MKMCreative

One of the best perks of our job is that we get to hire and work with local, independent and small businesses to procure their products or benefit from their service and offerings. It’s one of our highlights and favorite parts of the gig. This fine artist Dennis of Dennis & Beverly Tier Signs custom made and installed signage and decals to perfection for an activation. He’s a delight, talented and pure to his craft to experience the sign kit, the story behind it and the man himself.

DO NOT DISMISS AS TLDR | PROMISE IT’S WORTH THE READ @nearbyhq + @keepoaklandalive is worth knowing about -- a real, viable small business solution. INTERLUDE: We’ll save you from our true feelings about all the ‘talking’ about saving and supporting small businesses and the ‘doing’ we cannot seem to locate in equal measure or value. --... As a small business (although we prefer the term ‘boutique’ as that’s the type of high-touch service we provide) ourselves, and a true advocate and supporter of the like-minded -- individuals, independents, artisans, artists and on and on -- we are thrilled about Nearby’s marketplace that puts local merchants, and the communities they serve at the forefront with an experience that speaks to customers needs and preferences. THE PROPOSITION Shop local ACROSS stores and receive all of the items at one time in ONE box from a local community. Think of the goliath that shall not be named that makes it easy to shop there because you can get everything from one site -- definitely not in one box -- it’s that mindset yet on a local level. Our first purchase included: @mudlaboak = Nakawe Natural Deodorant with Compostable Packaging | Necessity @happytrailshomeinc = Hummingbird Patterned Kitchen Towel | Sentimentality, my {late} mom comes to me in hummingbirds and butterflies @happytrailshomeinc = Who was RGB Board Book | Birthday gift for a young cutie -- Their first rollout was in Oakland with KOA, the Keep Oakland Alive campaign -- they ship everywhere, our purchases were sent to Vermont, SF, Denver...-- with a plan to roll out new markets city by city across the country. By supporting KOA/nearbyhq now and keeping them on your radar as they roll out to new markets -- patronizing them will actually help in keeping small businesses alive! Stop ‘shoulding’ all over yourself and support local...for reals.

It might be barbecue season, but we’re opting for the private chef

The Universe and Mother Nature in all their genius kicked off Pride month with a rainbow high in the sky. The perfect symbol to announce, draw attention to and usher in. Nailed it. #pridemonth

We hope you equal parts indulged and practiced self-care over the long weekend.

Read the not-so-fine painted print to get the full message.