighted whiskey glasses, resulting in a reusable, collectible gift. Committed to changing lives, Ranger Station employs the women of Thistle Farms, whose mission is to “heal, empower, and employ women survivors of trafficking, prostitution, and addiction.”
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream Gift Card
Less than a mile from Main Street is the Factory at Franklin. There you will find one of the best ice cream spots in town. Grab a gift card from this B Corp and then do yourself a favor…treat yourself to a scoop of Brambleberry Crisp while you're there.
