While we have all spent the past year navigating 2020, officially the nastiest rollercoaster of a year, it has become more important than ever to help and support each other. Even the smallest gestures, such as choosing to shop small this holiday season, may be life changing for someone else.
Back in June, I shared a post from author, Leslie Dwight, that helped me get perspective on the unknown world we now find ourselves in.
2020 wasn’t cancelled, but it is almost over. When we look back on 2020, (post our recovery phase) we may eventually realize the importance of such a painful time period. While we feel it acutely, and so much pain is still raw, only the future knows how impactful this year will have been and what, if any, positive changes have taken root this year. As an individual I can’t bring the vaccine to market, or pay off all student debts, but I can focus on making even small positive impacts in my own sphere.
As a small business owner myself, I can empathize with all small business owners across the country. This year, I have seen the fall of so many businesses, restaurants and organizations that I admire and almost entirely due to the pandemic. Small businesses need our support now more than ever. For my holiday shopping this year, I have done everything in my power to shop small. I may not have been able to get out and into the physical stores, but have tried to seek out online shops of small business owners across the country.
If you are interested in supporting small businesses, a great place to start is on Etsy. Even if a small artist or brand doesn’t have their own website, Etsy will provide you with information about the items or the small business owner. When I am able to find a gem or a unique item or gift, AND find that it is make by a local artisan or a small business with an ethical mission, it makes that gift all that much more special.
Small business owners pour their heart and soul into their businesses and craft. We read your comments, thank you cards, and questions, and while we may not be able to respond as quickly as a large call center, we care deeply about each customer. Even a small order from you may be life changing for a small business.
Let’s throw our support to our small businesses and help keep our business owners afloat. I just created a small Etsy shop where I have been curating a few of my favorite things (I instantly picture Julie Andrews singing with a smile……”and then I don’t feel so bad”)
I will keep adding to my favorites shop frequently, so make sure to check back, and also please send me brands or products that you love and found on Etsy!
Home Life List – includes home decor and fun items that I love!
Lounge Life List – styles that I currently live in or are wanting to!
Yoga Life List – all of my yoga essentials and fun finds that inspire me!
In full disclosure, I am now an affiliate with Etsy and Etsy provides a teeny bit to Shoulders With Freckles with each purchase through my shop. Etsy does not reduce the brand or artist’s compensation in this effort, and these types of programs help small blogs like mine stay afloat and continue to create content. Additionally, all opinions are my own and there is no outside influence to my product selection or favorites other than your suggestions! 🙂
Founder of Shoulders With Freckles and SUMMERSKIN, as well as a Pharmacist, Melanoma Survivor & Mom.
Neeve
Lovely article! Much love, Anne
Summer Kramer, Pharm.D.
Thank you Anne! I greatly appreciate your feedback and thrilled to continue sharing and supporting small businesses 🙂