Support Local PDX
I love small businesses. I really, really do. I always have! This spring has me filling up my calendar with upcoming makers' markets, farmers markets, local artist studio tours, plant shop events, soirees, pottery-making experiences on a local farm… You name it! If it’s a local event or market where someone in my community is putting themselves out there for their work and passion to be consumed by their community, I’m in.
We need small businesses. They’re the lifeblood of our communities, and they contribute in such diverse ways. They bring unique products and services, adding character and vitality to our local economies. Also — and maybe most importantly — small businesses often prioritize customer experiences and service in a way larger corporations just can’t. When you shop local, you’re often making your purchase from the shop owner, artist, maker, or themselves. That naturally fosters a wonderful sense of community and pride. Supporting small businesses means investing directly in local entrepreneurship and sustainable growth.
I’ve seen a quote floating around that I love, and it speaks to the fact that the way we live is our own art. The way we decorate our homes by the art we select to hang on the walls, the mugs from which we drink, the plants we buy, the consumables we’ve selected, and the clothes we pick out to wear each day all create the artistry that is YOUR personality. Being you is a personalized and very curated experience! YOU choose how you present yourself to the world each day. Supporting our community by purchasing pieces made by makers and artists plays a crucial role in shaping our identity and enriching our lives. You’ll never convince me otherwise.
Those who put themselves and their dreams out for community consumption (which, by the way, we ALL benefit from) deserve our unwavering support. By shopping small businesses, we can help both encourage creative artistic expression and promote economic stability within creative industries. This brings dollars into the community so everyone can benefit from the addition of their efforts.
Some simple ways to include local businesses in your everyday life:
Make a point to purchase your holiday and birthday cards from a local shop instead of in bulk at a big store like Target.
Check out your local farmers market and select an appealing fruit or vegetable offering to include in your menu that week. (You earn bonus points if you purchase yourself an always gorgeous bouquet of flowers to enjoy all week too.)
Pop into a boutique or second-hand shop and see what fun vintage find appeals to you. I often look for crystal plates to use as plant saucers in my home.
Go to your local movie theatre as opposed to a larger national one. The charm and fun of going into older movie houses is really something. If you can walk there, even better! The historic details mixed with modern comforts can’t be matched. For example, I recently rented the Moreland Theatre in Sellwood and was blown away by the nearly 100-year-old architectural details. I also enjoyed watching the film in brand new cushy oversized seats with cupholders! Also, the popcorn was fantastic!
The new restaurant opening nearby… go eat there. Then write a review and tell all your friends!
Notice a coffee shop you haven’t been into before, but drive by often? Stop and buy a cup of tea or a bag of coffee beans to try that week.
For the person advertising a house-cleaning business, call for a consult and give it a shot.
That local insurance company nestled in-between the spice shop and the funky Italian restaurant… schedule an appointment to see what rates and service are like. You may save some money.
For the people who took a chance in a wild economic climate to launch a small shop full of locally made wares and items… pick up a gift for someone! (And yourself). ;)
Purchase a gift card from a local shop to use later and or gift to a friend, loved one or colleague.
We need to support small businesses year round, too. While the spring market season is a personal favorite of mine, summer flea markets, winter craft shows, fall pumpkin patches, and farm visits are also constantly on my radar. My hope and goal is to remind everyone how much it means to a small business owner when someone chooses them, their product, their service… The results of making the choice to shop local affects so many people in such positive ways that there really isn’t a good reason not to do it. When and where you can keep your hard-earned dollars in your community by selecting things locally, you should!
Let me know if you need any recommendations for local businesses near you in the greater Portland Metropolitan Area. And/or send me a message about any events or businesses you think I should know about and try!