Small Businesses I Love

Small Businesses I Love

Why I shop small, and why it matters

For more than 26 years I've been a full-time artist and small business owner. Every painting, mahjong mat and gift in my shop is made, signed, packed and shipped by me, right here in Little Rock. So I know exactly what it means when someone chooses a small business. It isn't just a sale. It's a real person paying a bill, buying supplies for the next project, and keeping a dream going.

Small businesses are the heart of our communities. They sponsor the ball teams and the school fundraisers, donate to local charities, and know their customers by name. Money spent with a small business tends to stay close to home and help the whole community grow. And so much of what makes a gift special, the handmade touch, the personal note, the one-of-a-kind design, comes from small makers who pour their heart into every order.

Shopping small also means you get the person, not just the product. You can ask a question and get an answer from the owner. You get care, quality and something you won't find on every store shelf. Every order is noticed, and every order is celebrated (usually with a little happy dance!).

My own business is here because of you, the friends, family and collectors who have bought my art, sent people my way and cheered me on year after year. I'll never take that for granted, and I love paying it forward. When I need a gift, something for my home or a little treat for myself, I look for a small shop first.

These are some of the small businesses I personally shop with and love. I hope you'll visit them, shop small with me, and tell them Tracee sent you!

Do you have a small online shop? I'd love to feature you here! Small businesses grow stronger when we lift each other up, so if you'd like your shop added to this page, I just ask that you share mine on your site too, with a link to artbytracee.com. Send me your shop name, link and a sentence or two about what you make at artbytracee@gmail.com, or call or text me at 501-831-6200. Let's cheer each other on!

Griffyn Gentry, REALTOR

Griffyn Gentry, REALTOR® with iRealty Arkansas

Buying, selling or renting in Central Arkansas? Griffyn is a lifelong Central Arkansas resident who knows what makes each community special. Search homes, get a free home value or market report, and let her guide you through the whole process.

Visit Griffyn's site →
Follow @griffyngentry.realestate on Instagram →
Follow Griffyn on Facebook →

Pat Matthews Art logo

Pat Matthews Art

Original paintings by artist Pat Matthews, from the American West and the South to landscapes, sunrises and sunsets, flags, still lifes, architectural portraits and Razorback hogs. He also offers signed, limited-edition archival prints on canvas, ready to hang, and takes custom commissions.

Visit patmatthewsart.com →
Follow @patmatthewsart on Instagram →
Follow Pat on Facebook →

The Sunshine Mahj Shop logo

The Sunshine Mahj Shop

A Central Arkansas shop full of mahjong-inspired gifts, Razorback goodies and holiday treats. They also host mahjong socials, leagues, tournaments and fundraisers, so it's a fun place for any mahjong lover.

Visit sunshinemahj.com →

The Appreciation Cookie Co. by Tina logo

The Appreciation Cookie Co. by Tina

Beautiful, delicious decorated sugar cookies made by Tina Trice, a mom of two and occupational therapist, here in Little Rock. She makes custom cookies for Christmas, birthdays, baby and bridal showers, graduations and every holiday in between, and teaches baking and decorating cookie classes too.

Visit @theappreciationcookiecobytina on Instagram →

Arktana logo

Arktana

A specially curated boutique where every piece is handpicked by owner Ann Matthews. You'll find women's and men's clothing, shoes, handbags, jewelry and accessories, plus cozy home goods like blankets and towels, YETI drinkware and thoughtful gift ideas.

Visit arktana.com →

Thank you for supporting small businesses, including mine. 💙
Tracee