Small Business Saturday

I'm the son of a small business owner. I remember going into my dad's shop when I was a kid. Watching him create and work and interact with everyone who came through his shop was so fun. Whether someone stopped in for the first time or they were regulars, they were welcomed warmly, and I had a front-row seat of being involved and invested in community.

My dad built relationships, created jobs, crafted beautiful jewelry, and would answer all of my pestering questions along the way.

That's a sliver of the impact of small businesses and shopping local.

It's Small Business Saturday, and I know firsthand the impact when communities "Shop Small."

Now more than ever, small businesses need our support. Every time you pick up a cup of coffee from your favorite neighborhood cafe or buy a gift from a local artist's online store, you're shopping small and making a difference.

If you're able to, I encourage you to consider shopping small today - and as best you can, whenever you shop.

Small businesses in our community have had to adjust, pivot, and think outside of the box amid a global pandemic. They are taking extra safety protocols, offering more online options, and doing all they can to sustain. So as best and as safely as we can, let's support our local business owners.

Local businesses are a pillar and catalyst for so many communities. Small businesses support local events, sports teams, and charities 250% more than large corporations. I think about the great support we received for the Flint 6k. Small businesses like Fireside Coffee, Flint Crepe Company, Gaines Jewelry, Madcap Coffee, Skaff Furniture Carpet One, and Tenacity stepped up to sponsor the event and raise money for the Flint Kids Fund.

We're in this together - and we'll get through this together.

Let's show our support for our neighbors, friends, and families by shopping locally.

Need a few suggestions to get started? I'm glad you asked. Here are a few of my favorites:

Coffee

Fireside Coffee is a cozy shop and roaster in Swartz Creek. They have their famous mocha mixes, plenty of coffee choices, and brewing equipment and apparel. My go-to coffee there is Sweet Blue (Which is grown on Daterra Coffee Farm - the world's first coffee farm to receive Level A Certification from the Rainforest Alliance for sustainability). Also, their chai with oat milk is *chef's kiss.*

Foster Coffee has locations in Owosso, East Lansing, and Flint. Haro Wachu is a great coffee and their seasonal menu is always 100.

Madcap is probably most to blame for my journey into coffee. They are based in Grand Rapids and have a location in Detroit. Madcap works directly with coffee farmers to ensure the quality of life and quality of the product for all involved. They are investing in sustainable and transparent practices in the coffee industry.

Populace in Bay City is guided by a great mission: Coffee for Anyone. On top of making great coffee, they've developed a Small Business Support Coffee. Partnering with fellow small businesses, Populace is sharing the proceeds with the business on each coffee bag.

And yes, you guessed it, Kennedy Picture Co is one of those businesses. You can buy the Kennedy Picture Co bag here:

Flatlands Coffee in Bowling Green, Ohio, is one of the most welcoming shops. The coffee and hospitality are always top-notch. The bags of coffee from Brandywine in Wilmington, Delaware are works of art - and the tasting notes are as well. They have a rotating "Coffee for a Cause" that benefits various do-good initiatives near and far.

Art

Alexa Grambush is an incredibly talented watercolor artist. We have a few commissions from her in our home (as do some of our friends now as well).

She also has holiday cards and art available on her site.

Watercolor of Terk (our turtle) by Alexa Grambush

Do you like really cool wood art? Everyone should. Check out Smith and Stone's work.

They made a beautiful custom ring box for our anniversary.

Eats

Local restaurants need some extra support this season too. Blackstone's Smokehouse is offering gift card deals (and has a virtual tip jar to support their staff during the shutdown). Flint Crepe Company has delicious curbside/to-go options. I rarely feel fancier than I do when I eat a crepe.

Flint Crepe Company

Etc.

For all of your "I'm done squinting and want to see clearly" needs, check out Article One. I searched and tried frames for years (just ask my wife and my optometrist). I've had Article One eyeglasses, sunglasses, and their athletic sunglasses (which I'm convinced shaved a few minutes off of my half-marathon time).

Thanksgiving usually leaves me thinking about needing to stay in shape. Luckily, the good folks at Complete Runner can help with that. The team is knowledgeable and helpful - and they are very community-focused.

Needing an update to some family or senior photos or a new headshot? Maybe a new video for your brand, non-profit, or family story? Consider reaching out to Kennedy Picture Co or gifting a session to a loved one.

Pakt Coffee Kit

Pakt recently developed the answer to the question that has kept me up at night: what if I want coffee anywhere, any time - and why can't coffee gear pack up nicely, nesting doll style, in a super cool case?

Thanks to Pakt and their Pakt Coffee Kit, you can have great coffee if you're on the road and can't get to a good local shop. It's also a great everyday brewer that doesn't take up a ton of space (and packs away easily). Pakt also built a name for themselves with their minimal and adaptable bags. They're an eco-conscious brand innovating how we use and consume goods and products.

What are some of your favorite small businesses?

Thanks for reading!

From the kid eating pizza in a locally owned jewelry store,

jk