​Support Small Business | Birkenstock Shops & Independent Brands

​Support Small Business

Supporting Small Businesses | Birkenstock Boston at Harveys in Santa Ana

Kicking back in my oiled leather Birkenstock Bostons while visiting Harveys in Santa Ana, California. As much as I adore Birks, I’m equally passionate about supporting small businesses that bring creativity, craftsmanship, and heart to our communities.

​I have intentionally not blogged in months.  The pandemic has changed everything and I have not found the time, nor had the motivation, to write about Birkenstocks.  To be honest, writing a blog about shoes, when millions of people are out of work and small businesses are suffering, feels completely insensitive.   So, I have offered only radio silence….until today.
 
Today’s blog will be short and sweet.  In fact, because it is Halloween, I am offering you a real treat.  I am going to share with you my top three favorite small businesses in the U.S.  What I ask from you in return, is to support your favorite small business and maybe check out mine. 
 
My top three favorite small businesses in the US are (in alphabetical order):

El Paso Pride Month Installation | Home of Birkenstock Attitudes

Colorful Pride Month installation in downtown El Paso, Texas—proudly home to Birkenstock Attitudes, a favorite spot for authentic Birkenstock sandals and community style inspiration.

1. Birkenstock Attitudes
If you are not in El Paso, the best way to reach Paul or Mona at Birkenstock Attitudes is to send them a Direct Message (DM) via their Instagram page.  I first shared my connection with Birkenstock Attitudes back in my 2019 blog post Gina Mama’s Thoughts on Social Media.  In 2022, I visited their beautiful store in person during a cross country road trip.  If you want the full story on why I recommend them, read Gina Mama's First Spring/Summer 2019 Birks where I showcased  a rare pair of deep blue oiled leather Mayaris.   I also highlight a pair of sandals that I purchased from Birkenstock Attitudes and my post Big Buckle Gators.  

Custom Leopard Print Birkenstock Arizonas with San Francisco Skyline

Wild style meets city views—my custom leopard print Birkenstock Arizona sandals soaking up the sun on the Bay rocks with the San Francisco skyline shimmering in the distance.

2. Custom Made Birkenstocks
Call Michelangelo, (708) 453-4900, at Custom Made Birkenstocks, he can help you create a custom pair of Birkenstocks, repair your Birks, sell you a pair of Birkenstocks and do a million other amazing things.  I have written a number of blogs about Michelangelo’s handy work.

Supporting small businesses is about honoring the artisans who keep Birkenstocks both stylish and timeless. In my collection of Birkenstock blogs, you’ll find plenty of inspiration—from styling ideas to shoe care tips—plus personal stories from decades of wearing authentic Birks.  One of my favorite features is showcasing the incredible work of Michelangelo in My First Pair of Custom Birks.  His expert recrafting has breathed new life into worn pairs, from sole replacements to designing custom footbeds made just for me.  He’s proof that small-batch craftsmanship keeps the Birkenstock tradition alive.  

I had the good fortune of meeting Michelangelo in person before the world shut down in 2020—a moment I’ll never forget. If you’re curious about what it was like to connect face-to-face with the artisan behind so many of my recrafts and custom projects, read all about it in Gina Mama's Custom Birks.

In Giving Thanks, I highlight my gold crocodile Gizehs, custom creations that prove how artisan detail combined with Birkenstock’s footbed magic equals perfection.  Beyond professional recrafts, my blog also explores creative projects like painting straps with Angelus paints, adding sparkle with Glitterlites, and experimenting with Tarrago creams—because personalization can be as fun as it is practical.

Read Sandy’s Guest Blog, where she shows off her vibrant multi-strap Mayaris crafted with Michelangelo’s help. Or check out Birkenstock Diva and Magical Red Glitterlites to see how I turned “Pepto-pink” disappointments into show-stopping customs. If vintage revivals are your thing, Vintage Birkenstocks Recrafted walks through saving discontinued models step by step. For those curious about design trends, White Sole Birkenstocks weighs in on style vs. function. And if comfort is your top priority, Shearling Lined Birkenstocks: Part 2 proves why shearling is a must-have for cozy, supportive wear.

Every one of these Birkenstock stories owes credit to the skillful hands of Michelangelo—his custom work and recrafts at Custom Made Birkenstocks are the foundation behind so many of my blog posts.

Disney Star Wars Harveys Tote with Black Rivet Birkenstock Arizonas

Channeling galaxy vibes with my Disney x Star Wars Comic Strip Harveys Seatbelt Medium Streamline Tote and Black Injected Rivet Birkenstock Arizonas. Comfort, style, and a touch of the Force all in one shot.

3. Harveys

Harveys is one of those small businesses I almost don’t want to share—because the thrill of scoring a limited release is half the fun! Made in California since 1997, Harveys Seatbelt Handbags are as tough as they are stylish: crafted from automotive-grade seatbelts, stitched with NASA-grade thread, and guaranteed to last a lifetime.  Like Birkenstocks, they’re durable, repairable, vegan, and designed to be worn and loved for decades.  Over the years I’ve paired my rare Birks with everything from Harveys Disney collaborations to classic streamline totes, and every time, the combo sparks conversations.  Supporting Harveys means supporting a family-run California brand that turned a garage project into a cult-favorite company—and one that continues to celebrate creativity, sustainability, and local craftsmanship.  You can read the full story in my blog, Harveys Seatbelt Handbags & Birkenstocks, where I share why these bags pair perfectly with authentic Birks.

As of 2025, I still adore my older Harveys bags, but I’ve stepped back from buying new ones for over a year now. Looking through my photo archives, I realize I’ve got countless shots of Birkenstocks and Harveys paired together—each combo telling its own little story. It’s got me thinking: maybe it’s time for a follow-up blog, more of a photojournal that celebrates these pairings. A visual walk down memory lane that shows just how well Birks and Harveys complement each other.  Would you read it?  Let me know by sending me an email.

​With many areas shutting down again, please reach out to a small business and help support them during these very uncertain times.

What are your top three favorite small businesses?  Send me a message, I would love to learn about places that I can help support.
 
Happy Halloween & Stay Safe.
 
And don’t forget to GO VOTE!!!!!!!!!!!!

Patriotic Harveys Heart Bag & Birkenstocks | Reminder to Vote

My beloved Harveys "Made With Love" bag and wallet. I wore this piece of art when I dropped off my ballot.

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Related Birkenstock Blogs You Don’t Want to Miss:

If you’re committed to supporting small businesses, you’ll also want to shop with confidence. My guides in Spotting Fake Birkenstocks & Spotting Fake Birkenstocks: Part 2 show you how to identify authentic pairs, while Knock-Off Birkenstocks dives into the risks of buying counterfeits and why authenticity matters. Together, these blogs will help you make smarter choices, support trusted retailers, and enjoy the comfort and quality that only real Birkenstocks provide.

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Birkenstock Attitudes Storefront | Follow Gina Mama on Instagram

Spotted: the iconic Birkenstock Attitudes sign shining under the El Paso sun. If you love authentic Birks, rare finds, and styling tips, make sure to follow me on Instagram @ilovebirkenstocks for daily Birkenstock inspo and insider guides!

Custom Made Birkenstocks with Michelangelo in Novato, CA.   Connect directly with me and Michelangelo for insights, tips, and Birkenstock expertise inside my private Facebook group.

A full-circle Birkenstock moment — me standing alongside Michelangelo of CustomMade Birkenstocks in Novato, California. My bold red Arizonas paired with his well-worn black Birks tell the story: authentic sandals built to last, recrafted with love, and celebrated by those who truly know their worth.

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