The season of giving is upon us, and with it comes the task of finding the perfect gift for loved ones. Fayetteville is home to a variety of exceptional Veteran-owned businesses that offer unique, high-quality products—ideal for everyone on your shopping list. From hand-crafted home goods to self-care essentials, this holiday gift guide features a selection of Veteran-owned establishments, each bringing their passion and expertise to their craft. 

CURATE ESSENTIALS 

Housed in a charming 1914 home adorned with twinkling lights and rocking chairs, Curate Essentials is a haven for pampering and healthcare products, nearly all made on-site. 

Curate Essentials is owned by Leslie Pearson. Pearson was a photojournalist and public affairs specialist with the Army. “My husband and I decided to make Fayetteville our home after leaving the military. In 2019 we opened Vizcaya Villa, a wedding and event space. We also opened Fayetteville Pie Company, which we sold to open Curate Essentials, an herbal apothecary, coffee shop and boutique. At Curate Essentials we focus on herbal education, holistic wellness and preventative medicine,” shared Pearson. 

Curate Essentials has been open for two years now. 

Visit Curate Essentials for items such as all-natural soaps, herbal remedies, hand-painted eco-friendly scarves and more. Highlights include:

• Peppermint Self-Care Bundle ($28): Infused with peppermint essential oil, this invigorating bundle features a sugar scrub, bar soap, and moisturizer
• Driftwood Sculptures ($40-$60): The driftwood sculptures will add a touch of simplicity and rustic, natural appeal to a home or office. The driftwood is sustainably sourced from the shores of Hunting Island, SC, and the base is made from reclaimed oak wood and features a beveled edge.

For more details about Curate Essentials visit www.curateessentials.com. 

CURSIVE

Nestled in downtown Fayetteville, Cursive is a go-to for thoughtful gifts that resonate. The store is owned by Bruce and Molly Arnold. 

Bruce served three years in the Army. 

“After saving our second downtown building from demolition, we renovated it with the concept of having storefronts available to lease to new entrepreneurs. To get started, we planned on occupying one space to attract other tenants, selling some of the vintage items and other unique things Molly had collected. A pop-up shop before it had that name, it was meant to be a temporary thing, as I was recovering from a construction injury and out of work. We named it White Trash & colorful accessories for the shabby chic distressed things and the accompanying art, gifts and unique finds,” shared Bruce.

Cursive (then known as White Trash & colorful accessories) was opened in 2005. 

“It has been extremely rewarding to be able to offer a great space on Franklin Street to other small business owners pursuing their dreams and vision, and having their great businesses contributing to our downtown's revitalization and awesome specialty shops,” remarked Bruce.

Cursive’s eclectic range includes jewelry, totes, candles, and more. Standout items include: 

• Charcuterie-Serving Boards with City Designs ($53.00)
• Fayetteville Cityscape Wine Glass ($25.00)

For more information about Cursive go to www.shopcursive.com. 

SCENTED WICKS CANDLE BAR

Scented Wicks offers hand-poured soy wax candles and an interactive candle-making experience. The eco-friendly focus and distinctive scents make for memorable gifts. 

Scented Wicks is owned by Shaylin Bell. Bell explained that her candle making journey began during COVID in 2020 as a hobby. Once she’d perfected the craft, she began selling her candles at local farmers markets and craft shows. 

“After retiring in 2022, my husband and I opened the candle bar to provide a unique candle making experience for the local area. Opening the candle bar exceeded our expectations to just having locals, to having people travel from as far as Virginia and South Carolina to make candles at our Bar,” shared Bell.

Featured products at Scented Wicks include:

• Aromatherapy Manifestation Candles ($27.00): Hand-poured soy wax candles infused with fresh mint, bergamot and spearmint
• Candle Making 101 ($45 per person): This hands-on experience is a perfect gift for both beginners and those looking to refine their skills. Under the guidance of expert instructors, learn the fundamentals of candle crafting, from selecting the right wax and wicks to exploring fragrance combinations that ignite your creativity.

Learn more about Scented Wicks Candle Bar by visiting their website: www.scentedwickscandles.square.site.

BATH SNOB

Run by a mother-daughter team, Bath Snob treats customers like family, offering a range of all-natural, handmade bath products. 

Bath Snob has been in Hope Mills since 2019. The business was created by and is now owned and operated by a mother, Mary Thompson, and her two daughters, Connie Melvin-Rushing and Tammie Melvin-Carli le. Thompson worked for the Army & Air Force Exchange Service for over 30 years, providing her with extensive retail experience.

From soothing bath bombs to luxurious body butters, notable items include:

• Skincare Gift Set ($26.98): Made with turmeric and lemongrass essential oil, this skincare gift set features a lemongrass soap and rejuvenating facial elixir. Beard Kit (32.99): Includes a conditioning beard balm, beard oil and trimming set.

Go to www.bathsnob.com for more information about the business.

These are just some of the many Veter an-owned businesses in our community. Take the opportunity this season to support our local businesses and invest in our local economy.