#supportlocalbusiness
One of the many pleasures of my life is experiencing the charm of shopping at small businesses, locally, here in St. Louis, Missouri.
Of course, the dollar costs are higher to patronize these stores than buying from more prominent grocers. Of course, the cake from an artisanal bakery will always be more expensive than the prepared options from a big box chain. When I relocated to St. Louis, I was a young adult with a big girl job and my own money and over time, I started to develop principles on how I wanted to spend my resources. Money and time are valuable to me, and as I grew a healthy understanding of the world I wanted to live in, I embraced a #supportsmallbusiness mindset.
When I relocated from Valley Park/West County to Southwest Gardens, a tiny neighborhood near the Missouri Botanical Gardens, I started to frequent more independently owned and operated businesses. As the years passed, visiting locally operated stores and restaurants became an essential aspect of my point of view as a consumer. My dollars could affect my world more dynamically and directly if I spent my money strategically and kept those dollars in my surrounding neighborhoods.
Are you familiar with the economic cooperation of Black Wall Street in Tulsa, Oklahoma?
In St. Louis city, patrons can see shop owners and managers working alongside other employees. This example of cooperation and teamwork resonated. Now, I wonder if these store owners live in these same neighborhoods, but they must certainly appreciate the heart of 314. Operating a business requires sacrifice and commitment. Most small business owners have some investment and regard for their neighborhood. Seeing familiar faces, year after year, at bakeries and cafes assured me that employees at this establishment felt cared for and, in return, continued to reinvest their talents into these neighborhoods.
Strengthening my local economy has become a source of pride and responsibility.
Small businesses are more likely to support local events, and local events made specific areas more attractive to me. My favorite open-air market is Tower Grove Farmer's Market, an event where farmers, home bakers, and other stalls sell food, drinks, apparel, and other goods. I lived down the street, so it became an excellent option for a Saturday morning activity. I feel great knowing my dollar affects my life by securing my neighborhood.
Not that I only #supportsmallbusinesses within the city limits. I’m an equally opportunity enjoyer of local businesses everywhere! People care about the places where they spend their resources, and it feels good knowing I can make economic decisions with more effect on the world around me. My experiences are becoming richer and more full of heart and soul.
