Shop Small

“Behind every small business, there’s a story worth knowing.” ~ Paul Ryan

For the next five days it seems like it is one major shopping event after another. From Black Friday to Cyber Monday, stores and people go crazy as they scoop up the deals. While I love department stores like Nordstroms and Bloomingdales. And we all know what an Anthro addict and Sephora lover I am, there are two days that are tucked in between all the turkey, bags and mayhem. Small Business Saturday and Giving Tuesday.

While these days haven’t been around as long as Black Friday, they are just as important to remember. Not every gift has to be bought at a huge chain store. In fact many personalized gifts come from places you least expect like the boutique down the block, or that shop on Etsy.

I grew up in a small town, known as much for its’ outlets, as it was the skiing. While I hated the small town feel as a child, their was no denying the quaintness of the downtown area. Littered with cute shops, and one of a kind boutiques, that is quintessential to New England, you find them just as crowded on Black Friday as you would Settlers. It was hard not to support those local shops, where they welcomed the crowds with smiles of gratitude on their faces as they greeted customers.

Years later, I still can’t help but gravitate to those quaint shops, whether it is in Portland with stores uniquely Maine, or the glitzy boutiques scattered along Fifth Avenue amongst more famous stores or the outdoor markets filled with handmade gifts. Their is something truly special when a relationship can be cultivated between the seller and the consumer.

In a world where for many, customers are just numbers, it issmall businesses who take the time to remember and personalize. That is one of the great things about Etsy, it is a huge conglomerate of small business from around the world that you can shop and support.

One of those is SeaMilligan Designs. I have written about this company numerous times because I am such a believer. I have even joked that this year is a SeaMilligan Christmas. Catherine embodies what Small Business Saturday is all about. From handcrafted jewelry made with gorgeous beads and sea glass, to original paintings, all of her designs are made with love and kindness. She is not only passionate about what she does, but is passionate about her customers. She shares that love with other businesses across Etsy.

That is the incredible thing about small businesses. They all come together in a kinship to support each other. Their goal is to give us the consumer the best opportunity to enjoy products. You can’t beat that.

So today, I urge you to support a small business, you might just find that you have discovered a hidden gem and on Giving Tuesday I urge you to support some thing bigger then us all, if you need suggestions check out this post.

‘Tis the season for peace, and love. Happy Holidays everyone!

What is a favorite small business you love to shop at?