Small Business Saturday 2020
Hillary Burkett • November 24, 2020
Small Business Saturday is here with the usual onslaught of advertisements and sales and requests for support in the local community. And this is the first time I get to join in. I couldn’t be happier.
Small Business Saturday has always sparked some excitement for me. The truth is I love to shop anywhere. But the whole idea of doing something I love while patronizing the businesses owned by my neighbors; that gives me the warm fuzzies. Looking back, small businesses have always played a (sometimes major) role in my life. I took dance lessons at an early age from a small business. The vet’s office where we’ve always taken our pets is a small business. The farrier that trims the horses’ hooves, the feed store, the credit union to which I belong, many favorite frequented restaurants, gift shops, and bakeries- all owned by local individuals. Even some of my favorite holiday traditions centered around small businesses. One in particular is Kraynak’s Christmas and Easter lane. And aren’t local greenhouses just the best? (<3 you, Mussigs) And large photography studios wouldn’t take the time to do something as silly as coming to my office for a photo shoot of me pointing at my new sign. (It helps when your photographer is also your BFF ;-)) From previous places of employment to the local print shop that supplied my custom work uniform, all of these small businesses have made a rather large impact on my life. And isn’t that the way it used to be? At one time, there were only small businesses. The convenience of big box stores and large companies is sometimes wonderful and necessary. But if I could trade Dunkin’ Donuts for Krestal’s (RIP), I would.
I’m lucky that I live in an area where small businesses still dominate the restaurant and retail landscape. In all the surrounding small towns, I can count at least 7 coffee shops that aren’t a major chain. Seven coffee shops owned by individuals, many of whom I’ve met and chatted with. How many of you can say you sat down and had a cup of coffee with the CEO of Starbucks? I’m not condemning Starbucks and those who love the coffee chain; I believe there is an honored time and a place for them as well. But does my latte taste slightly sweeter because the owner of the coffee shop knows my name and my standard order? It just might.
One of the first businesses to really capture my attention as a quintessential “small business” in a small town was The Silk Road Market in New Wilmington. I became acquainted with the shop and owner Wendy while I studied at Westminster College. The sweet little fair trade gift shop became the best diversion amidst finals every semester. I made it a tradition to return every year for my birthday, usually to pick out something purple for myself. Not only is Wendy a compassionate business owner with a passion for the fair trade industry, she’s been a refreshing source of encouragement for me. That’s why this Small Business Saturday is so special to me- I’ve come into my own. I’ve arrived. I still have a long way to go to feel like a “successful” business owner, but I am here. I’m the owner of my own small business. So I happily send out my emails and social media posts with the hashtag “Small Business Saturday” and “Support Local”. Because local is the only way I exist. I’m from a small town full of small businesses and I am so happy to take my place amongst them.
So please, shop local, support your business-owning neighbors, and buy a gift card from Positive Pressure Therapeutic Massage. You know it will mean so much more to this small business owner than a purchased gift card would mean to the owner of a major massage chain. Just sayin’.
