Hi friends—Jess here.
We’re deep in holiday mode over at the shop. I’ve been unpacking new boxes, restocking favorites, adding cozy touches to the shelves, and trying to make things feel festive at home, too. With busier schedules, this time of year is a little wild and a lot meaningful.
The truth is, the last two months of the year are really important for small shops like ours. It’s when a big portion of our revenue comes in. And for many small businesses, this time can make the difference between good years and bad years. It’s also when the store feels its most alive: a little fuller, a little warmer, a little more like the place we always hoped to build.
So if you’re making a list, I hope you’ll consider starting it here.
Shopping small isn’t just a hashtag or something you do on Saturday once a year. It’s choosing to keep your dollars close to home. It’s saying yes to creativity and community. Sometimes it’s just saying yes to the artist whose cards you always smile at, like Kat French. Or picking up a handmade bag from someone like Chris at Kaiju Cut & Sew, who left an engineering career to create something of his own. Or trying a lavender coffee syrup from Tammy at Sip Solo (great stocking stuffers), who started with $500 and a big idea.
These aren’t just products. They’re people. They’re neighbors and friends doing what they love—because you make it possible. And they’re the heart of why Parker + Scott exists.
If you choose to visit us in November or December, you won’t find flash deals or countdown timers. But you will find people behind the counter who are genuinely excited to see you. A team that is grateful for the opportunity to serve this community.
That’s what you get when you shop small, y’all. You already know this. You’ve shown up for us again and again. And when you do, you’re not just supporting a shop—you’re supporting our family.
I’m Jess. My husband Ian and I run Parker + Scott, named after two of our three kids (our third, Elsie, has some feelings about that). We started this business because we believed there was a kinder, more thoughtful way to shop. And every time you visit, share, or bring a friend along, you remind us we’re not alone in that belief.
So thank you—for helping us build something real.
While I have you, I’d love to hear: how do you get into the holiday spirit? A favorite recipe, playlist, tradition? Hit reply and let me know! I’m always looking for new ideas (especially the cozy ones now that the weather is FINALLY cooler).
Warmly,
Jess
P.S. We have two great small businesses popping up in the shop this weekend. Stop by today between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. to try samples of delicious gluten-free baked goods from TruCrumb. And tomorrow from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m., the team from Tasty Amy’s Kitchen will be sampling their extraordinary Tikka Sauces. Two Austin-based, women-owned small businesses. Fueled by your support. What a great way to spend a weekend.