It’s HIGH time we posted Readers’ Choice results again, and what better topic for this time of year than your favorite local small business. Check out this list to see if anything strikes your fancy. And many of these spots are owned by women and moms (even some CCM contributors), hustling to make it happen. Let’s support these ladies!
I debated on the best way to organize these; let’s go by city. And if we missed one of your faves, please let us know in the comments. Shopping local is always a good idea when you can swing it. Small businesses need our support now more than ever, ya know?
Don’t forget to follow along on our CCM Facebook and Instagram for future Readers’ Choice polls. We loooove to hear your recommendations!
McKinney
Athletique & Co. is an online boutique stocked with stylish and trendy athleisure wear. McKinney moms Melissa and Amanda started this business to make it easier for us to look good AND be comfortable while we live our best lives. So many cute and easy-to-wear pieces over there, y’all.
Patina Green Home and Market is a combo farm-to-table restaurant and home goods shop on the Historic Downtown McKinney Square. In their own words: We stock products that are hand crafted, minimally processed, locally sourced, and seasonally inspired. They’ve got a great menu; an eclectic mix of vintage, modern, and artisanal inventory; and everything’s for sale! SO many gift ideas…
Landry Kate boutique is also on the Historic Downtown Square. It’s filled with chic and affordable clothes for staying in or going out, plus shoes, jewelry, accessories, and more.
Mom & Popcorn is ideal for gifts or get-togethers. They have tons of flavors and lots of ways to wrap them up. And I think they win best business name out of all these faves.
Dancer Strong offers dance classes for ages 2 to adult in all sorts of styles (Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, Contemporary, Lyrical, Acro, Tumbling, Ballroom). My favorite part? Our philosophy is inclusive: we have classes to suit all tastes, and we’re happy to accommodate students of all ages and skill levels.
Allen
RC PhotogrAphy does all the portraits – family sessions, senior photos, and branding images for your own projects. Our Vanessa Sias is the woman behind the camera, and you’ll love her. Browse the site for samples of her work and session pricing.
Elkes Restaurant has dine-in options in their cafe AND a busy, mom-friendly market filled with an extensive assortment of casseroles, breads, entrees, sides, dips, and sweets. Your friend just had a baby? Pick up her next dinner (or two) from here!
Plano
Lyla’s: Clothing, Decor & More in Historic Downtown Plano aims to bring you up-to-date fashions that won’t break the bank. This one’s a go-to for our own Katie Wells, and she always looks cute, so let’s listen to her!
Sugar Ray’s Bake Shop is an award-winning cupcake, crepe, and macaron bakery started by a born-and-raised Texas gal. They offer seven different flavors of cupcakes every day + gluten-free macarons and made-to-order crepes. And right now you can special order different kinds of Christmas cookies by the half-dozen or dozen.
Amazeballs is another woman-owned biz on our list today. It’s cake pop central over there, with around 30 flavors each day. They also do cakes, cookies, and cupcakes in-store or for custom order. Note: this one’s been able to open locations in Allen and Firewheel Town Center, too.
Park & Preston Travel is here to help you plan your next vacay. Contributor Sarah Bergman is Agency Owner and she is all about travel made easy. And get this, she’s literally a specialist in Disney and Universal vacations. Take that weight off your shoulders!
Frisco
EQ Kids Club is an indoor safari play village that takes things to the next level. Founded by a mom as a place where other moms can relax while their children “role play, experiment, explore, and create in a safe educational environment,” EQ Kids Club also offers parents night out, drop-off themed mini-camps, and parent/child workshops.
Paper Affair Dallas is a trio of boutiques (Dallas, Plano, and Frisco). Woman-owned again, y’all (insert flex emoji). They offer fine paper and gifts to celebrate all of life’s occasions. They consistently get rave reviews and Katie Wells is a big fan, too.
Cherry Hill Creations is an online shop started by a mother-daughter duo, selling handmade jewelry with an emphasis on leatherwork. Their mission is empowering young single moms with jobs, courage, and most importantly hope. Sounds like a great one to support.
Do you have any local small business favorites? Share them below!
