11/21/2025
I’ll try to keep this short. 😬
There are so many messages in the world telling you to do what’s most convenient, buy the cheapest thing and not to worry about the origin of things because if you cared about that, you’d have to care about everything. I get it.
But I’m a firm believer in trying your best with what you have and what you know.
In our 15+ year business journey in Elizabethtown, we’ve had the pleasure of seeing the Black Friday craze become less popular, we’ve seen things like The Extra Give (happening today!) take center stage in our greater community and Small Business Saturday become more popular over the years.
These things take time but they are a beacon of hope that reflects the heart of the community in a world overrun by consumerism and sometimes shady ethics.
When there is intentional support for local small businesses, we have the ability to create relationship, thrive & grow and in turn, attract more unique businesses that can be sustained here.
Over the years I’ve had a lot of conversations about the tension surrounding small businesses (especially around the holidays) & not being able to give the discounts or do as many promotions based on choices around ethically sourced products, choosing a pay scale that values a team and just the rising costs of things in general.
If a business is able to offer some things in return (discounts, offerings, specials) this season, it’s likely their way of saying a deep thank you from the bottom of their hearts, their families hearts and their teams hearts for your patronage. And not all businesses can.
Small Business Saturday isn’t just a day to shop small & local. It’s a declaration of support for an intentional community. It’s gratitude for the items & services that each business offers. It’s an encouragement to businesses to keep on keeping on. It’s so much.
This hasn’t been short.
But I’m passionate about looking to the past to help us see change, make change and hope for the future. It might feel like they don’t, but these things matter. And why and how we do the things we do, matters.
Small Business Saturday is coming up.
Make a list of all the local businesses you shop throughout the year and visit them on the 29th!
P.s. That behind the scenes small biz owner happy dance they talk about is real. I’ve seen it. I’ve done it. Our team has done it together when a good review rolls in. And if you can’t support a small business next Saturday or this season monetarily because money is tight this year, there are so many other ways you can encourage them. Saturday and throughout the year.
Thank you.
Happy ExtraGive today.
Happy Thanksgiving next week!
And we hope to see you and get to chat & smile with you next Small Business Saturday.✨
~ Carissa
