I hope you’re all doing well and finding ways to adapt to the new “normal” of face masks, hand sanitizer, and social distancing. It really is a weird world that we’re living in, isn’t it? (Remember, sending greeting cards in the mail is a great way to keep in touch with those you can’t see in person! (Perhaps someone you know just graduated or had a birthday or baby or wedding that they couldn’t invite you to?!))

Around here not much has changed for me. Being self-employed and working from a home office has the advantage of being able to avoid people quite easily! (Though avoiding the kid and the husband has become more challenging…) When it comes to shipping your orders I’m able to make a quick (and safe) trip to the local post office. And don’t worry, I’m not licking any envelopes around here!

In other news, you’ve probably all read about how important it is right now to be supporting Canadian, Indigenous and Black-owned businesses… and it is! Canada is home to SO MANY wonderful Canadian companies (both big and small) and one way to support our country and racial equality is by supporting these small businesses!

Just so you know, Hug and Kiss Designs Inc. is proudly 100% Canadian with all our products being designed and manufactured here in Canada! Not only that, we’re actually owned by an Indigenous woman! That’s right, Nikki (that’s me) is from the Coast Salish territory (my grandpa is from a small reserve in Chilliwack, BC and my grandma is from one on Vancouver Island.) So while my light skin comes from my mom, my dark hair (the ones that haven’t gone gray!) and eyes come from my dad!

If you’re looking for other First Nations businesses to support, you can check out Shop First Nations for an ever-growing list. You can find a very comprehensive list of Canadian Black-owned business over at Afro Biz. Or if you want to know more about WHY buying Canadian is so important? Check out Buy Canadian First for some great information.

Please remember that you can support small businesses in a variety of ways. Yes, making purchases of services and goods is great, but if that’s not feasible a simple like or share on social media goes a long way!