As our third annual Local First Springfield Awards are fast approaching, we want to take the opportunity to highlight the 2020 nominees. In place of the event, canceled due to COVID-19, we will drop a video on Facebook on September 17 to announce our winners and thank our generous sponsors.
Emerging & Energized Award – sponsored by The Arizona Tile Company
This award is for the members that are new businesses in operation and already turning heads.
Serious Lip Balm
Serious Lip Balm was started accidentally by two chicks who had no business starting a business. We did not mean for all of this to happen. We never researched market trends and heck, neither of us has ever been to business school. Serious Lip Balm was born with the idea that we wanted to make some kick-ass gifts to give to some kick-ass people. And we did not settle down until that lip balm was perfect.
Once we figured out the formula for (what we believe is) the most fabulous lip balm, we ventured into the lip scrub arena. Followed by healing balm, paw balm, lotion bars, whipped body butter, nipple balm, a balm to help smoosh faced dogs, etc. We never create a product that has a bunch of nonsense things that you cannot pronounce on the label, and e never release a product until we feel like it is better than what is already available.
It went from some awesome lip balms given to close friends and family and has become a thriving business with 70-ish different scents of lip balms, ten products, and sold in retail locations from Colorado to Washington, DC. Despite its growth, it remains a business that strives to give something great to people that mean the world to us.
We are all about making body products with simple ingredients as well as doing good in our community and world. We partner with a rehabilitation center that employs people who might otherwise have a hard time getting jobs. We are also involved with a foundation that educates folks about breast cancer, and another that supports families whose children are in the NICU.
We did not mean for Serious Lip Balm to happen, but we are holding on with both hands and enjoying this ride.
Three Twigs Bakery
Emily launched Three Twigs Bakery in Springfield in 2017 at just 23 years of age. Three Twigs is the recipient of several awards, including finalists for the SJR Readers Choice Awards in the category of Best Cupcakes, Best Dessert (Local), Best Donuts, and Best Pie/Cake.
Three Twigs Bakery offers made from scratch baked goods, using the highest quality local (wherever possible) ingredients. The vegan and gluten-free items options at Three Twigs Bakery are not just a business decision or trend, but come from a passion to delicious pasties that everyone can enjoy.
Emily works closely with other local businesses to support their endeavors and their businesses succeed, and to help put food on their tables.
Three Twigs Hospitality Group includes Three Twigs Bakery, Biscuits + Brunch, and The Salted Lemon.
AK Boutique
AK Boutique is an upscale resale destination dedicated to a tidy, atmospheric retail experience, meaningful relationships with customers, and conscious and ethical consumption.
Whimsy Tea Company
At Whimsy Tea Company, we believe that tea is a lifestyle. It offers us an opportunity to calm our minds and spirits while nourishing our bodies. Whimsy Tea Company provides the highest quality of teas, herbal infusions, and tea-infused products to everyone with the utmost convenience. We give our customers access to high quality, fair-trade teas, and an entire range of health and beauty products featuring the absolute best the botanical world has to offer.
Social Change Maker Award - sponsored by Scooter’s Lawn Care
This award is for members where a positive social impact is at the core of their purpose. They are creating opportunities to address social issues and better our world.
Cured Catering
Catering does not have to be boring, and it should not be. Business owner Brian Reilly takes a fresh approach to the often stale catering market. Relying on skills honed in over 20 years of management, hospitality, and special event services, Brian set out to create a fusion of fresh foods with artistic and engaging displays. The result was Cured Catering.
Serious Lip Balm
See above
Lake Area Disposal & Recycling
Lake Area Disposal & Recycling was founded in 1932 by the Donald E. Crenshaw Sr. family.
More than eight decades later, Lake Area Disposal & Recycling is the oldest and largest locally owned waste disposal service in Springfield and Sangamon County.
Lake Area Disposal & Recycling believes its customers are its greatest asset.
Best Collaboration Award – sponsored by Heartland Financial Services
This award is for members that have worked together, developed, and achieved a successful collaboration.
Capital City Event Planning & Sangamon Reclaimed
Sangamon Reclaimed, owned by Brian Frieze, and Capital City Event Planning, owned by Sarah Croft, are a fantastic example of two-member businesses that have worked together, developed, and achieved a successful collaboration.
On November 30, 2019, the 10th anniversary of Small Business Saturday, Sangamon Reclaimed hosted its first and highly successful Makers Market. The Makers Market featured local independent businesses, a Kidzeum of Health & Science make and take workshop assisted photos with Santa Claus, and drinks for purchase from Just the Basics Mobile Bar.