Summary
The Purpose of Intentionalist
The directory aims to guide travelers toward conscious consumerism. Laura Clise was on a trip in Cambodia when she stumbled upon an artisanal collaborative selling handwoven silk scarves. It was the perfect souvenir that supported artisans while being functional. This catalyzed her desire to shop consciously, both at home and on the road. “I was keen on spending my money in a way that connected me to people, culture, and community,” Clise, a Seattle resident, shared.
Upon her return, Clise searched for resources to help her make intentional purchases. Unable to find anything beneficial, she created Intentionalist in 2017.
Expansion and Community Impact
Intentionalist is an online small business directory committed to guiding people toward conscious consumerism. Now, five years later, travelers and community members can access recommendations for over 4,000 local businesses thanks to Clise’s community-driven approach. This platform provides insights into restaurants, cafes, and boutiques, extending across 35 U.S. states, with more additions anticipated.
The site features an interactive map with filters to find businesses that are veteran-, Indigenous-, LGBTQ+-, Asian-, Latinx-, Black-, or disability-owned. Additionally, the site’s blog highlights business owners and their impactful stories.
Highlighting Local Businesses
“We believe that where we spend our money matters. The everyday choices about where to eat, drink, and shop create opportunities to connect and support the main streets and small businesses that are essential to our communities,” Clise stated at Hood Famous Cafe + Bar, a female-owned eatery in Seattle featured on Intentionalist’s platform.
Hood Famous Cafe + Bar is an excellent representation of the kind of businesses Intentionalist promotes. Nestled in Seattle’s Chinatown-International district, this Filipino-owned small business operates out of the historic Publix Building, which provided housing for immigrant workers, including many Filipino cannery workers in the 1930s. The café offers a delectable menu featuring Filipino flavors such as ube cheesecake and cassava cake.
“In a world grappling with inequality, small businesses have a historical role in providing solutions to many challenges,” Clise explained.
Marketplace and Gift Cards
As an avid traveler, Clise drew on her experiences throughout Southeast Asia and Europe, using them to inspire Intentionalist as a resource fostering connections within and between communities, especially among visitors. Clise expressed, “When traveling, we seek out experiences that satisfy our curiosity, offering unique perspectives and opportunities to immerse ourselves in different cultures.” She emphasized that small businesses significantly contribute to the economy and the cultural fabric of a country.
Travelers can easily access recommendations through the Intentionalist website, whether on a computer or smartphone. The search tool on the homepage allows users to search by type of business and zip code to find what’s nearby. Although platforms like Google or Yelp exist, Intentionalist makes it convenient to support local businesses while feeling good about those choices.
In addition to the informative blog and community guides, Intentionalist features a marketplace where users can purchase gift cards from participating businesses, with 100 percent of profits directly benefiting those small businesses.
“As Intentionalist grows, it generates value for everyone involved, enabling us to act on our good intentions. It bridges the gap between our values and our actions, making it easier for us all to contribute to a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable world,” Clise added.
To discover notable businesses near you or at your travel destination, visit intentionalist.com.
