THOUGH SHE BE BUT LITTLE . . .

. . . SHE IS FIERCE!

Let's celebrate the impact of #ShopSmall, #ShopLocal, and #SmallBusinessSaturday!

There is a reason that small business is considered the backbone of the U.S. economy, and Rebecca Leppert with the Pew Center for Research said it well:

Despite their name, small businesses loom large in the United States.

she further revealed how small business is defined by the Small Business Administration (SBA)

[. . . ] those with 500 employees or fewer – account for 99.9% of U.S. firms. While most of these 33 million firms don’t have paid employees, about 6 million of them do. They account for just under half of total private sector employment (46%).

As one of the millions—we know first-hand about the positive impact that supporting local businesses and shopping small can have on a family—and during this heartfelt time of year we often walk down memory lane of the many local antique, craft, food, and thrift store excursions we took—hunting for unique holiday decor and ornaments, and refueling or treating ourselves at a local cafe.

These were precious moments we'll never forget. And as a family on a limited budget, shopping small never meant spending big—we simply navigated the shops that kept both our holiday spirit and our budget intact!

Those shops still exist. WE still exist! So many of our local small businesses continue offering a variety of fun, functional, and meaningful products and gifts—many are lovingly handcrafted within a range of price points—and today, shopping vintage or previously-loved pieces is wonderfully en vogue and totally ON POINT!

Canva | Getty Images

Previously-owned retro, vintage, antiques, and rare treasures are full of character and can be beautifully repurposed, refreshed, or dressed up into one-of-a-kind gifts. There's truly a little of something for everyone when you support local—supporting your community and those magical moments at this festive time of year!