If you know me, you know I’m VERY passionate about supporting small businesses.
Zach’s dad, seven of our grandparents, and I either are or have been small business owners. As a result, Zach and I know firsthand that when you support a small business, you’re directly supporting a hardworking individual and his or her family. And, that’s an amazing thing!
We’ve lived in Lafayette, Indiana since 2016, and one of my favorite things about our little city is the small business community. Not only is there truly a community over competition mindset among small business owners, but Lafayette residents strive to help small businesses thrive.
In fact, in 2018, Forbes named Lafayette the second best “small place” in the nation to start and operate a small business!
Our Indiana city is full of incredible small businesses, and while I’m sure I’m missing some simply because I haven’t had the opportunity to experience every local biz, I want to share a list of my favorite small businesses in Lafayette, Indiana with you!
The businesses listed below offer great products and/or services and serve their customers well, and I hope you’ll check them out and support them!
This post doesn’t include wedding vendors. But, you can find a list of VRP recommended wedding vendors here!
Gifts, Clothes, & Fun Stuff
Whether you’re looking for a gift for someone or something fun for you, this section contains a list of my favorite Lafayette, Indiana boutiques, artists, and more!
Antique Candle Co.
If you’re looking for wonderful-smelling, beautifully-designed candles, you need to check out Antique Candle Co.!
Hand poured in Lafayette, Indiana, Antique Candle Co. has a scent for everyone and makes every season fun with new fragrances.
Your candles will arrive beautifully packaged (I love Antique Candle Co.’s visual branding.) AND with a bonus sample candle so you can try a new scent!
Check out fragrances and order candles and wax melts on Antique Candle Co.’s website!
Camera Outfitters
I can’t begin to tell you how much I love living in a city with a local camera shop as wonderful as Camera Outfitters! Hattie and I both love our trips to visit Rena and her team. (They’re dog friendly!)
Not only does Camera Outfitters carry everything I need as a photographer, but they also print high-quality prints, canvases, metal prints, and other photo products.
If you’re a photographer, you’re going to want to check out Camera Outfitters.
If you aren’t a photographer, Camera Outfitters can still serve you with their print services! Not only will the quality be so much better than what you’ll receive from Target, Walgreens, Shutterfly, etc., you’ll also be supporting a small business.
Visit Camera Outfitters’ website to learn more!
Side note: I’ve been so impressed with how well Camera Outfitters has handled COVID-19. Located in an old ice cream shop, Camera Outfitters has a drive-thru that they didn’t think they’d ever use. But, when COVID entered the world, they began using their drive-thru to keep customers safe.
I’ve picked up new gear and SD cards through the drive-thru several times in 2020 and am thankful for all of the efforts Camera Outfitters has made to care for their people!
Emmy Cat Handmade
I love big earrings, so I definitely have quite a few pairs of earrings from Emmy Cath Handmade!
Made and knotted with string and inspired by macrame, Emily makes earrings in all kinds of shapes and colors. They’re fun and light and are my go-to earrings when I just want a day to feel more fun!
Follow Emmy Cat Handmade on Instagram and either DM Emily on Instagram or check out her Etsy shop to place an order!
Hair by Kelli Taylor
Every 12 weeks, I look forward to spending a couple hours in Kelli Taylor’s suite at InStyle Studio sipping coffee, reading a book, having my hair done, and chatting with my hairstylist and friend.
I trust Kelli so much that when I sit in her chair, I tell her to do whatever she wants with my hair. I always leave loving my hair and feeling refreshed!
Follow Kelli on Instagram to see her work, and schedule an appointment here!
Side note: Brides, Kelli is INCREDIBLE at wedding hair!
Innerwaves Massage Therapy
Who couldn’t use a massage?!
At the end of wedding season, I treat myself to a massage at Innerwaves Massage Therapy. I’ve had some so-so experiences at other studios, but Innerwaves is great.
The rooms are quiet, the staff are professional, and I always leave feeling refreshed.
Visit Innerwaves Massage Therapy’s website to book an appointment or purchase a gift certificate!
Mad Love Boutique
From earrings I can’t resist to feminine pieces you can wear at home or out, you’re going to want to check out Mad Love Boutique!
Owner Stephanie Deckard is one of the most genuine people I know, and I’ve loved watching her vision for her boutique come to life!
You can shop on Mad Love Boutique’s website and find even more amazing items in their store on Main Street in downtown Lafayette!
Side note: I want to give Mad Love a big shot out for how well they’ve handled COVID. From limiting the number of people allowed in their boutique to allowing customers to schedule private shopping appointments, they’ve done all they can to keep customers safe.
As a thank you and because their items are awesome, please share some love with this downtown Lafayette, Indiana boutique!
Magnolia Boutique
Magnolia Boutique is a boutique located south of Lafayette in Franklin, Indiana. While they aren’t technically in Lafayette, this business is still local, and they ship to Lafayette in just two days!
From outfits you can wear out to outfits made for lounging, I love this boutique and spend far too much money here!
Shop Magnolia Boutique online and follow them on Instagram! If you follow them, though, don’t blame me when you can’t resist purchasing everything they share on their stories!
Paisley & Plow
If you ask me what I’m wearing on any given day, there’s a 99% chance that at least one item is from Paisley & Plow! Paisley & Plow’s clothing is often a mix of feminine and boho-chic. (Think lace and fringe!)
This fun boutique doesn’t have a storefront, but you can shop all of Haleigh Schoon’s (the owner’s) lovely items online, and you’ll regularly find her and her team at local markets.
Visit Paisley & Plow’s website to shop, and follow Paisley & Plow on Instagram to find out when Haleigh will be at a market near you!
McCord Candies
Perhaps this should go in the “Restaurants” section below since McCords does offer food, but I’m listing McCord Candies here because I love popping in to get loved ones chocolate and candy! (Okay. I love getting it for myself too. The snappers are my fave!)
McCords offers candy, soda, ice cream, and other goodies all year long. But, during the holidays, they make handspun candy canes and give candy cane tours where you get to make your own candy cane!
Whether you want to gift someone with something sweet or get a treat for yourself, hit up McCord Candies! They’re located on Main Street in downtown Lafayette, and select items are available for purchase on their website.
Simon & Halle’s Pet Boutique
As much as I love Hattie (our goldendoodle) you had to know that some kind of dog-related business would be on this list.
Simon & Halle’s Pet Boutique offers grooming, daycare, training, toys, food, and everything else your dog needs!
We take Hattie to Simon & Halle’s to be groomed and are always thrilled with the results and feel very comfortable leaving her with their staff. When we go, we inevitably end up buying organic dog treats and fun toys. We can’t help it!
Learn more about Simon & Halle’s services on their website!
Roseberry & Co.
Jessie Roseberry is an incredibly talented watercolor artist. I love her work so much that I gift all of my brides and grooms with it!
While Jessie can take an idea and turn it into a painting that’s 10x more amazing than anything you could’ve imagined, she also sells prints. If you’re looking for a unique gift idea or something for your own wall, check out Roseberry & Co.!
Rubia Flower Market
While I absolutely recommend using Rubia Flower Market for wedding florals, they have so much more to offer!
Rubia is a flower shop in town that does flowers for weddings and other events, but this sweet shop also sells flowers by the stem, hosts flower arranging classes, and offers a bouquet subscription program!
Rubia does beautiful work, and whether you’re wanting a designed arrangement or to do a little arranging yourself, visit Rubia or place an order online or over the phone!
Wright Flower Shop
Speaking of flowers, Wright Flower Shop is another flower shop in the Lafayette area that I adore.
Located in West Lafayette, Wrights does beautiful work, and I’m always so impressed with their customer service. Tyler (the owner) and his team go above and beyond to remember people’s names and their flower preferences.
Visit, contact, or shop online to place a flower order with Wrights Flower Shop!
Food, Coffee, & Spirits
From great date night spots to wonderful coffee shops where you can meet friends or simply work for the afternoon, Lafayette has a ton of great food and beverage options. The places listed below are my favorites!
The Black Sparrow
If you want to have lunch downtown or meet for dinner and/or cocktails at night, you’ll love Black Sparrow!
With classic favorites like the BLT & E (egg) and regularly rotating specials, you’ll find something you love!
In addition to great food, The Black Sparrow has a seasonally rotating tap menu and incredible seasonal cocktails. Zach and I love Sparrow’s cocktails and regularly grab a drink at their bar before doing other things downtown.
See The Black Sparrow’s menu on their website, and make plans to visit or grab carryout!
The Bryant
When The Bryant opened, it felt like all of our friends on the west side were raving about this new restaurant. I assumed that people were overhyping it, but now, I know that they most certainly were not! The food is great!
From delicious appetizers and cocktails to entrees that make my mouth water just thinking about them, The Bryant is a great date night spot!
See The Bryant’s menu on their website, and make plans to check this local restaurant out!
East End Grill
If you’re looking for dinner or lunch in downtown Lafayette, you have to try East End. There isn’t a bad option on their menu, and their patio is dog friendly! So, Hattie loves East End as much as we do.
When you go, I highly recommend the shrimp and grits, mushroom tacos, salmon burger, and flourless chocolate cake. (I dream about this cake.) But, like I said, it’s all delicious! And, there are plenty of great options for vegetarians, vegans, and those with dietary restrictions.
Visit East End’s website to see their menu, and pay this restaurant a visit soon!
Fuel Coffee Shop
Looking for some great coffee or tea in Lafayette or West Lafayette? (Fuel now has locations on both sides of the river.) Fuel is definitely where you want to go!
Between their extensive drink menu (A chai latte with honey is my usual choice.) and some incredible zucchini bread, there’s no place I’d rather spend an afternoon or meet clients.
Visit Fuel, and be sure to get a punch card, because you’ll definitely be back!
Réveille Coffee Bar
New to Lafayette in late 2020, Réveille Coffee Bar has quickly become one of my favorite places to take my laptop and work in the afternoon.
With a soup of the day, fresh croissants, Mary Lou Donuts, and wonderful coffee and tea options (The tea lattes have quickly become my favorites.), you can’t go wrong!
Whether you want a quiet, cozy place to get some work done or a cute place to meet friends, visit Réveille!
Richelle in a Handbasket
If you need something sweet, you need to visit Richelle in a Handbasket! From truffles to cheesecake, you’ll find a dessert you love.
Plus, when you visit Richelle in a Handbasket in person, you can also purchase wine from local wineries!
Richelle is amazing at what she does, but she’s also an amazing person. Because of her leadership, Richelle in a Handbasket is very involved in the Lafayette community. Richelle has also opened doors for other local businesses as she sells their products in her shop.
Oh, and if you’re in need of custom gift baskets, contact Richelle! Whether it’s for personal or business purposes, Richelle will fix you up and take the stress out of gift giving.
Basically, satisfy your sweet tooth and find other goodies at Richelle in a Handbasket!
People’s Brewing Company
While making this list, Zach told me I had to be sure to include People’s. He loves this brewery!
Located in Lafayette, People’s offers a wide variety of delicious beers. While Zach really likes their IPAs and 9 Irish Brothers Red Ale is one of my favorites, all of their beers are great.
On Sundays, People’s offers discounted growlers, so Zach regularly makes the trip across town to have a growler in the fridge for the week.
While their beer is great, what I really appreciate about this brewery is how involved they are with the community. From working with restaurants to make signature beers to sponsoring community activities, People’s is committed to the Lafayette community.
Visit People’s or order carryout or delivery for some great food and even better beer!
Teays River Brewing & Public House
When we pull into Teays, Hattie’s tail wags because she knows she’s about to get treats!
Teays River Brewing & Public House has great food (Everything smoked is incredible!) and craft beers. And, because their patio is dog friendly and the kind servers keep the dog treats coming (which are made of peanut butter and leftover grains from the beers Teays makes), Teays is one of our favorite places to hang out in the summer!
Whether you have a dog or not, be sure to visit Teays!
The Wine Cellar Bistro
The Wine Cellar Bistro is a wine bar in downtown Lafayette, Indiana and our absolute favorite date night spot!
Family owned and operated, The Wine Cellar Bistro has an incredible wine menu, which you can enjoy by the glass or the bottle. (Definitely go with the bottle, because if you can’t finish, they’ll pop a cork in it so you can take the rest home!) And, their chef changes their food menu of tapas and desserts seasonally so there’s always something new and delicious to try!
If you can, I highly recommend joining Wine Club. You’ll pay a monthly subscription and receive two bottles of wine recommended by The Wine Cellar Bistro’s staff each month. You can either take your bottles to go or enjoy them in the restaurant. Zach and I typically drink out bottles at the restaurant and grab dessert. It’s like a prepaid date night!
Plus, when you join Wine Club, you’ll receive discounts on other bottles of wine!
Whether you’re wanting a night out or to simply pick up bottles of wine, visit The Wine Cellar Bistro!
Professional Services (Adulting)
Buying candles, clothing, accessories, artwork, food, coffee, and wine might be more fun, but we also need to think about our vehicles, financial futures, wills, and more.
With that in mind, this section lists service providers that Zach and I love patronizing and highly recommend!
Beck’s Auto Center
I never thought I’d enjoy going to see a mechanic. I mean, when you visit a mechanic, it’s typically because something with your vehicle has gone terribly wrong. But, the staff at Beck’s Auto Center are so kind that going to their shop isn’t stressful and is even enjoyable.
Beck’s staff does a wonderful job of breaking down issues without being condescending, and you leave every oil change with maintenance recommendations for the future, giving you time to save and prepare.
Whether you’re having vehicle trouble or simply need an oil change, I highly recommend Beck’s Auto Center!
BlueSafe Financial
If you’re looking for a financial planner, BlueSafe is the way to go!
Owner and Financial Advisor Jeff Gasaway has helped Zach and I so much over the last few years. From managing our investments (an area I know nothing about) to going over my numbers before I officially made the leap to making photography my full-time job, Jeff and his team have been a huge blessing to us.
Visit BlueSafe’s website to set up a consultation with Jeff or a member of his team and start preparing for your financial future!
Law Office of Shannon Starr
Whether you need a lawyer for litigation reasons, to draft contracts, or help you create a will, I can’t recommend Attorney Shannon Starr enough.
Shannon has served as my attorney since I began shooting weddings. He wrote my contracts, and over the years, he’s answered countless questions for me (especially when COVID began sweeping the world).
Shannon is approachable and communicative, and he always gets back to his clients quickly.
If you’re in need of an attorney, contact the Law Office of Shannon Starr!
Treefrog Marketing
If you’re a small business owner yourself, I can’t say enough great things about Treefrog Marketing, Owner Kelly Rice, and her team.
Treefrog is a full-service marketing agency that helps small businesses grow. Whether you’re in need of a logo, a website, or a complete marketing strategy, the Treefroggers can help and will do wonders for your business!
Treefrog has helped me with countless projects and designed my website.
What I love most about Treefrog is that this agency creates marketing strategies and tools (websites, signage, etc.) based on data and proven practices. This essentially proves that you will get results.
Visit Treefrog’s website to learn more about their services and schedule a consultation!
When you can, shop small.
These businesses aren’t listed in any particular order, but I happily recommend all of these small businesses in Lafayette, Indiana because I love being their customer.
I am by no means saying that it’s wrong to support big businesses. (Heck, I love Target, Amazon, and Starbucks!) But, when you support a small business, you’re directly supporting a hardworking individual and his or her dream and family. And, I can tell you from firsthand experience that your business is appreciated!
I love being a wedding photographer, and I wouldn’t be able to do what I’m passionate about without the support of my clients. Zach and I are grateful to each and every person who has supported my business—whether it be as a client or by simply sharing my information—and whenever possible, we strive to share the love with other small businesses.
Please consider shopping small and supporting the amazing businesses listed (as well as others) in this post.
And, if there are any Lafayette, Indiana businesses that you think should be added to this list, let me know. I’d love to check them out!
XO
Victoria