If you know me then you know that I like to show my support & love for small and locally owned businesses. I've written a number of blog posts, from independent coffeeshops to artists, from college adviser to vintage stores and from professional organizer to home stager. I don't only write about them though, I also purchase their products, commission artwork or hire them.
I love to spread the love for several reasons. I much prefer shopping on Main Street USA vs. the Mall, I believe that unique is more memorable and quaint more enjoyable. As a small business owner myself I also understand how vital that support is to surviving and thriving.
A few people in my circle of Real Estate clients and friends are small business owners and I'm always thinking about ways to marry the 2 - not the people but our businesses, besides writing, publishing and social media sharing blog posts.
One small, local business that you've seen mentioned on my blog and Facebook page more than once is The Lavender Whim. My friend and client Jill-Ann is a very talented artist. The first time I saw her artwork I immediately thought about how I could support her and surprise my clients... and I came up with Closing Art. Over the last few years I've commissioned The Lavender Whim to paint some of my clients' new homes and gifted the paintings at settlement. It has always made for a beautiful moment at the closing table and I love seeing the paintings hang on my clients' walls.
For my Holiday mailings this year, I'm also spreading some Lavender Whim love. Jill-Ann is now a part of the newly opened Taylor Collective on Ellicott City's Main Street... the Main Street that was devastated by a record-breaking flood this year and just celebrated its grand reopening. On Small Biz Saturday I stopped by the Taylor Collective, hugged Jill-Ann and purchased a few sets of her Holiday magic on Ellicott City's Main Street greeting cards.
I have never been a friend of mass Holiday mailings. You know the kind, 80s design with a general Holiday greeting printed in gold letters on the inside. I find it impersonal and not at all memorable. It doesn't make me think that this business actually thought of me but that I was just a name and address on their mailing list. I don't want my clients to feel like that when they receive my card.
I am delighted to be able to send The Lavender Whim's special cards - personal note included - to my special clients this year!
For the future, I'll continue to think of ways to marry the small businesses of my clients and friends with my own and provide memorable gifts or services to others. One idea that I hope to make happen one day is an Artsy Open House: holding one of my listings open, giving artists the space to display their artwork at the same time, socialize with past, present and perhaps future clients and sell the house of course!
It does take just the right property to make it happen and a considerable amount of planning and marketing. Thus, it's not an idea that can become reality next weekend.
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