Small Business Season is the time of year to shop small and locally owned businesses. Shipshewana is chock-full of them. Each has a story to tell, a rich history, and smiling faces ready to greet you. From Amish-owned storefronts, vendors, and food stalls, to mom-and-pop restaurants and merchants, you’ll find a small business on just about every corner of town.
Watch enough Hallmark Christmas movies and you’ll see why they focus on smaller family-owned shops. They’re full of memories and decorations you don’t get at larger retail stores. There’s a reason why you hear Shipshewana is like a scene from a Hallmark movie this time of year. From lit holiday walkways, decorated storefronts, and shop owners who take the time to meet and greet customers, it’s like stepping into that holiday movie you’ve got on your television.
Business owners here aren’t bent over their phones scrolling social media. They’ve got crafts to make and handmade items to build. They’ve replaced the phone with a hammer or chisel. Tinkering, constructing, and baking are their passion. Just ask local restaurant owner Shawna Rae.
“As a chef, I love the accessibility of fresh ingredients. I love that I can go out in my freezer and get 100% grass-fed beefalo from our farm, I can go down the road and get locally sourced honey and vegetables.” Shawna owns Shawna Rae’s Bakery & Cafe on Harrison St. in Shipshewana. “To be able to bake and cook with such fresh ingredients is a luxury I am blessed to have. I love that I can then offer those fresh products to my customers. I love to see their faces when they see the vibrant colors of their salad or can taste the quality in the ingredients.”
If handcrafted presents or decor are more your style, head to Teaberry Wood Products. Owner Lavern Miller is a passionate craftsman who often has bus tours full of people curious to know how he makes his products. “We love the opportunity to welcome many people to our community who are on vacation and interact with them in our business. Our goal is to give those that visit the community an enjoyable time while they are here!”
You may be familiar with Small Business Saturday, which falls on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Small Business Season is the kickoff to the singular day but lasts all of November and December.
So, the next time you’re in Shipshewana around this time of year, remember to shop small and local. You’ll end up with a one-of-a-kind gift, but also help make a big difference in the town on your stay.
