Does anyone else love Instagram like I do!?! The picture-taking photographer and mama in me loves it and the naturally nose-y woman in me loves it! Posting daily pictures of life and business and being able to quickly see what everyone else is doing and saying, too!?! It’s like a super condensed version of Facebook that’s far less negative, a faster way to get your social media fix and it’s so much prettier. 🙂

I use Instagram every day. I post pictures of the kiddos, share JFP portraits and weddings, and try to connect with other photographers and small business owners. I also find photography inspiration and pretty products that I may want to buy in the future. People or businesses that I follow tag and share things from others, and I get curious. So I click around to see if their follow-worthy and I usually find a few that interest me. Most recently, I found five standout small businesses and I thought I’d share them with you today!

Dear Golden

I may never purchase one of their items and I’m not sure I’ll ever be in Michigan to visit their shop, but the pieces they post are lovely to look at! And they usually spark some inspiration. 🙂 They’re a curated vintage shop in Ann Arbor that sells dresses, coats, hats, shoes…all kinds of unique and “old” pieces. My favorites are the bridal gowns. I love when a bride wears something totally unique and “out of the norm” and I think a vintage bridal gown is a good way to do that! I also just think they’re so romantic and inspiring…like this one:

Photo credit Dear Golden

Fresh Light Photography

The light, soft, natural images from this newborn/maternity/family photographer pulled me in right away. Those are three things I’ve been striving for during my newborn and maternity sessions, so naturally I’m inspired by what she posts. Leigh lives in Houston, so just like Dear Golden, I may never actually meet her. But I’ll continue to enjoy her Instagram posts. 🙂

Mindy Maes Market

If you like bold and stylish clothes and accessories, I think you’ll like this place! They design their own pieces and aren’t afraid to mix prints and colors, which I love! A red and pink floral skirt with a black and white top!? I would never think to put the two together, but they did and it looks awesome! They’re pieces are also affordable, which is HUGE in my book. I can’t afford $100 for a nice skirt. But $39.99 for the one pictured below is definitely doable. 🙂

Photo credit Mindy Maes Market

Minky and Prickett

If I see a colorful and cute kid product when browsing through Instagram, I stop. I have two kiddos (ages 4 and 1) so I’m naturally drawn to things that might be suitable for them…or help increase their cute-ness a little. 🙂 I believe I found Minky & Prickett through someone else that I’m following on Instagram. They were either giving away one of her products or they were simply sharing the cute-ness! Whatever it was, it caught my eye and I had to find out more. M&P is all about “fresh. functional. fun” and two of those words strongly resonate with me (JFP…FUN. FRESH. Colorful photography! 🙂 ) She’s also a mama of four making handmade goodies, so she gets two extra stars in my book! Unfortunately I haven’t ordered anything yet, but I’ve been tempted! She also just launched a new website that’s full of cute-ness, too!

 

So there’s a little “Friday Fun” for ya! If you’re in the mood for some online shopping or just some beautiful inspiration, I think one of these four businesses can help with that. 🙂 See ya next week!