Small Business Holidays

This Saturday was Small Business Saturday, the one day of the year (and the holiday season) that promotes shopping locally. This is the second year that I participated in this event. And it was a great experience.

When you shop locally, you're supporting not just a business, but a dream realized. You meet owners who have stepped out on their faith to pursue their passion and you can be a part of it. I shopped at my favorite pen store that's owned by Jay & Karen. Jay remembers that I'm a leftie so fountain pens are probably not a good choice for me. From there, I went to Lee's Cream Liqueur, where I had my favorite liquor-infused ice cream. She laughs that out of the many flavors she has to choose from, I keep on selecting the same one...chocolate swirl Jack Daniel. Next, I went to boutique that carries some pieces of a friend's fashion line and ended the day with happy hour at a neighborhood wine bar.

Now, I could have went to a mall or a big box store and tried to find similar experiences, but I would have missed the interaction with the people who wake up every morning with a mission of making their dream a prosperous reality.

So with that thought, I've made the decision to make the philosophy of Small Business Saturday my philosophy for holiday shopping this year. It's a gift that I think will keep on giving where it counts.