For many companies in the Bay Area, the past two years have been an exercise in resilience. However, a quick stroll along popular commercial corridors such as Haight, Valencia or Divisadero Street in San Francisco will find that small businesses are still alive and well. In addition to perseverance, local entrepreneurs continue to innovate by starting new businesses, launching new products, and giving back to the community in large sums. This holiday, here are some of our favorite places to shop in San Francisco and the small shops in the entire Bay Area.

Rare Device’s well-lit corner store includes a gallery space, where local businesses organize monthly art exhibitions and events for independent artists and designers.

According to the store's website, Rare Device occupies a prominent store on the corner of Divisadero and Hayes Streets in San Francisco for nearly ten years, and is a beloved supplier of "hands-on beautiful things". In 2011, when the current owner was about to sell the business, Giselle Gyalzen, the current owner of Rare Device, couldn't bear the idea of ​​her favorite store closing. 

"I am proud to be a beacon of creative light in San Francisco, especially in the past two years," said Giselle Gyalzen, owner of Rare Device.

Gyalzen took over control and lovingly built on the legacy of Rare's Device. The owner meticulously planned a variety of curiosities for adults and children, from colorful household items and hand-printed greeting cards to unique children's toys and books. In this holiday season, present the Happy Stripe Planter of Bowl Cut Ceramics made by San Francisco graphic designer Ricky Kwong, or the beautifully illustrated 2022 seasonal produce calendar, which is the best seller of the year by Oakland artist Maria Schoettler. When you are nearby, be sure to check out the newly opened Plant House, Rare Device's sister store with greenery at 505 Divisadero Street.

Sam Culkins, the founder of Culk, printed T-shirts in his garage in 2011 and sold them on the streets of San Francisco. Today, this small company develops and prints a variety of design-oriented clothing in a warehouse in the Mission District of San Francisco. From stylized versions of city landmarks to witty retro graphics, Culk products immediately gained local recognition. "I like to indulge in ideas and projects," Calkins said. "Although I often feel exhausted, it feels good because my business and creativity are constantly evolving."  

The founder Sam Culkins disguised himself as his surroundings at Culk headquarters. This small local company is deeply involved in the community, including raising funds for California wildfires and participating in youth art exchange seminars for San Francisco public high school students.

Buy Culk gifts, such as the ultra-comfortable Daisy cropped crew neck sweatshirt or the waffle-knit Poppy Beanie with the artwork of San Francisco artist Jen Kindell. The simple Golden Gate Bridge pattern (Culk classic) can be applied to Minimal Bridge unisex socks or Minimal Bridge crew neck sweatshirts to give versatility. 

Culk operation master Bee Beardsley showed off the Daisy women's short round neck sweatshirt created by San Francisco artist Jen Kindell. 

For the owner Julia Lemke, Earthen started as a side project. While serving as a full-time graphic designer, Lemke began to get involved in the ceramics field in 2012 and began selling her handmade works in 2012. The initial hobby turned into a holistic passion. In 2018, Earthen opened a branch in Haite.

Earthen's unique ceramics are handmade in the San Francisco studio.

Lemke's interest in ceramics can be traced back to her glaze chemistry class at the university. "What I like about ceramics is its scope-it is part art and part science," she said. Earthen sells a series of ceramics and household goods made by featured artists and manufacturers, and there is a working ceramics studio behind the store. Send a care package to a friend or go on a swing near the store and buy a delightful palm leaf light trap or quirky glass Christmas decorations. For the chef or baker on your list, choose Earthen's Nesting Bowls in Sand-a set you will cherish over the years.

"It is so exciting to create works that are not only beautiful but also practical-these objects become an intimate part of daily rituals and their living spaces," said owner Julia Lemke, who works at Earthen's studio as pictured above.

Three Babes Bakeshop was founded ten years ago by Lenore Estrada and two friends who are passionate about baking, and raised $10,000 on Kickstarter. "We decided to start the pie business because pie is a single product that we can master and has a wide range of uses-fillings are always the stars!" Estrada said. From those humble beginnings, the company has grown into a team of about 20 people operating in a commercial kitchen in a scenic San Francisco Bay area.

The bourbon pecan pie from Sanbaobei Bakery can be shipped nationwide, and is displayed on the front and center. It is an attractive treat for any holiday table.

Three Babes Bakeshop offers a weekly rotating pie menu, and there is no shortage of mouth-watering options for your next holiday party. This store also offers pie sets for sale nationwide, with virtual courses, anyone can bake at home.

Estrada is also the proud founder of SF New Deal, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping small businesses weather the COVID-19 pandemic. SF New Deal has worked for other small business owners and workers for 18 months and has distributed more than $30 million to small businesses in San Francisco. 

The Apple Crumble Pie Kit from Three Babes Bakeshop comes with a pre-baked pie shell, dry ingredients for apple filling and crumbs, and additional pie crust for cooking experiments.

Colorful, curvaceous, joyous, rude-these are just a few words describing the striking work of San Francisco potter Viviana Matsuda, who appeared in Dwell 24 this year. Matsuda started using ceramics as a treatment method after the death of their pottery father. Soon, Matsuda was fascinated and began to try to sculpt unconventional and unexpected forms, developing their business into the current clay witch.

This fantastic cup kaleidoscope shows only some of Mud Witch's colorful ceramic iterations. The Mud Witch store plans to restock on December 12-just in time for the holidays.

The designer said that cups, bowls and flower pots are designed in rainbow-like colors, shapes and sizes, and many unique forms are "beautiful for diversity"-this inclusive message emphasizes Mud Witch's craftsmanship. Although the works are often sold out, it is planned to have store replenishment on December 12th, as well as the purchase of Build-a-Mug gift vouchers. Gift certificate recipients can choose the shape and color of their cups, and can even customize the design with their name.

San Francisco native Viviana Matsuda makes colorful ceramic mugs, cups and flower pots for Mud Witch. In 2022, Matsuda will open a sliding payment workshop for those in need, so that everyone has an equal opportunity to experience happiness and comfort through ceramics.

Carol Miltimore founded Seek Collective in 2014 after ten years as a fashion designer for famous brands such as Calvin Klein, Converse and Armani Exchange. "After working in the clothing industry for so long, I understand the extent to which it exploits the people who make clothing and textiles and the environment, so I am looking for a better production method to produce in an honest, responsible and transparent manner. . Way," Mildmore said.

Berkeley's Seek Collective is inspired by women around the world to make playful and exquisite clothing essentials.

The initial solo trip to India for artist residency gave Miltimore a deep appreciation of the country’s rich textile production history and inspired her curiosity about how to strengthen the connection between art, products, consumers, processes and manufacturers . Designed at Berkeley and made by artisan partners across India, Seek Collective embraces the slow fashion movement with its carefully crafted and sustainably produced new wardrobe classics. Space Coat is an intimate gift at cool temperatures, while the Zero Waste Sleep Kit and Gudri Quilt Throw are great companions for comfortable days at home, with the concept of sustainability.

"The people who inspire me every day are the people who work with me in production, hand weavers, natural dyers and printers, and people who sew goods," said Carol Miltimore, founder of Seek Collective, as shown in the picture above on his trip to India. "They are the reason why I started and the reason why I continue to move forward."

If you happen to be looking for a store that is open until midnight (looking at you, holiday procrastinator), go for an adventure in Arcana-this is a newly opened venue in the Mission District of San Francisco, part factory store, part bar, part The event space is in a gorgeously designed interior. 

Arcana founder Naz Khorram took the lead in transforming the Mission District space built in 1923. The wabi-sabi design features a 22-foot-tall black steel staircase that leads to a floating upper walkway with plants dripping from it. Retaining the original wooden beams and concrete walls, the combination of new and old brings a perfect imperfect balance to the space.

After being sentenced and released as a political prisoner and fled from his hometown of Iran, the owner Naz Khorram (pronoun is them/them) started a new life in San Francisco and invested their passion for art, gardening and hospitality in their first company Arcana. Arcana Not only a plant shop, but also an urban greenhouse and community gathering place. In 2022, the gallery will display rotating works of local artists and will also provide venue rental discounts for non-profit organizations and young entrepreneurs. Pick off rare plants, hand-mixed Persian tea or ceramic flower pots-all of which are perfect as holiday gifts. 

Arcana founder Naz Khorram said: "I grew up in an urban environment surrounded by art and culture, and also spent a lot of time on our family farm. I feel very lucky." "For urban kids like me It is a privilege to have a deep connection with nature. In the first chapter of my life, I always dreamed of sharing with others."

For the special person on your list who wants to start or upgrade the fermentation process, check out Preserved, a unique kitchen store in Auckland that specializes in traditional preservation and fermentation methods, from pickling to canning and kombucha brewing.

Preserved stocks a series of fermentation products, as well as handmade food and high-quality kitchenware. In addition to retail products, local businesses are also a resource for the community. The Oakland store holds a seminar every two weeks, and customers are welcome to raise questions about fermentation.

Owner Elizabeth Vecchiarelli brings 15 years of local, sustainable and handmade food experience to Preserved. Passionate about the health benefits of traditional preserved foods, Elizabeth now shares her knowledge with the community while respecting ancient preservation traditions. Sourdough Starter Kit, Kombucha Kit, and handmade denim aprons are just some of the presents among Preserved's large number of tools, supplies, kits, books and cooking accessories.

The owner, Elizabeth Vecchiarelli, stands in front of the Preserved Oakland store-a far cry from the small pop-up store on Piedmont Avenue that opened in 2015.

Morningtide is a well-curated lifestyle store in East Bay, founded in 2017 by friends and multi-hyphenation creatives Lisa Wong Jackson and Lisa Fontaine. Fontaine is a fashion designer and potter, and Wong Jackson owns and operates the stationery company Good on Paper. Morningtide’s Albany store showcases a delightful new and soft-to-use collection of fashion, ceramics, jewelry, children’s gifts and sustainable household items designed by independent designers.

Handmade ceramics, natural bath products and kitchen accessories are just some of the items on display in Morningtide’s charming Albany store.

"Inspired by the upbringing of Northern California, we are happy to support our local artisans, ethical production practices, and provide high-quality products made from natural materials," Wong Jackson said. The store’s incredible and simple gift guides, such as "For gourmets" or "For those you can't live without", will make it a breeze to deal with this season's holiday list. Other gifts, including the colored wine glasses from Estelle Colored Glass or the upgraded Fortuno necklace from Mountainside Made, are sure to be delightful.

Co-owners Lisa Wong Jackson and Lisa Fontaine donate to school fundraising events, hold pop-up shops and parties, and support pledges to store at least 15% of the shelves Enterprises from items owned by blacks, thus striving to have a positive impact on their communities.

Andrew Soernsen and Mark Morris founded Aggregate Supply through their apparel business Turk+Taylor, which was born shortly after they worked in a restaurant in the Castro district of San Francisco. The duo, both with an art degree, began designing graphic T-shirts and modern items tailored for men and women. Aggregate Supply was established in 2012 as a concept store for its existing brands. When Soernsen and Morris couldn't keep up with demand, they slowly began to integrate other products from brands such as Levi's and Pendleton to perfect the store.

Aggregate Supply’s colorful waterfront space showcases Bornn’s playful Colorama enamelware and clothing from designers such as Rachel Comey, Henrik Vibskov and Mara Hoffman.

Today, Aggregate Supply is an eclectic lifestyle boutique offering a carefully curated range of unique and colorful products, including men’s and women’s clothing ("piles of denim," Soernsen said), as well as local pottery and wineware , Selection of pharmacists, choice of pantry, and more-a true one-stop shopping destination. Aggregate Supply is located in the Mission District of San Francisco, and the newest location is on Chestnut Street in the Marina District. Tom Dixon's sculptural Spin Candelabra Mini is a great gift on the table, while Wax London's Whiting Overshirt and Nike x Pendleton N7 Seven Generations Blanket are comfortable choices for cold winter days.

“We always take design and integrated supply as an extension of our artistic practice,” said Andrew Soernsen and Mark Morris, the founders of the store, in front of their newest branch on Chestnut Street. "The charm of Aggregate Supply lies in the balance between high and low, bounty and cohesion, vision and detail."

Sarah Kersten of Oakland started her ceramics business at the age of 25 in 2012 and hosted a real single women show with only one pottery wheel. In the past nine years, she has grown the business and added eight employees, so the studio can produce ceramics on a larger scale than the ceramics produced by Kersten alone.

Sarah Kersten's Auckland studio is open to the public every Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm. During these hours, all works can be browsed and purchased.

Handcrafted functional pottery for the kitchen, Kersten's work is to take, use and enjoy. "After all, my favorite part is that my customers tell me they use my pottery at home every day," she said. "Nothing can compare to that feeling. It means a lot to me." This year, new products from Sarah Kersten Studio are presented, such as ceramic cups or mugs, best-selling ramen bowls or festive service platters.

"I have a lasting love for ceramics," said Sarah Kersten in her studio in Auckland, as shown in the picture above. "Even after so many years, I still think this process is so magical, and I still like to see the pottery coming out of the kiln."

Stuff is a wonderland of ancient and modern treasures. It is a vast antique collective covering an area of ​​17,000 square feet and has been a precious part of San Francisco's Mission District for more than a decade. From the unmissable orange appearance to the disco party in the bathroom, Stuff offers retro cuisine and plenty of pure fun.

In the 1990s, William Lenker and James Spinello started with Aunt Bill Antiques in the Rockridge neighborhood of Oakland in the 1990s. They have been collaborating since then, and in San Francisco in 2011 The mission area opened the door to Stuff.

Stuff was founded in 2011 by vintage enthusiasts William Lenker and James Spinello. It brings together more than 60 dealers and an ever-changing list of unique items, from Eames chairs to colorful Pyrex bowls and 1960s Dorothy Thorpe glasses (perfectly used For festive cocktails). Satisfy your treasure hunt without leaving the city, and cross off some gifts from your list in the process.

Enjoy browsing Stuff’s collection of gems loved by people in the past.

Lily Chau, the founder of Acacia, found herself unsatisfied in her career as a lawyer. A bold shift led her to move from New York to San Francisco, where she soon opened her Mission District boutique there. "It started with an exploration and experimentation," Chau said. "I have zero experience in retailing, designing or owning businesses." Today, Acacia is full of well-thought-out functional home furnishing products, with an emphasis on clean lines and simple materials.

Acacia’s carefully selected products include kitchen souvenirs, office supplies, holiday decorations, etc., and even pet products for your four-legged friends. These products have been approved by the store Lucy.

When purchasing Acacia, Chau prefers independent manufacturers and smaller brands to choose durable handmade products. "I really like to find these beautiful, useful, beautifully designed things and put them together, even if they are the most common and plain household items," she said. For thoughtful gifts that inspire a happy holiday, check out Acacia’s inventory, which includes Hasami porcelain cups, Fruitsuper lifting coasters, Block Design glass watering cans, and Earth PLA clocks.

Lily Chau, the owner of Acacia, said: “When customers see what I see and understand why I chose to carry that item in the store, it’s great to feel the sense of connection.”

Walk into the best independent design store in the U.S.

Dwell's holiday gift guide is perfect for everyone on your good list

Smart shopping obsessed with design. Find what you like in our carefully selected exquisite home, office, travel and lifestyle products.

© 2021 Dwell Life, Inc. All rights reserved.