Why Small Businesses Matter
Shop small, do big things for your community
Why Small Businesses Matter puts a spotlight on the local merchants who donate their time, talent, goods, and services for the betterment of our community. The shop local movement spreads virally as local businesses who are “tagged” have the opportunity to share their story!
You’re IT Auntie’s Puff Palace!
Three questions with Bri Ramos Smith, founder of Auntie’s Puff Palace.
Why did you start your business?
I created Auntie’s Puff Palace because I want to create space for people of color, especially in the cannabis industry. As we know, recreational cannabis was legalized in the state of Connecticut last summer so big changes are coming! The truth is this, in 2020 the American Civil Liberties Union reported that “In every single state, Black people were more likely to be arrested for marijuana possession, and in some states, Black people were up to six, eight, or almost ten times more likely to be arrested.”
When this happens black people are put at an unfortunate disadvantage making it less likely for them to obtain the resources they need to secure a spot in this up-and-coming industry. As things move forward, I want to ensure that we are seen and heard because we absolutely deserve it and much more.
What is your best-selling product/service?
I think my best seller has to be Auntie’s CBD cloud butter. This is a collaboration with another local black-owned business, Sweetlings Soaps. They have these amazing whipped body butter that is just divine! We worked together to infuse this body butter with CBD, picked a scent for it that is completely serene, and there you have Auntie’s Cloud Butter! CBD is really good for reducing pain and inflammation so this butter can help with any muscle soreness, tension, arthritis, almost anything!
How many local businesses do you use to support your business (products and services) and can you name them?
As of right now Auntie’s has three different artisans that we are collaborating with.
Sweetlings Soaps, makes our Cloud Butter. They have so many different scented body soaps and they’re all amazing!
We also have lighter cozy keychains crocheted by @DesignsbySaturn (on Instagram). She is brilliant, I’ve bought some clothing from her as well.
We do a lot of work with local artists, TL Holliday (@_tlholliday on Instagram). She’s helped me with all my logos and displays and creates these super funky bowl pokers that she hand sculpts out of clay. I admire everything she does, go check out some of her art!
Everything is by black and brown artisans. And I’m searching for a POC glassblower, so if there’s someone out there reading this that’s interested please reach out!
Visit Auntie’s Puff Palace online here, and make sure to check out their Facebook and Instagram pages as well!
HamletHub thanks Fairfield County Bank for making our Why Small Businesses Matter series possible!