As the first flurries of snow cascade down, so do thoughts of holiday shopping. Athens has no shortage of small, local and student-run businesses to meet every holiday shopping need.
White’s Mill, located at 2 Whites Mill Drive, has various gift options. During the holidays the store sells a lot of pottery, ornaments, Christmas trees and jewelry, according to Tyler Schloss, co-owner of White’s Mill.
“We focus on a lot of local made things,” Schloss said.
White’s Mill also has a selection of books, games and toys in addition to bird feeders and bird supplies. Items in the store range from around $10-50, according to Schloss.
“Nothing here is too expensive, I would say,” Schloss said.
White’s Mill’s history dates back to 1809 when Joseph Herrold built a mill on the Hocking River banks. The White family purchased the mill in 1912, but the mill unfortunately burnt down in 1913. The mill was rebuilt, and Mike Toomey bought the business in the '90s. Schloss and Rodney Dowler, co-owners of White’s Mill, bought the business in 2016.
"The experience of coming here, it’s a tradition for a lot of people,” Schloss said. “They like to buy local and we focus on that.”
White’s Mill is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Saturday, and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
In addition to small, local businesses, there are plenty of student-run businesses to support this holiday season.
Ryn Aldridge, a sophomore studying international studies and history, runs an art business out of Ohio University. Aldridge sells portraits of characters from video games, T.V. shows or original artwork. Along with this, Aldridge also sells prints, key chains and tote bags. Prices for Aldridge’s work range from $3-15.
“I feel like anybody can find something,” Aldridge said.
Aldridge’s work can be found on Instagram, and the funds from some of the pieces will support Aldridge’s student abroad trip to Japan.
Aldridge emphasizes the benefits of supporting small, local artists.
“I think buying from small artists is very important,” Aldridge said. “Especially with the massive AI nowadays, and making sure you support especially local artists.”
There are many students at Ohio University trying to grow self-started businesses, and events like the StartUp Market help promote student businesses.
Molly Healy, a sophomore studying entrepreneurship, sells handmade, embroidered bracelets ranging from $4-15.
“I started over the summer because I couldn’t find a job,” Healy said.
When arriving at OU, Healy posted a story promoting the bracelets and received a lot of sales. People can shop Healy’s bracelets on Etsy or Instagram, and each bracelet is made with recycled material.
“A lot of the beads are, I guess I would say, pretty unique,” Healy said. “They’re just recycling. I only have a little of each bead.”
The OU ceramics department is hosting its annual holiday sale Friday and Saturday, featuring work from undergraduates, graduates, faculty and alumni. The sale will take place in Seigfred Hall room 111, giving customers a chance to shop for handmade ceramics perfect for holiday giving.
Local businesses in Athens have gifts for shoppers, as well. For book lovers, Little Professor Book Center, locally owned and operated, sells a wide variety of genres and offers free gift wrapping all year long. Beads & Things offers custom jewelry making.
When it comes to holiday shopping, Athens small businesses offer a diverse selection of gifts for many interests.
