Next week, a community gathering at the Key Biscayne Beach Club aims to make Holiday shopping a whole lot easier. Instead of being overwhelmed at a mall, Key Biscayne residents can enjoy a variety of local options at the island’s ShopFest and Holiday Bazaar.
ShopFest began last year as an Islander News initiative, and features a mix of products from traditional brick-and-mortar establishments as well as non-traditional small businesses.
The ShopFest special section inspires residents to shop, eat, and spend time locally this holiday season.
This year, to the special ShopFest section, a new vibrant bazaar and shopping fair event has been added. It gives residents the unique ability to shop locally while also spending time with friends and neighbors.
The ShopFest Holiday Bazaar will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, December 3 at the Key Biscayne Beach Club (685 Ocean Drive). The event is free and open to the public.
“The Island’s small business community is the backbone of the economic engine which makes Key Biscayne so special,” said Justo Rey, publisher of Islander News. “Being a locally owned and operated Key Biscayne-based business, providing opportunities for others like small businesses is paramount to keeping the Island full of many local options for residents.”
The ShopFest issue provides a chance to advertise at this critical time of the year, with spots as little as $55 each. The Holiday Bazaar is now sold out, with close to 30 vendors ready to share their artisanal gift options with the locals.
Rey said that he is proud to be able to provide proceeds from the bazaar to the Key Biscayne Community Foundation (KBCF). “KBCF provides valuable community services and acts as the financial sponsor for many Key-based non-profit organizations, all contributing to making Key Biscayne the special place to live, work, and play.”
From clothing to photography to food products, the businesses participating this year are plentiful.
Kichi Photography offers portraits, family, and event photography, while Lombaggi is an Italian-wear designed by her founder. Iara provides Pima Peruvian cotton loungewear, and Caro Accesorios is known for their fine silver gold plated jewelry.
The handmade products don’t stop there. Local brand By Natig offers products for community members looking for the perfect one-size-fits-all holiday gift–cause who doesn’t love candles?
“At By Natig, we specialize in crafting luxury handmade candles, made exclusively from 100% natural soy wax. Blending aesthetic design with sustainability, we provide hand-poured, eco-friendly, and non-toxic products designed to elevate the ambiance of your favorite spaces and special occasions,” said founder Natalia Zeitounsian.
Another local brand, Jacqui’s Pearls, offers customers with valuable pearl pieces featuring unique designs.
“At Jacqui’s Pearls, we don’t just make Pearl jewelry; we craft unique on trend gorgeous designs! Born from a true passion for pearls handed down through generations, we are proud to be a beacon of elegance, tradition, and innovation in the world of pearl jewelry.:
Besides clothing and accessories, there are also many businesses participating in the other category Key Biscayners love most: food. Galipana will be offering classic and delicious guava and chocolate pies, and CMB & Co sells coveted truffle butter and honey.
Another of the fan-favorite local spots participating this year is Il Mercato, an “Italian Family Tradition Crafted From Scratch,” offering delicious lasagnas, sweets, and even bottega products. The company is owned and operated by the husband/wife duo, Nelson Jimenez and Maria Carolina Jaso, both hailing from Caracas, Venezuela.
“For Il Mercato, being part of the first edition of ShopFest is a wonderful opportunity to share what we do with more members of our community. We’re proud to join a thoughtfully curated group of local brands and to bring our crafted-from-scratch creations to neighbors looking for meaningful, authentic gift options this holiday season,” said Jaso.
Jaso has formed part of the Islander News team for over a year now, as yet another effort to uplift local people, businesses, and initiatives on the island. “Being both an organizer and a participating local brand makes this event especially meaningful for me: it’s a chance to showcase the creativity and hard work of our neighbors while giving residents access to thoughtful, homegrown gift options right here on the Island,” Jaso added.
Read below for the full directory of local brands participating at this year’s ShopFest Bazaar:
By Natig
By Natig creates hand-poured, small-batch soy candles and giftable home accents, often presented on rustic wooden bases and seasonal designs. Their focus is on natural soy wax, elegant scent blends, and decor pieces that double as gifts.
For more, click here.
Caro Acesorios
Caro Acesorios is a handmade accessories brand offering feminine jewelry and everyday pieces such as bracelets, necklaces, and earrings, usually in limited runs.
Caroline Drew Designs
Caroline Drew Designs is a jewelry label based in Miami, known for delicate gold and silver chains, earrings, and custom pieces designed to be layered and worn every day.
For more, click here.
Catalina Wood
Catalina Wood designs colorful, handmade crochet and knit bags, combining artisanal techniques with playful, beach-ready color palettes. Her bags are often one-of-a-kind or made in very small batches.
For more, click here.
CMB & Co
Disrobed Clothing
Disrobed Clothing is an independent clothing brand run by a mother-daughter duo, focused on dresses, bikinis, and resortwear with an emphasis on feeling confident “without the extra layers” – both literally and metaphorically.
For more, click here.
Galipanna
Galipanna is a local food brand known in Miami/Key Biscayne markets for its made-to-order homemade baked goods, especially rich chocolate and guava pies and other Latin-inspired sweets prepared in small batches.
For more, click here.
Green Grass Style
Green Grass Style is a sustainable women’s fashion boutique ran by Claudia Sanz, offering boho-inspired dresses, tops, and accessories curated around relaxed, beachy, and resort-style looks.
For more, click here.
Hemisferio Sur
Hemisferio Sur is a jewelry and accessories brand that blends Latin-American inspiration with contemporary design, offering statement earrings, necklaces, and accessories with an artistic, seasonal twist.
For more, click here.
Il Mercato
Il Mercato is a family-run Italian home recipes concept offering handmade delicacies, pantry products, and prepared foods inspired by traditional Italian recipes, often appearing at local markets and events in the Miami area.
For more, click here.
Jaqui’s Pearls
Jaqui’s Pearls specializes in hand-made pearl jewelry, creating necklaces, bracelets, and earrings that pair freshwater pearls with simple, elegant designs for everyday wear and special occasions.
For more, click here.
Kathleen Creations
Kathleen’s Creations is a handcrafted wreath and decor item brand, working with various materials to craft unique, intricate designs.
For more, click here.
Kichi Olivares Photo
Kichi Olivares is a professional photographer offering portrait, event, and family photography, and frequently collaborates with local galas and fundraisers by donating photo sessions as auction items.
For more, click here.
Lombaggi
Lombaggi is a fashion brand offering Italian-made linen and knitwear, focusing on sophisticated yet relaxed silhouettes, natural fabrics, and a Mediterranean aesthetic that works for warm, coastal climates.
For more, click here.
Magnolio Hippie Chic
Magnolio Hippie Chic is a boho-style jewelry and accessories label, known for colorful, hippie-inspired pieces like beaded necklaces, bracelets, and earrings perfect for beach and festival outfits.
For more, click here.
Mara Intimates
Mara Intimates is a Key Biscayne–based brand offering an exclusive line of pajamas, loungewear, and lingerie for women, men, and children, made from 100% Peruvian cotton and designed for softness and everyday comfort.
For more, click here.
Maru Gold & Stones
Maru Gold & Stones is a jewelry brand centered on gold-plated and natural stone pieces, offering delicate necklaces, bracelets, and earrings that highlight the color and texture of semi-precious stones.
For more, click here.
Marilyn Borroto
Omelia Shoes (OmeliA)
OmeliA is a Spanish espadrille boutique based in Key Biscayne and Miami, offering authentic Spanish-made espadrilles, wedges, sandals, and flats that combine Mediterranean craftsmanship with Miami-ready style–“inspired by the chic and multi-tasking woman.”
For more, click here.
Oopa Lala
Oopa LaLa is a children’s concept store in Key Biscayne offering a curated selection of kids’ fashion, accessories, bags, hair accessories, and fun gifts, with a focus on colorful, playful style.
For more, click here.
Pantic Jewel
Pantic Jewel is an independent jewelry label associated with Latin-style fine and fashion jewelry; public online information is sparse, so this entry can be refined with your own description (e.g., focus on gold pieces, emeralds, or custom work).
For more, click here.
Peach at the Beach
Real Caviar
Real Caviar is a gourmet brand dedicated to importing and selecting premium sturgeon caviar from traditional regions such as Poland, Iran, Bulgaria and the Amur River area, focusing on authentic flavor, texture, and quality.
For more, click here.
Sabz
Sabz Swimwear & Wear is a Peruvian swimwear and resortwear brand offering bikinis, one-pieces, cover-ups, and beach clothing designed and manufactured in Peru, with bold colors and flattering cuts for seaside and poolside looks.
For more, click here.
Taganga Soy
Tach Elles
Tach Elles is a Key Biscayne concept shop offering unique home decor, design objects, and accessories (including bags) with a curated, design-driven aesthetic.
For more, click here.
Teré Jewelry
Teré Jewelry is an artisan jewelry brand inspired by the energetic and spiritual properties of stones, creating handmade pieces that combine gemstones and metals with a focus on meaning, intention, and everyday elegance.
For more, click here.
Wapas Fashion
Wapas Fashion (Wapa’s Fashion Boutique) is a women’s fashion boutique offering trendy, affordable clothing such as dresses, palazzo pants, bodysuits, and casual outfits, often promoted via social media live sales.
For more, click here.
Call (305) 361-3333 for more information on advertising or vendor space. You can also email moliva@islandernews.com or mjaso@islandernews.com.