Small business, big picture

I rather quietly like the holidays. I’m not necessarily one for crowds, and to be honest, I’ve always favoured shopping in local, small and artisanal shops for gifts, rather than big box stores. Yes, it often is more expensive , but I really value the thought that goes behind presents, not the volume. I know not everyone feels the same, and that’s totally valid, nor can you necessarily get everything local, but this is my ask for the season (as a small business person and artist), please consider shopping locally, and choosing to support both local businesses and artists.

Last week, Roncevalles (which is where the studio I am a member of is located) ran a mini campaign to try and bring some visibility to the neighbourhood and the reality of the current situation.

Overnight, participating stores and businesses down Roncevalles were papered with these kraft paper “For Lease” signs. Come mid-day, they were taken down and replaced with positive slogans like “Your support is never for lease” “Give Roncy a new lease on life” and “Our love in not for lease”

We’ve been touched at the studio by the people that have gotten in touch with words of support, equiries about custom work and workshops, and interest in knowing more about the studio. Although we really value and need financial support through active shoppers, we also value word-of-mouth (or, word-of-internet!) exposure too, as that helps bring more visibility and awareness of who and what we are . You can join the newsletter, suggest the site to your friends, or forward a newsletter, lave a review, share an instagram or facebook post, verbally tell people you know about a favourite site (preferably mine :). All of these actions cost nothing but a bit of thought and time, but are immensely helpful!

Anyway, I think that is it for me this week, I’m off to do a bit of online browsing to try and finish my Christmas shopping!! Stay safe, please follow the guidelines, and I’ll see you next week!

-Robin.