Small Business Love

This feels like an appropriate time of year to highlight the importance of supporting small businesses, both local and across the United States. This is a topic near and dear to my heart as a small business owner myself who has first hand knowledge about the importance of how these choices we make as consumers can really help the communities where we work and live.

With the massive availability of ‘dupes’ and mass produced products, it is important now more than ever to step up and support home grown businesses. They truly are the heart of our country and have such an impact on the communities where they do business. This really came to light for me when one of my children joined high school band. The lack of funding for the arts is pretty well known but the fact that these types of programs are almost all self-funded by a supporting non-profit who partners with community businesses is mind blowing. From transportation to props and clinics, all of these opportunities are funded through fundraising efforts or business sponsorships. These programs are vital to give kids a space to truly be themselves and instill a sense of belonging.

With the cost of materials rising like they have over the past few years, businesses are struggling just like households to make ends meet. If we choose to support the local folks, we have a much more significant impact on our local economy than most realize. Sure, you can go buy a ‘dupe’ elsewhere at a much lower cost but lower quality should be expected. In most cases, these so called ‘dupes’ are direct rip offs of original artwork. As someone who has had my work copied, it hits even closer to home for me.

Which brings me to what has become a thorn in my side so to speak: complete rip offs that are so widely available putting small businesses out of business. Last week, I read this article from NOISHAF Bazaar (online resale shop I love) and it really hits the nail on the head. Personally, I would much rather be thoughtful with where I spend my money and support the original artist. I get that the world of fashion and home decor is full of all levels of artistry and quality. I will own that I am guilty of buying the cheaper option on some occasions. But after connecting the dots in my mid-life brain, I have come to realize that is not where I want to waste my money buying cheap knock offs that are taking, and in some cases, driving smaller organic brands out of business.

I am fortunate to have worked with many business owners who are truly the heart and soul of their communities. They see an opportunity to fulfill a need and take the leap to execute often investing their own money to start. Over the next few months, I am going to make an effort to share more about some of these fantastic businesses that I have personally shopped with or worked with. They deserve the spotlight during the busy season of consumerism.

Please join me and think twice about where you spend your hard earned dollars. If given the opportunity, shop local or from a small business that ships to your home. I promise you the effect is huge and worth the extra penny or dollar you spend with them over the fast fix options. To add, I completely get the need to sometimes purchase the lower cost option. I just think it is important to stop and think before hitting the buy button if the local store down the road has the same product on their shelves at a similar cost. Convenience is great but supporting the heart of our communities benefits us all in the long run.