Did you know? Charlotte is home to 40,000+ small businesses. Charlotteans are so good at supporting local that USA Today named the Queen City one of the best cities in the US to start a business last year.
In honor of our many movers and shakers, we’re asking readers to nominate small businesses they love so we can share them with the whole audience.
We’ll be here to share a new batch of small businesses every month, so bookmark this page to come back for more, especially if you’ve enjoyed our Small Business Week and Today’s Best coverage.
Editor’s note: Some quotes may have been edited for clarity and brevity.
Editor Maria’s picks
Seemingly Overzealous | Ice cream shop
“We are so grateful for the support we receive from our existing customer base, from the families in the neighborhood that walk or bike in for their weekly treat, and those who make the trek from further out of town for our specialty products.” — Co-owner Jessica Berrese
- Offering gluten-, egg-, and dairy-free ice creams and sweet treats, this expanding shop provides ice cream that can satisfy anyone’s sweet tooth.
Trope Bookshop | Bookstore
“Obviously, we’re gonna have the greatest hits, we’re gonna have the new, hot releases that everybody’s talking about. But I also want to provide books that are harder to find, like indie-published or local authors.” — Owner Katie Mitchell
- You could spend hours exploring the shelves of this Plaza Midwood favorite. Bonus: They host frequent author signings and monthly book club meetings.
Mood House | Health + wellness
“If you’re new to massage, I know that can be really intimidating. We’ll guide you through every step, and we’ll make sure you’re with the right fit for therapists.” — Owner Cristina Wilson
- This locally-owned massage and sauna studio operates in Dilworth and Oakhurst, providing luxury and relaxation to the Queen City.
Food & bev
La Bonbonnière Bakery | Bakery
“We are a family-owned bakery specializing in gourmet cookies with stories behind them. We’re inspired by the world around us and the different cultures we belong to and are surrounded by, which allows us to constantly create unique, creative flavors.” — Owner Valentina Lopez
- This popular micro-bakery serves large fresh cookies and offers more than 100 flavors. Pro tip: Order the cookie bundle, where you can sample four cookies, brownies, and croissants for $20.
Health + Wellness
Deep Roots Natural Medicine | 4108 Park Rd., Ste. 210
“Our approach is unique because we blend Eastern and Western medicine, offering a full spectrum of natural therapies tailored to each individual.” — Owner Tracie Hinton-Chavez
- Voted Charlotte’s Best Doctor in 2022, Dr. Tracie works with patients to find natural remedies and treatments for chronic illness, autoimmune concerns, moods, and pregnancy through micro needling, gua sha, and acupuncture.
Heddy + Hinton Naturals | Online
“We were tired of buying skincare that promised everything but delivered nothing. Our line is built on ingredient transparency, empowerment through education, and luxury sustainable packaging.” Co-owner Heddy Narchi
- This local business offers small-batch, handcrafted natural moisturizers and lip balms in sustainable aesthetic packaging.
Myofunctional Matters Therapy Partners | 9635 Southern Pine Blvd., Ste. 107
“When someone visits Myofunctional Matters for the first time, the one thing they have to do is experience an evaluation that helps them finally understand the ‘why’ behind their sleep, breathing, or oral health concerns.” — Owner Christina Bridges
- This practice provides specialized therapy to help improve sleep quality, development, and overall health functions.
Retail
Ekologicall | Online
“Being originally from France, I noticed a big difference in how waste and plastic are handled compared to the U.S. I wanted to educate my community about plastic pollution, unnecessary waste, and the impact on our health.” — Owner Valerie Gackiere
- This zero-waste shop provides non-toxic refillable personal care, oral care, and cleaning products. Plus: Use code CLTtoday to get 10% off products.
Personal services
Social Pet Hotel and Daycare | Multiple locations
“We exist to enrich the lives of dogs and the relationships they share with those who love them.” — Owner Amy Hillis
- Whether you’re looking for daycare, boarding, or help training, this local biz is sure to make you and your pup feel welcome for every visit. Bonus: New clients get their first day of daycare free + 50% off the first two nights of lodging.
Marketing
AOC Marketing Research | 10100 Park Cedar Dr., Ste. 100
“Research isn’t just about data, it’s about people. It’s about listening carefully, learning deeply, and turning those insights into opportunities for improvement and growth.” — Owner Cathleen Christopher
- From data research to taste testing new dishes in their test kitchen, this Charlotte company provides a hub for research and development.
Psst — If you’d like to see a small business included in CLTtoday, make sure to submit it here.
