Shop Small, Shop Local.
WORDS: CHYKA KEEBAUGH
it’s been 18 months since the beginning of the Covid pandemic.
Owning and starting a business is incredibly hard and stressful. Built on passion, ambition and love of what we do, we put all of ourselves into our ventures. Being able to create a business solely focused on what you love is an absolute privilege and joy, and nothing breaks my heart more than seeing the real struggle that so many small businesses are going through. It seems so unfair that the same people are constantly the ones most affected, so what can we do to help ease that pain? Support small and support local! So many small businesses have suffered due to the different lockdowns; it’s time to help!
This week I want you to think about the small businesses in your area or that you frequent that are absolutely in need of a shout out. How can we share our support beyond purchasing from them? Do you follow them on social media? Can you support them by reviewing their products? Do you like their posts? Share them with friends? Small gestures like this can make a big difference for small businesses trying to stand out, so let’s share those businesses we love with the people we love. Since all these lockdowns began, I have purposely made an effort to go to smaller retailers for my food and everyday supplies. Since doing this, I have found new favourites, new brands, and many small businesses that I now call my go-to’s. Knowing how much every sale means to these smaller businesses is honestly what makes me keep going back. I’m interested to know - have your shopping habits changed? Are you searching for smaller companies to support?
SMALL BUSINESSES I AM LOVING AT THE MOMENT ARE…
Going To The Dogs is my absolute favourite place to get our beloved pooch groomed! Otto just loves it here and always comes home looking so handsome. Helen is an incredible woman, but like most small business owners, has been so affected by the opening and shutting of lockdowns. I want to say a great big thank you for always making my boy look gorgeous and that I appreciate all that you do.
Bonbon is my local manicure shop in Richmond that I absolutely love. It is such a treat to sit back for a manicure and pedicure, the girls are incredible and always do an amazing job. A great big thank you for always making my nails look gorgeous and being there for when I need a little ‘time out’.
Localized is a Richmond institution, and should I be so bold as to suggest that anyone who lives in Richmond already knows the amazing Vince and his incredible positivity! He is my one stop shop for fruit and veg and anything else I need for my pantry. His positive and happy face, plus his great coffee is sometimes all you need to put a smile on your face. I am so grateful for their service and their delicious goods being so close to my doorstep.
Glass Haus …is a beautiful florist on Swan Street, Richmond. The girls here are always friendly and the array of flowers absolutely divine. You know I love my flowers and truly there is nothing better than heading in there after they have been to the morning market to find the most beautiful flowers for your home, it really does brighten up my day.
Jethro, where would I be without you? I absolutely love this cafe and it is where I get my daily coffee from. The team here are always so happy and bright and through all the different lockdowns, they have managed a way to just keep going. They also give their customers the opportunity to support one another by way of ‘paying it forward’ for fellow coffee drinkers who can’t afford their fix. Simply pay for an extra coffee after your own for someone less fortunate to enjoy. I absolutely love this, a little generosity can really go so far.
So, what can we do to help struggling businesses?
What you do on social media can make an impact on many small businesses. Sharing posts, giving them a LIKE, commenting and saving their posts does wonders to businesses visibility on Instagram in turn creating more sales. I have created an Instagram Story template where each week I will be tagging my favourites in the hope of bringing them a little more traffic, want to join in? Of course, you do! Download the template right here to share on your Instagram stories, simply tag your favourite small businesses and start sharing the love.
This is merely the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the small businesses I support. As we continue to struggle through the pandemic, let’s make a promise to do our best to help small and support local. Every week on Instagram, I will add a list of my favourite businesses and hope you do too because the more we support, the more we can help those who are struggling. And if there is one thing I love about our beautiful country, it’s the love and passion that business owners have.
