This Online Tool Helps Travelers Find Small Businesses in Diverse Communities Across 35 States

Laura Clise was on a trip in Cambodia when she stumbled upon an artisanal collaborative selling handwoven silk scarves. It was the perfect souvenir: It supported artisans and was a functional purchase. The experience catalyzed a desire to shop consciously, whether it be at home or on the road. “I was interested in spending my money, not toward the accumulation of as much stuff as possible for as little money as possible, but in purchasing gifts and experiences that connected me to people and culture and community,” Clise, who lives in Seattle, told Travel + Leisure.

When she returned from her trip, she looked for resources to help her be more intentional about what she bought.

Clise couldn’t find anything so, in 2017, she created one herself: Intentionalist.

Intentionalist is an online small business directory on a mission to guide people toward conscious consumerism. Now, five years later, travelers and community members can easily access recommendations to more than 4,000 local businesses thanks to Clise’s community-driven guides. 

The platform has recommendations for cities across 35 U.S. states — and the list is growing. Travelers can use the site to find a wide selection of restaurants, cafes, and boutiques to visit.

The online directory also has an interactive map with filters to search for veteran-, Indigenous-, LGBTQ+-, Asian-, Latinx-, Black-, or disability-owned businesses. And the site’s blog spotlights business owners and their stories.

“We believe that where we spend our money matters. And that everyday decisions about where we eat, drink, and shop are an opportunity to connect with and intentionally support the main streets [and] small businesses at the heart of our communities,” Clise said, while sitting at Hood Famous Cafe + Bar — a female-owned eatery in Seattle. (And, of course, it’s a business highlighted on Intentionalist’s website.)

JangeGPhoto/Courtesy of Intentionalist

Hood Famous Cafe + Bar is a great example of the types of businesses Intentionalist promotes and the neighborhoods it uplifts.

The Filipino-owned small business operates out of the Publix Building — it housed immigrant workers in the 1930s, including many Filipino cannery workers — in Seattle’s Chinatown-International district. The cafe serves baked goods with Filipino flavors like ube cheesecake, cassava cake, and a daily selection of freshly baked pandesal.

“In a world where we are grappling with inequality, where we are grappling with how it is that we bridge cultural differences, how it is that we reinforce connection and community, small businesses, like this coffee shop, have a long history of providing a piece of the solutions to so many of the challenges that we face,” Clise explained.

As an avid traveler, Clise drew on her experiences visiting countries throughout Southeast Asia and Europe to inspire Intentionalist as a resource for fostering connection for people who live within these communities, but also for those visiting. 

“When we’re traveling, we’re looking for something that satiates our curiosity — something that offers maybe a different point of view, a different kind of experience, and opportunity to experience another culture or another climate,” she said. “Small businesses, whether they are places where we’re grabbing a bite or operating tours or other experiences, occupy a unique place in the economy, [and] are the social and cultural fabric of a country.” 

Travelers can access recommendations by using the Intentionalist website on their computers or their smartphone. The search tool on the home page has the option to search by type of business and zip code to help locate what’s nearby. (Sure, there’s always Google or Yelp, but Intentionalist makes it just as convenient to support local businesses and feel good about it, too.)

Courtesy of Intentionalist

In addition to the blog and guides, Intentionalist has a marketplace where you can purchase gift cards from participating businesses — 100 percent of the profit goes directly to the small business.

“As [Intentionalist] scales, it generates benefit and creates value for all of us in a way that we can feel good about,” Clise said. “And it closes the gap between our good intentions and [our] ability to easily take action.

It connects what we say to what we do — and that makes it easier for all of us to contribute to the more inclusive, equitable, [and] sustainable world that we say we want to be a part of.”

To look up notable businesses near you or a destination you’re traveling to, visit intentionalist.com

forever-21 listed on couponmatrix.uklsa-international listed on couponmatrix.ukraileasy listed on couponmatrix.ukryobi listed on couponmatrix.uksnaptrip listed on couponmatrix.ukthe-ritz listed on couponmatrix.uk
forever-21 listed on couponmatrix.ukWith designs that set trends without breaking the bank, think only of Forever 21. Home to chic styles tailored to both men and women, including plenty for plus sizes too, anyone is free to bulk out their wardrobe with the hottest fashion for less with a Forever 21 discount code. With a forward-thinking mindset that includes the banning of fur, angora and mohair whilst supporting organically-grown fibres in all its threads, there’s no reason not to look and feel your finest whenever you dress with Forever 21.
lsa-international listed on couponmatrix.ukFounded in Poland over 50 years ago, LSA has been a beacon for fashionable tableware across the globe for half a century. Even today, they use the same signature high-quality finishes and traditional, complex artisan techniques which are indicative of LSA’s distinctive product lines. With an LSA discount code, you can find some amazing savings on their stunning range of natural wood, leather, porcelain, and mouthblown glass dining wear to ensure your next dinner party is a success.
raileasy listed on couponmatrix.ukOur Raileasy discount codes will help you save even more money on your next rail trip, whether you’re heading to visit your aunty in the country, or taking your partner away on a mini-break. Raileasy look to make you a handsome saving of up to 80% on your train journeys through a variety of different methods, meaning you’ve got a few more coins in the coffers for all the other getaway essentials. A National Rail accredited internet retail booking engine, Raileasy has one sole aim: to find you the best fare possible. Whether you’re looking for the best possible rate or just a route with a bit of flexibility, Raileasy scours the web for your ideal ticket. The site does this in the hope of attracting new people to rail journeys across the UK. And if you’ve already got your rail tickets to hand, then not to worry – Raileasy also provides booking facilities for everything from accommodation to theatre trips, plus ferries and trains in Europe. So whatever your plans involve, it’s well worth having a browse of our Raileasy coupon codes for some inspiration. An easy-to-use interface lets customers easily search for the best possible fares between locations. You can also search for split tickets which breaks journeys down into smaller sections for an even bigger discount. Meanwhile, railcards for seniors, families and students can also be used. Ready to explore more of the UK by train and save some money in the process? Browse our selection of Raileasy discount codes and make sure you bag the best possible fare.
ryobi listed on couponmatrix.ukYou and Ryobi are the dream team when it comes to DIY. Whether you’re mowing the lawn, fixing the shed or crafting a masterpiece, Ryobi tools get the job done the right way, and they’ll come with a three-year warranty to keep you tinkering for years to come. As experts in power tools like pressure washers and lawn mowers, shop with a Ryobi discount code from Groupon to cut the cost of your next project and keep your tool shed fully stocked with supplies without breaking the bank.
snaptrip listed on couponmatrix.ukEnjoy last-minute self-catered cottages and apartments with Snaptrip and make your spontaneous holiday a getaway to remember. Stay in the UK and explore Britain's natural wonders, including the Brecon Beacons, Lake District, Dartmoor, or go further afield and bathe in the rich culture of France, Italy or Spain. Simply book with a Snap promo code and receive a generous discount on your reservation. Whatever your location or budget, Snaptrip has a brilliant holiday deal for you.
the-ritz listed on couponmatrix.ukIt’s time to hunt out those glad rags and book an afternoon at one of London's most prestigious locations. We know you’re worried about the dreaded moment that bill arrives, which is why we’ve got plenty of Ritz vouchers for you to get your hands on. Whether afternoon tea floats your boat or a 3 course meal is more up your street, The Ritz will deliver an unrivaled dining experience that you won't be forgetting any time soon.