“Think Small” & Support Small Business
It’s no secret that I feel passionately about supporting small business. I thought I would share what led me down this path, why I am choosing to double down and stay on it, and how I think we all could stand to “think small” when it comes to where we spend our dollars. Part of this mindset shift has to do with the fact that I am a small business and my perspective has shifted as a result. However, what really got me thinking more about the importance of shopping small and local, is seeing the impact individual business owners can have on a community.
This first started when I saw how much the school based arts programs rely on external funds to drive the programming, and has now escalated after witnessing the devastation in our neighboring mountain regions. Business owners and local members of the community were some of the first to respond and have continued to be one of the major players in the rebuilding process.
I’ve known that funding for the arts in schools has slowly dwindled over the years. However, seeing and experiencing this first hand as a Board Member for an organization funding music in my local community, has really driven this point home for me with facts and data. Business sponsorships are a very large component funding these programs locally. I think we can all agree the teenage years are full of many choices and obstacles. Having a program where kids can feel a sense of belonging and activities to keep them busy is crucial to development and positive self worth. That right there is reason enough to recognize the role business owners can play in having a positive impact in their communities. Thinking about how we, as consumers, can support these businesses will only further drive these types of programs in our communities.
Add to that mindset, the recent catastrophic devastation in Western North Carolina where I quickly realized who was driving the relief efforts and supporting friends and neighbors; I am 100% dedicated to this topic and how I can have a positive impact sharing this message with others. If just one person reads this and thinks a little differently about how they fuel their local economy, we all win.
If you live in North Carolina, it is no secret that our friends to the west have been completely devastated in some regions. The rebuilding process is going to take years and some communities will never look as they once did. Seeing the surrounding communities across our state come together, often led by business owners, schools, local non-profits and individuals, was nothing short of amazing in restoring my faith in humanity. From the local business owners taking time from their thriving and very busy lives to stop what they were doing to help, to the local businesses opening up their floor space to collect donations and gather needed supplies to be delivered to reach those directly in need. It was amazing to witness to say the least.
On a larger scale, we saw our local Nascar families coming together or individually taking their personal helicopters to rescue and deliver aid. Some committing to making that their sole focus when it comes to their charitable giving divisions as they try and propel the rebuilding process. To the larger corporations and well known musical artists organizing and driving huge numbers in cash relief. It’s just been amazing to see the outpouring of giving, love and support.
I often feel overwhelmed at how I can help in these types of situations but what I’ve learned, is that small efforts add up to a large impact. If we do nothing, we stay stagnant in a state of overwhelm and leave those who need us to suffer. Here are some of my thoughts on other ways we can support our local communities and businesses this holiday season as it pertains to shopping. I hope you will take the time to “think small” when spending this holiday season and beyond.
That pair of hiking boots or Birkenstocks you plan to order from the big box store—stop and visit the local Mast General Store or shop online. Spend your money with them as they continue to help with rebuliding efforts while also employing some of the kindest members of our community. That shop you visit every time you are in Asheville or Blowing Rock—see if they have a website and shop for gifts or new wardrobe pieces directly through them. Take a day trip and visit the local mountain towns and dine out, shop and support the community as they rebuild. Your favorite restaurant you hit up every time you are in Asheville—buy a gift card for when you return and spend the weekend in the future.
Here are some of my personal favorite shops with websites if you feel inclined to show some support and shop our mountain towns:
Retail locations with online stores in WNC:
Minx Asheville—visit their Instagram and call to order
If we just slow down and “think small” for a minute when looking to spend money on something, we will have a positive impact. Even if you spend a few bucks to have it shipped to you, it’s worth it to show love and support to these businesses. Shopping local, and even non-local, small business is definitely impactful as these folks are the first to support the little league team or high school band. I urge everyone to stop and “think small” this holiday season and beyond.
Feel free to reach out if you have a business to highlight that I may have missed: jlwatrob@north8designs.com. I plan to continue this series through the holiday season highlighting founder led brands and small businesses that I think we should all consider supporting this holiday season.
