We all know that shopping locally is the best way to support your community's small businesses who are run by your neighbors and who give back to our schools and area nonprofits, but what if you need something you can't find and have to order online? You can still "give back" to your community if you shop through AmazonSmile!
Every year, American Express helps small businesses promote shopping locally on Small Business Saturday®, the movement they started in 2010. Now, 10 years later, small businesses face one of the greatest challenges ever: a worldwide pandemic that has seen millions of Americans lose their jobs, countless small businesses close, and many more struggle to keep going. According to the Amex-commissioned 2018 Small Business Economic Impact Study, 62% of U.S. small businesses reported that they need to see consumer spending return to pre-COVID levels by the end of 2020 in order to stay in business. When you Shop Small® this holiday season – and all year long – you can help create a big impact.
I don't know about you, but I use Instagram for business a good bit. It's great for professionals in the real estate industry since it's a visual platform and I get to look at pretty houses all day. But besides the visual aspect of it, this social platform has played an instrumental role in the many friendships I've made with some really cool and interesting people (that I probably wouldn't have met otherwise)!
Take Phil Eisele, for example. I discovered Phil while surfing through Instagram using geographical hashtags. (Did I lose you there?) Anyway, when I used a local geo-tag, Phil's art popped up on my screen. Not knowing he was from the area, I tapped on his profile and was drawn to his art. Then I realized he was from Bailey and that's when I decided to feature him as a guest!
I'm in a very creative time in my life right now. I feel very thankful to God that I'm able to be up here in this beautiful place of Bailey, and work from home, and create. I just feel like I'm kind of back to my roots of what I did years ago and it feels terrific.
by Phil Eisele, The Eisele Art Gallery
Summer: warm days, outside fun, and eager anticipation for fresh fruit, vegetables and artisan gifts at local Farmer's Markets! We are lucky to have several to choose from throughout the season. You'll find local artists and artisans, jewelry, canned goods, home decor, and so much more.
Details on all of these can be found on our Community Calendar under 'Sales'.
Thank you for Shopping Locally!
Anna Williams took over the CRAVE Consignment boutique in Bergen Park a year and a half ago.
I was in the fitting room trying on some fresh duds when I overheard (not intentionally eavesdropping, but the fitting room is right there) Anna talking about the "2-Buck" bin to a customer and how the proceeds benefit Mountain Peace Shelter. I knew right then I wanted to get to know her more!
I'm always on the hunt for a good deal on fashion. This place definitely fits the bill!
You're RECYCLING clothing and it's really kind of about the hunt. So you never know what you're gonna find and it makes everyone happy!
by Lynnda Upton, Sales Associate at CRAVE
Her mentor once said, "When you photograph people in color, you photograph their clothes. When you photograph people in black and white, you photograph their soul."
Sue Kaltenbach is a local photographer who focuses on capturing more than what meets the eye. She captures the story behind the subject through her black and white fine art photography. The idea is to focus on the elemental, essential nature of a portrait. Less becomes more.
She specializes in relationship photos -- couples, families and kids, babies, etc., but her true passion is to photograph those who need special consideration when it comes to portrait photography, as well as people 50 and older, as they tend to have rich stories.
Sue and her husband will lovingly handprint your photos so that they can last multiple generations.
Photographing rich stories really lends itself to black and white because you don't want distractions, you want the elemental nature of that person, that story.
by Sue Kaltenbach Ryan of Skalte Images
Click "continue reading" for the full video interview!
Paint. It's the medium that Rachel Henderson has been using to spread happiness and invoke creativity in others for nearly 20 years! You might catch her around town painting the faces of little ones at an event or leading a canvas painting party. Her creative spirit and kind demeanor has helped her become a successful small business owner and a positive influence in the community.
You can't have a bad day when you're making kids smile...
-Rachel Baer Henderson, Owner of Rachel's Creations
Click "continue reading" for the full interview and video!
Psst!!
By the way, did you know that November 24th is Small Business Saturday? Small Business Saturday is a great time to promote not only your own business, but that of your fellow businesses in the area as well!
The Beginning: "It's 2010, and small businesses are hurting from an economy in recession. In an effort to support local shops that make our communities strong, American Express launches Small Business Saturday® on the Saturday after Thanksgiving — to encourage people to Shop Small and bring more holiday shopping to small businesses.
One year later, the Shop Small Movement gains momentum, as local officials across the nation take notice and promote Small Business Saturday. In 2011, the Senate unanimously passes a resolution in support of the day. By 2012, officials in all 50 states participate.
By 2017, there were more than 7,200 Neighborhood Champions across all 50 states... [with] an estimated 108 million consumers reported shopping or dining at local independently-owned businesses on Small Business Saturday — generating roughly $12 billion in reported spending."
Small Business Saturday History
Why buy local? According to a report by Michigan State University, "It means nurturing locally owned businesses which use local resources sustainably, employ local workers at decent wages and serve primarily local consumers. It means becoming more self-sufficient and less dependent on imports. Control moves from the boardrooms of distant corporations and back into the community where it belongs."
This week on Exploring 285 we were at Blue Spruce Toys in Conifer. What a great place for toys, puzzles, games and more! Check it out and see you around town!
This week on exploring 285 we visited a Borgata! Lots of local artists, craftsmanship, collectibles and more make great gifts or keepsakes! Come explore the 285 Corridor!
Watch Video Below
This week on exploring 285 we visited Platte River Outfitters & The Sasquatch Outpost ! So many great souvenirs, Colorado gear, camping , fishing , big foot souvenirs & big foot museum ! Come explore the 285 Corridor!
This week on Explore 285 we were at Bean N Bakery Bistro for a great atmosphere! They have a cozy atmosphere with breakfast, coffee, pastries and more! Watch the video and Come on out and explore 285 Corridor!
Watch video below
This week on Exploring 285 we visited Chill'd Frozen Yogurt to cool down from the heat ! They have multiple flavors, tons of toppings and you can make your own chill'd desert!! Come check it out in Conifer, Colorado. See you around town :)
Watch the video below
In this episode of Keeping Up With The Community, I sat down with local leading photographer, Amy Johnson. We chatted about how she's self-taught, how she uses photography for a cause, her exciting new business, and a very special offer she's got for the community.
Click "continue reading" for the full interview and video!
It's colorless, odorless, tasteless, and probably lurking in your basement this very moment. Can you guess what I'm talking about?
Yup.
A little thing called RADON.
In this episode of Keeping Up With The Community, Ryan Tereshko of Ryan's Painting and Contracting discusses the effects of radon, how to test for it, and what to do if your radon is on like Donkey Kong.
Press play to watch!
