For shoppers who want to "shop local," Tin Lizzie's at 905 N. Broadway Ave., is about as local as it gets.
Tin Lizzie's, a home goods and gift store in downtown, specializes in crafted items created mostly by Oklahoma artists. Owner Julie Miller said her goal is to support the microbusinesses and artisans in the state by giving them space to showcase their work and items.
"We opened here on November, 1 of 2017, so we just our three-year mark. I was at the Market at Quail Springs where I had a booth for a pet product that I created and made and took to market," said Julie. "I took it to market to sell I realized it was a whole lot more fun to buy. I met a lot of people when I was at The Market at Quail Springs, and we came together here to do our own thing."
Julie wanted Tin Lizzie's to be part of Oklahoma City's landmark and give an avenue for small businesses.
"It's so hard to get started in anything, so one of the things we do is feature Oklahoma products and smaller boutiques to help them get their footing in the market," Julie said. "They are not small businesses - they're micro-businesses."
From crafted leather goods to local coffee to Oklahoma art, the gifts and inventory at Tin Lizzie's reflects the hyper-local push in Oklahoma City. By featuring Oklahoma-made items, the store has a selection of goods that is unique and different.
Toby Rowland is one of those unique makers. A member of the University of Oklahoma family, he is the author of the children's book "Unhitch the Wagon - The Story of Boomer and Sooner." He is one of several local authors highlighted at Tin Lizzie's.
"My wife and I came here all the time, and we've been in here dozens of times," he said. "When I wrote my book, I came in and asked if they would carry it. And they did!"
By partnering with other smaller Oklahoma-owned boutiques, artisans and makers, Tin Lizzie's always has a wide and unique selection of Oklahoma-made, Oklahoma-themed, and Oklahoma-spirit gifts.
"We love being a locally owned Oklahoma business and supporting other businesses. Our store is unique because we carry many products from our other Oklahoma small business partners," Julie said. "We try to find things that have an emotional impact. You connect with it emotionally, whether it moves you or it excites you to give it as a gift or anything. We love being part of Oklahoma City."
For more information, visit tinlizziesokc.com.
