14 Must Shop Businesses this Valentine's Day
From shops to gifts and coffee to sweets
As we approach Valentine's Day, I have compiled a list of 14 of my favorite local and online businesses, in no particular order. Make sure you check these places out if you are looking for the perfect gift for that special someone in your life!
1. POMP & BLOOM
Who doesn't love flowers? It seems like the most common go-to item for a special occasion is giving or bringing an arrangement of the colorful, good smelling beauties.
If you are local to Columbus, or if you live in Indiana, or if you are just a human for that matter, you are missing out if you haven't checked out Pomp & Bloom. Never was I all that interested in flowers until Gina Martin and her team came to town over ten years ago. Her arrangements will absolutely blow you away.
"We are a design studio, not a typical shop. This means everything we do is custom. Blooms are carefully chosen specifically for every occasion and event to fit your style and budget. Owner, Gina Martin, uses her background in art and design to create the most unique and creative wedding bouquets and arrangements while giving clients personal and knowledgeable service found no where else in the Columbus area. "
"We are a design studio, not a typical shop." I couldn't have said it better, Gina!
Pomp & Bloom offers a variety of services, outside of the standard delivered arrangements. Make sure you contact them for your next event or to register for a workshop, and check out their dried stems, and my favorite, their Monthly Flower Club! I can't imagine a better gift for the flower lover in your life than a monthly delivery of the most creative arrangement!
I don't read nearly as much as I want to. But when I do, one of my favorite places to shop for books is Viewpoint Books.
Viewpoint Books was started in 1973 and is family owned. They are operated by their appropriately named "Pointers", the individuals who run the shop. Viewpoint Books offers discounts for non-profit groups and teachers purchasing books for their classrooms. They also offer competitive discounts to businesses for purchases of 10 or more copies of a title.
Need an out-of-print title? Contact Viewpoint and they'll hook you up! Have a little one? In addition to kids books, they also carry toys and games.
Next time you're in Columbus, make sure you check out this long standing downtown landmark. If you won't be in Columbus anytime soon, you can still shop their online catalog for the perfect book!
If you haven't checked out the gorgeous photography of Amanda Doty with Amanda Doty Photo, do yourself a favor and run to her website right now.
Amanda blends art and photography, and has the ability to capture a person's soul on screen. Having known Amanda for several years, first as my student, then as a photographer for Urban Rhino Photography, I can tell you that there is no one I trust more to capture my family's photos. One of Amanda's clients said the following about her work:
"Amanda’s work is simply stunning and her fun personality makes the sessions enjoyable. Before a session even begins, Amanda makes you feel at ease. She is friendly and down-to-earth and is able to get a genuine smile out of everyone. She is so patient and even got both of our dogs to “smile” for multiple photos! Amanda is willing to lay on the ground, wade in a creek, or stand on a step-ladder — anything to get an incredible shot!"
~Love note by Kayla
I've just loved watching Amanda's business and talent grow over the years. Her in-home sessions are iconic, and her wedding photos are works of art. And if you're looking for someone who is amazing with kids and pets, Amanda's your girl.
Look at this stunning image of my girls from a session Amanda did for my family a few years ago.
Voted the #1 Best Hair Salon in Columbus, Buns & Beards Beauty Lounge has grown in popularity drastically in the last few years, and rightfully so.
Started in 2019 by Anna Land, the by appointment only salon offers a wide array of services, from hair color and extensions, to lashes and facials.
When you enter the trendy beauty lounge, you are greeted by a mix of modern furniture, natural elements, and great music. You might see Olivia or Ashley applying lashes, Trista coloring hair, or maybe Anna tying in extensions. The place is so inviting, you'll be booking your next appointment before you leave just to get back in there.
Next time you’re in Columbus, make sure to add Lucabe Coffee Co. to your list of "must visit" places. This amazing family-owned coffee bar, complete with a kid's area and seating indoor and out, has the best atmosphere and the friendliest baristas who literally create art in your latte!
With the addition of an online shop and expansion of a second location in the old Irwin Union Bank building, designed by world renowned architect, Harry Weese, Lucabe Coffee Co. is growing leaps and bounds.
Looking for a laid back afternoon for your Valentine's Day? Stop in, grab a latte and enjoy the relaxed ambience of Lucabe.
Kaitee Davidson started her business, Lovett Road Studio, in September of 2020 after being on lockdown for several months and not being able to access the ceramics studio on campus.
Having studied art therapy and ceramics at UIndy, and currently working on her masters degree, the business was a natural fit. She and her family built a small studio on the property she grew up on, in a tiny town called Lovett. The name "Lovett Road" comes from the main road she lived on.
In addition to teaching high school ceramics and jewelry making, Kaitee stays busy making her adorable clay earrings, car charms, and stoneware pottery. She also takes custom orders and has done other fun things like wedding cake toppers and earrings for brides, bridesmaids, bachelorette parties, and school staff.
No matter what you get from Lovett Road Studio, each item is guaranteed to be very unique and like nothing you've seen in stores. I'm completely obsessed with everything she makes, and these pieces would make the perfect gift this Valentine's Day.
Voted Indy's Best Travel Agency in 2022, Vic's Vacations is a luxury travel agency that focuses on romance and family travel.
Victoria Fricke, a mom of two from Indiana with a passion for travel, plans each vacation as if it were her own. She's a fantastic listener, and her extensive background in the travel industry will be sure to give you the trip you’ve always dreamed of, without the headache and stress that comes with planning it! Did I mention she's literally the BEST person ever? She has a heart of gold and she will drop everything to tend to her client's needs.
Vic's Vacations has grown drastically over the last five years, with Vic adding two new agents, Katie Gerling and Jess Harding, as well as multiple assistants.
With Vic’s team, the planning takes the back burner for the clients, so they can enjoy the time with their significant other or family. From the moment you begin communicating with your travel advisor, you’ll realize your experience truly is the thing they value most.
So rather than focus on tangible ways to say I love you, give the gift of uninterrupted time in the sun this February. Memories last a lifetime and they are there to make them manageable and carefree.
One of my absolute favorite foods has got to be donuts. Donut Central, which has locations in both Columbus and Seymour, Indiana, has every type of donut you could ever want. You can grab them in their shop or at one of their Donut Mobile Command Trucks that travel around.
Voted the #1 donut shop in Columbus, Donut Central has something for everyone...donuts, do'sants, cold brew, and make-your-own donut kits. Don't miss out on their themed donuts, such as Harry Potter and Star Wars, because these are sure to get the kids excited! And as a recently diagnosed Celiac, I greatly appreciate that they also offer gluten free options too! However, I did have to cry myself to sleep that night at the thought of never eating one of their mouth watering cream cheese cinnamon rolls or their melt-in-your-mouth yeast donuts again. I guess I'll live vicariously through you all!
Caylyn Pruitt, a high school sophomore and track and cross country runner, started the rapidly growing CayPops Bakery in 2021, at just 15, when she grew her hobby during quarantine into a business.
"I started my business doing everything on my own and being self taught, but as I grew out of my capacity, my mom became CayPops' first employee. While I’m at school she helps bake and deliver treats. My dad also helps with the financing and dipping CayPops. It’s grown to become a family business and has been so fun being in the kitchen together almost every night!"
CayPops specializes in custom CayPops and sugar cookies while providing many other delicious and adorable treats. Caylyn's mission is to "serve joy and happiness in every bite!" If you ever need desserts for an event or just a sweet treat, she is definitely your girl!
While the future of CayPops definitely seems bright, Caylyn still plans on pursuing a degree in entrepreneurship and pastry arts, while staying at home and continuing to run the business.
"CayPops is what I would like to do as my future job, so staying in Columbus with my current clientele would be logical."
CayPops are just enough to satisfy your need for cake or something sweet. If one doesn't satisfy you, eat two...or ten! I can't think of a better way to say "I love you" than with a delicious one of Caylyn's CayPops!
Well I may be biased on this choice, but I think the previous customers of RLC Truck & Auto Accessories would agree that there is no better place in Southern Indiana to have your vehicle customized.
My husband, Brett Cruser, bought Rhino Linings of Columbus over 15 years ago, and in addition to changing the name to better suit his ever-evolving business, he has grown RLC Truck & Auto Accessories to be the leader in custom trucks in Columbus, Indiana.
When you walk in the eye-catching gray and orange modern building, you're immediately immersed in any car lover's dream. The showroom is packed full of tons of in stock items, and the atmosphere of the interior is sleek and shiny.
Brett, along with his mother Roberta who works the counter with him, both pride themselves in offering outstanding customer service provided by professional staff and workers.
In addition to offering Rhino Linings spray-on protective coatings for truck beds, trailers, and more, the showroom and catalog have enough accessories to satisfy even the pickiest people. RLC also carries a large amount of custom truck accessories such as nerf bars, splash guards, truck lift kits, truck bed covers, and much more.
Ready to customize your loved one's vehicle for Valentine's Day? Stop in the showroom to pick up a gift certificate or get on the books. Can't make it in and want to shop online? RLC has a new e-commerce site so you can shop from the comfort of your home!
After spending years creating videos for his real estate business, Welcome Home Realty Group, Chris Burke decided to start his own film production company, Chris Burke Productions.
Chris Burke Productions is a local videography business that offers services for weddings, families, real estate and businesses.
Chris Burke, the owner and videographer, believes video is the way of the future. He really enjoys helping people create lasting family memories and also assisting businesses in reaching their goals.
After creating videos of his own four kids, Chris decided to start offering filmed family sessions, such as his "Love of My Life" Mini Sessions, which would make the perfect unique Valentine's gift.
One of my favorite places to shop for items for my home is Happy Nest, located in Columbus, Indiana.
This family owned home decor shop is full of quality products at reasonable prices. There is so much to choose from, and the constantly changing sets showcase unique and beautiful items.
A big reason this place made my list is not only because of their on trend pieces, but because they offer the BEST customer service! The staff, which often includes owners Andrea and Stephen Carlile, or their daughter, Katelyn Edwards, are so friendly and beyond helpful. I love just stopping in to see what's new and to chat!
In addition to interacting with their huge social media following, Andrea and her staff host weekend events such as their wildly popular open houses with their sister store, Facing Home.
Do you have a decorating obsessed person in your life? Stop by Happy Nest and snag them the perfect gift!
Regardless of what your political or religious views may be, you can't deny that Hobby Lobby is freaking AWESOME.
Although I could see how this place could give a person who gets easily overwhelmed a panic attack, I absolutely love this store and could spend hours upon hours in the aisles...and I have. I buy a good majority of my supplies for my jewelry and glass classes here, as well as decorations for prom, home decor stuff when I'm decorating, and party supplies when it's that time of the year.
I think people of all ages and walks of life can find something that suits them at this store. They have flowers, home decor, fabric, art supplies, jewelry making materials, cake making supplies, and sooooo many Christmas items when it's in season. And for them, I think that's like February though December lol!
I had to throw this one on the list for that artsy individual who wants to take on making a craft for the loved one in their life!
Finally we come to our last business, the woman-owned, Bossy Pants Candle Company.
Bossy Pants Candle Company was started in the childhood kitchen of Lauren Ebel and her sister. The two girls started making these not so typical candles as a hobby.
"The name “Bossy Pants” comes from a nickname one of the sisters had when she was a kid...we’ll let you guess which sister is the namesake. Our candles have big personality, just like Miss Bossy Pants."
Lauren and her husband, Collin, are both former students of mine. I've watched them build this business from the ground up. I remember having Lauren in class and thinking, this girl is destined for big, big things. I'm so happy to report I was right!
Each candle or wax melt has a unique smell and has the absolute most hysterical and clever names, such as "You're the Tits" and "Not Today, Karen". And as stated on their website...
"All Bossy Pants candles are hand poured in small batches, cruelty-free, and are truly a labor of love."
As Bossy Pants Candle Company continues to grow, they've done an unbelievable job of blowing up their social media presence. In addition to numerous mentions and features in outlets such as Glamour Magazine and The Rachel Ray Show, Lauren and her team have also been able to team up with the likes of Mom Water and All American's Michael Behling.
This Valentine's Day, give your significant other the gift of smell and humor with one of these hilarious candles.
Photos copyright of Bossy Pants Candle Company
So now that I've covered 14 of my favorite businesses to visit for Valentine's Day, which ones are on your list to check out?
Heads up: This page contains affiliate links. If you click and purchase, Urban Rhino may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products, places and businesses we have personally vetted.
About the Content Creator:
Tonya Cruser is the founder of the Urban Rhino Brand. She is a certified high school jewelry and glass teacher, having studied Fashion Design for her undergrad and Education for her Masters.
Awesome!
I'm here for those donuts!!!!
I found new (to me) businesses, businesses I’ve heard
of but didn’t realize were local and old favorites in this great post!
Love all the support of local businesses!
Fabulous establishments!