In this special season of giving (and giving thanks!) and spending, I would be remiss to not share more about Small Business Saturday, which occurs on Saturday, November 28th. With Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, Cyber Monday, and Giving Tuesday (my favorite of all of these!), I wanted to share more about Small Business Saturday, some of my favorite smaller businesses (many of them owned and run by dear friends of mine in the creative industry!), and ways that you can support small businesses – financially and otherwise. I cannot explain just how important it is to support small businesses, the talented, brave, hard working, incredible people who own and/or run them, and the missions and hearts behind these businesses!
There are so many incredible small businesses that I adore, and I think it’s so vital to support them — especially this weekend with Small Business Saturday! Supporting and encouraging fellow creatives, women-empowered businesses, local makers and doers, and smaller shops is so important, and I know many of these ladies and gents firsthand… which means I know the heart, hustle, attention, and love that is poured into each and every customer, sale, and item that is created. As a fellow small business owner, I know exactly how exhilarating, rewarding, and encouraging it is when someone chooses to invest in me — and I hope we can all do the same, especially this weekend!
Here are a few of my trusted shops that have some amazing sales going on, and be sure to check them out as you do some holiday shopping!
And, as always, there are so many equally important and vital ways to support small businesses (and friends who own or work for small businesses) without having to spend a penny! I repeat, all of these are free (!) and most can be done without having to move from the couch!
- tell your friend or a small business owner that you are proud of them and that they’re doing a great job
- like or follow their business pages
- comment on their posts
- share their posts (social media or blog)
- refer or share the business with a friend (or a dozen!) who think they made love those products or services (personal referrals are far and away the most common way for me to book weddings, and it absolutely means the world!)
- if you’ve bought a product or used their services, write a review on as many platforms as you can
- tag friends in a post or forward it to them
- give them a shout out or compliment them
- ask them how their business is going or if there is anything you might be able to do for them
Simple, right?! I cannot stress just how much it means to myself and to each and every business owner I know when our businesses are supported! I’m pretty darn positive every one of us does a happy dance every.single.time someone books with us or purchases something of ours. It truly means everything to see our businesses, our work and creativity, our livelihood, and our dreams supported! A million heartfelt thanks in advance.
Raleigh Wedding Planner 