Discover our Special Edition Holiday Showcase, celebrating the incredible talent of local crafters, makers, and artisans right here in our community. These creators pour heart and skill into every piece they make — and this season, you have a chance to support them in a meaningful way.

From unique handmade gifts to one-of-a-kind holiday treasures, your purchase helps lift up local small businesses and keeps creativity alive in Cereal City.
Thank you for choosing to shop local and support our amazing makers this holiday season!

If you’ve ever wished you could bottle up the spirit of Battle Creek and share it with someone you love, Cereal City Candle Company has done exactly that.

Owned by woman veteran and proud Battle Creek entrepreneur Kellee VanValkenburg, this small business is bringing the aroma of home to families near and far.

What began in 2020 as a simple gesture of love, gifting handmade candles to family and friends, quickly blossomed into something special.

When Kellee created her now-beloved “Breakfast in Battle Creek” candle and sent it to relatives who couldn’t make it home for the holidays, she realized she had found something meaningful, something deeply connected to place and memory.

People weren’t just receiving a candle, they were receiving a piece of home.

Every candle is hand-stirred and hand-poured, showcasing Kellee’s dedication to craftsmanship, quality, and creativity.

She uses soy wax, not only for its clean, long-lasting burn but also because it offers a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to traditional waxes.

The result is a candle that feels good to light, in every sense.

What truly sets Cereal City Candle Company apart is ...

In January 2024, Mama's Kitchen Home Style Bakery opened with a heartfelt mission to bring back family-favorite recipes passed down through generations.

Customers enjoy old-fashioned favorites like Banana Nut Bread, Zucchini Bread, classic No-Bake Cookies, and Chocolate Chip Cookies—comfort food made just like Mama did.

Snack lovers can pick up seasoned Crackers and Chex Mix, each bursting with nostalgic flavors.

As holidays draw near, the bakery highlights indulgent treats such as Apple Caramel Pecan Cake, Pineapple Upside-Down Cake, and Pistachio Nut Bread—perfect for festive gatherings.

Don’t miss out on rich Walnut Fudge and assorted candy mixes to delight your sweet cravings.

Browse the full menu and sweet ideas on their Facebook page or call 269-832-9943.

Rediscover the warmth and flavor of Mama’s Kitchen—breads, cookies, and more!

Q: What are some key considerations when running a home business?

A: - Important considerations include setting up a dedicated workspace, managing time effectively, maintaining a work-life balance, and staying organized with finances and paperwork.

Q: How can I promote my home business and attract clients?

A: - Utilize social media platforms, create a professional website, network with other professionals in your industry, offer promotions or discounts, and ask satisfied clients for referrals.

Q: How can I stay motivated and productive while working from home?

A: - Establish a daily routine, set specific goals and deadlines, take breaks to recharge, stay connected with others in your industry, and regularly assess and adjust your business strategies for improvement.

Aromas of Alchemy started in 2021 as a home-based venture with a mission to create fragrances that feel as good as they smell.

What began as a passion project has blossomed into a trusted local name, celebrated for hand-poured candles, wax melts, and room sprays.

Each product is crafted with care, using phthalate-free, non-toxic ingredients and strictly excludes anything listed on California Prop 65.

This dedication means cleaner, safer scents and peace of mind for anyone who wants beauty without compromise.

Popular fragrances like Lust, Dark Waters, Seaside, Paradise Isle, and Queen of Berries each bring a unique atmosphere—from tropical escapes to juicy sweetness.

With every scent, Aromas of Alchemy transforms ordinary rooms and continues elevating local homes with handcrafted magic.

Make sure to include high-quality photos of your products in your email responses to customers to showcase the beauty and detail of your handmade crafts.

Patti Wever, a dedicated local healthcare worker, sought comfort during the toughest days of the COVID-19 pandemic by exploring her creative side.

She discovered a lasting joy in making handcrafted wreaths, a hobby that blossomed into her thriving business, Wever’s Wreaths.

Patti now designs custom wreaths for every season and style, from holiday cheer to favorite sports teams, even whimsical animal themes.

Each wreath is made by hand, with attention to detail and a burst of vibrant color, making every piece unique.

Prices start at $45 and go up to $100, offering an affordable way to brighten your door or give a thoughtfully personal gift.

These special wreaths tell the inspiring story of someone who transformed a difficult time into a joyful craft that now brings happiness to others.

Nancy Sutherland transformed a childhood hobby into a thriving local business, Every Little Thing for Dolls, after a special project with her niece inspired her to create handmade doll clothes.

Together, they picked fabrics and crafted matching outfits for two 18-inch dolls — a heartfelt surprise that quickly captured the attention of family, friends, and craft show shoppers.

As demand soared, Nancy’s creations expanded to over 200 unique patterns in six doll sizes, including styles inspired by beloved characters like Anna, Elsa, Jasmine, and Moana.

Now, her collection features not only meticulously made dresses but also original patterns and coordinating accessories, from hats to purses and shoes.

Every piece reflects her hands-on artistry and passion, turning a simple act of kindness into a dream career cherished by doll enthusiasts throughout the community.