Little Blue Cart, the trusted platform connecting conscious consumers with progressive small businesses, today announces the launch of Little Blue Market, a curated online marketplace designed to turn everyday spending into collective economic impact.
Built in direct response to community demand, Little Blue Market allows shoppers to discover and purchase directly from women-owned, BIPOC-owned, LGBTQ+-owned, disabled-owned, and veteran-led small businesses who are all vetted for shared values around democracy, equity, and human dignity. The launch comes at a moment when Americans are increasingly looking for alternatives to corporate platforms that prioritize profit over people.
After growing the Little Blue Cart Directory to more than 1,000 vetted progressive businesses, founders Kate Marsh Lord and Erin Fangmann saw a clear next step: create a marketplace that removes friction for shoppers and provides ethical infrastructure for small business owners who feel burned by Etsy, Amazon, and algorithm-driven commerce.
“People don’t just want to opt out of harmful systems, they want to support people and businesses they believe in,” said Kate Marsh Lord, co-founder of Little Blue Cart. “Little Blue Market is about building long-term infrastructure where values-aligned businesses can actually thrive, and where consumers can spend with confidence and without compromising their values.”
“Not everyone can protest, donate, or show up every day, but everyone shops,” said Erin Fangmann, co-founder of Little Blue Cart. “This Market makes participation accessible. Every dollar becomes a quiet but powerful values statement.”
Founding Vendors: The Heart of the Market
The first group of Founding Vendors, members of the the Creators Council, reflects the diversity, creativity, and values at the core of Little Blue Market. These business owners are available for interviews and represent a human-centered alternative to corporate commerce.
Founding Vendors Include:
- Michelle Czarka, Pantry Products — LGBTQ+-owned clean skincare brand with retail locations in Nevada and Utah
- Kimberly Bannick, Toute Douceur Candy — Second-generation confectioner focused on craftsmanship and connection
- Alise Morales, Jasper & Elm — Jewelry brand by a military spouse centered on community impact
- Raquel Small, Spicy Bite Nails — Hand-painted, reusable press-on nails created alongside full-time work
- Kerri Delaney, Party Paper Co. & Liberal Lawn — Bold yard signs, flags, and stationery designed to spark conversation
Founding Vendors on Why They Joined the Market:
- Raquel Small, Spicy Bite Nails: “I love the idea of a marketplace where I know my dollars are going to people who I’m aligned with morally and politically. I want to be part of the people on the right side of history that’s not fueled by hatred/xenophobia.”
- Kimberly Bannick, Toute Douceur: “I joined because it reflects the values I hold most dear—kindness, authenticity, and creativity with purpose. Being part of this community means sharing that spirit with people who believe in empathy and artistry as forces for good.”
- Kerri Delaney, Party Paper Co.: “I joined to be part of a marketplace that makes a real impact. I believe in supporting small businesses that share my values, rather than large corporations that don’t. It’s a community built on creativity, integrity, and progress — and I’m proud to be part of it.”
Little Blue Market publicly launches January 15, with ongoing vendor onboarding and new shops added regularly.
