Nova Candle Co.
NovaCandleCo.com | 9895 Montgomery Rd, Cincinnati
“We source high-quality ingredients and beautiful vessels for all of our products,” says Jaclyn Lonsway, owner of this chic shop specializing in premium hand-poured soy candles. “Our combination of clean ingredients and a stylish touch allows customers to have confidence that they always have the best candle burning in their home.”
Jaclyn and her husband, Billy, shared a love of candles, so began experimenting with the candle-making process—eventually arriving at a number of products that others enjoyed and wanted to add to their own homes.
“The most popular?” Jaclyn muses. “Our stone candles, gold-hammered candles, electric lighters and candle-pouring workshops. Plus, we offer a variety of vessels so everyone can find something that fits well in their space.”
Helping others master the craft is proving to be a popular venture, as well. “Our candle-pouring workshops have grown in popularity,” she says. “They’re a great way to spend time with friends and family while creating something unique.”
Jaclyn stresses that being part of a supportive community is key to her success.
“We appreciate every single person who makes the decision to support us,” she stresses. “We plan to grow alongside our loyal and supportive customer base—to make Nova Candle Co. a true Cincinnati staple!”
The Backyard Beanery
TheBackyardBeanery.com
“We believe that something as simple as brewing your morning cup of coffee can make an impact on our world,” says owner Kim Meidal. “Our coffees are all sustainably sourced from small farms across the globe—so drinking our coffee makes a difference in the lives of the farmers, their families and their communities!”
Kim and her family micro-roast ethically sourced, specialty coffee beans right in their Maineville backyard. “We offer a rotation of single-origin coffees in limited batches, featuring a new one every month,” she says. “Each bag comes with a custom-designed card sharing that coffee’s story—the people, places and processing methods that were essential in making it great.”
Kim’s passion for coffee kicked up in high school, when she’d serve delicious drinks to patrons and friends alike. It wasn’t long before she began experimenting with roasting at home—and the rest is history.
In addition to bags of freshly roasted coffee, The Backyard Beanery offers corporate gift packages, bulk orders, coffee subscriptions, cascara (coffee cherry tea), coffee drippers, gift cards, mugs and more, including Bean Bark. “Think chocolate-covered espresso beans, but better!” Kim promises.
Iron Hyde Boutique
IronHydeBoutique.com
For gifts with a Western flair, look no further than Iron Hyde Boutique. “Each piece is unique, in that each cowhide is unique,” says founder Kristi Henkener. Wallets, backpacks, decor and more are crafted out of quality leather and cowhide material.
“I offer custom branding on all items. They’re unique, and a lot of fun!” she says with a smile. “I love western wear and am happy to share that love with the community.”
Some of Iron Hyde’s most popular items, Kristi remarks, are their backpacks. “These bags are tough and so, so great. I carry mine every day,” she smiles. “Plus, the backpacks themselves are really versatile, and come in four sizes.”
“My sister and I quality-check each item, and work with a great manufacturer who listens to our feedback and suggestions,” Kristi adds. “We handpick every item—it’s a lot of fun. I’m proud of this small business I’ve created.”
The Split Leaf Co
TheSplitLeafCo.com | 10 Miranda St, Morrow
“As a solo mama and a veteran with PTSD, I found that planting and experimenting with plants was a great outlet—it offered a lot of healing and comfort, having greenery around the home,” says owner Samantha Watts. “I wanted to share the calming effects and rewarding benefits of growing plants with others, so I started to share them online and attend local craft markets.”
The Split Leaf Co. also holds workshops, where attendees get to craft their own plant creation and learn about its care. These are commonly held as ticketed or private affairs—from birthday or corporate parties to individual celebrations, team-building functions and hands-on events (both off-site and in her new brick-and-mortar shop).
Samantha is driven and inspired by the unique and different ways to display plants that not many people know about. “You learn more about the plants and how resilient they are,” she enthusiastically shares. “And in the end, you have a one-of-a-kind creation for your home!”
