Heartell in the Shop - 🌈 PRIDE EDITION
In honor of Pride Month, we want to give a heartfelt shout-out to the shops that carry Heartell and work to create spaces where everyone feels welcome.
There's something special about wandering through a neighborhood and knowing there's a place where you can walk through the door exactly as you are. Whether it's a bookstore, gift shop, coffee shop, or community-focused retailer, these spaces remind us that small businesses can be powerful places of belonging.
At Heartell, we believe in nurturing connection, celebrating individuality, and creating room for people to show up authentically. This month, we're highlighting a handful of retailers who are queer-owned, actively support LGBTQ+ communities, or intentionally create inclusive spaces for their customers and neighbors.
We know this list is only a small sampling of the many wonderful shops we partner with, but we're grateful for every retailer helping build communities rooted in kindness, respect, and care.
🌈📚💖LOUD, PROUD & COMMUNITY-MINDED SHOPS
The Ripped Bodice
Brooklyn, New York & Culver City, California
Through thoughtfully curated books, community events, and a commitment to uplifting diverse voices, they've helped make romance literature more inclusive and accessible for readers everywhere. Their dedication to celebrating LGBTQ+ authors, characters, and readers makes them a wonderful example of the kind of community-focused businesses we're proud to support. 🌈📚💖
Paper & Pencil
Chicago, Illinois
Paper & Pencil is a friendly, independent, queer-owned neighborhood stationery shop in Chicago, thoughtfully stocked with stationery, writing tools, notebooks, journals, planners, office supplies, and all the little things that make putting pen to paper feel super special. Owned by Andersonville residents Tyler McCall and Eric Campbell, the shop has become a beloved destination for creatives, list-makers, letter writers, and anyone who appreciates the joy of a well-crafted notebook.
Good Judy
Online Boutique
At Good Judy all products are purchased from small artists/makers/businesses and are women, LGBTQ+ and/or BIPOC owned. 10% off all profits are also distributed to non-profit organizations supporting the above mentioned, animals, and people in need. 💖
A Room of One's Own
Madison, Wisconsin
The feminist and queer-friendly bookshop is filled with contemporary and classic fiction, nonfiction, graphic novels, local interest titles, gifts, toys, and greeting cards, Room is a place made for curious readers and thoughtful gift-givers alike. Their strong collections of children's and young adult books, women's studies, and LGBTQ+ fiction and nonfiction reflect their commitment to offering stories and perspectives that help readers feel seen and connected. 🌈
Thank you for supporting us and the independent shops that make us all feel seen and welcomed!
Have a favorite LGBTQ+ owned or LGBTQ+ affirming shop? Share it in the comments below. We're always looking to celebrate more businesses that make people feel welcome.
Explore all the shops that carry Heartell near you on our Store Locator.