3 Reasons to Show Some Love to Your Favorite Local Businesses!

We all know it, we have all heard it—but it can never really be over stated. Shopping small and supporting the local businesses in your community makes all the difference within your local economy, and in the lives of the local business owners you are supporting. Here are a few of my favorite reminders when I am thinking of why its important to keep my money local!

1) It builds local community—when you support your favorite local business, you are not only supporting the HUMANS working, you are helping to cultivate and support a local economy in which more tax dollar revenue and investment can go right back into the local economy and support more opportunities and infrastructure for EVERYONE to enjoy.

2) It builds connection—how amazing is it to walk into your local coffee shop and have the barista know your name and that you want your double espresso oat milk macchiato on ice? SO AMAZING! In a world where large corporations are all competing in a race to the bottom for our attention, and we are increasingly disconnected via screens and zoom calls —buying from your local maker, artist, coffeeshop, or boutique store means you can actually put a name with a face! Having this direct connection often results in a highly personalized and curated experience for you, the customer. I recently had two former clients reach out to me; one needed a necklace she purchased from me months ago repaired. The other lost one of her favorite Anthropoloca earrings and asked if I could make another. Of course I was more than happy to meet up with these women and take care of their requests!! You don’t get personal service like that from Amazon. Buying local cultivates relationships in a world so desperately in need of human connection.

3) It builds creative energy and character—when you support local business, you are supporting the growth of creative entrepreneurship in your community! While chain and box stores can be convenient, or cheaper—the beauty of supporting someone’s vision and dreams adds unique flavor to your town or city. As we watch our Main Streets slowly run down with box stores, chain restaurants, and corporate money, it’s more important than ever to recognize how we can use our dollars for the good of our local businesses that bring innovation, creativity, and character to those they serve. The benefits of a cool, funky community include increased property values and increased tourist attraction!

As I said, it’s not like we need a reminder, but HERE’S YOUR REMINDER!! This Valentine’s Day, think of showing your love to your favorite local businesses! What salon, spa, nail boutique, coffee shop, candymaker, candlemaker, jewelry maker, florist, cafe or local boutique can you spend your money at that will literally SPREAD THE LOVE?! Which is another amazing reason to shop local—IT FEELS REALLY GOOD!!

Let me hear from you—what are some of your favorite local businesses that you LOVE to support??