Small Business Saturday

I am proud to be a small business owner.  No matter how many times I see the Small Business Saturday commercial by American Express I still get butterflies in my stomach and say to myself, "that's me!"   Our business truly is the "old-fashioned" idea of a small business...Dan's art studio is in the back room, we live upstairs, and the shop and gallery are in the front of the house.  And if that wasn't perfect enough, we're located on Main Street.

I am immensely fortunate to pursue this dream with Dan.  He's not only my husband and life partner, he's my business partner.  We are invested in this....together.  He believes in my retail vision and I believe in his art.  While this isn't the easiest of career choices, there's something comforting in being in it together.  There are long days, endless conversations about strategy and buying, and great uncertainty.  But with that comes the thrill of creating something new and the hope of nurturing the venture into a thriving business.

My first foray into retail was over a decade ago.  Interestingly, if you ask me what I remember about my years owning and operating Grandiflora my memories don't have anything to do with actual business transactions, but rather customer interactions.  My greatest compliment as a shop owner came one day when a woman walked into the shop and immediately announced, somewhat apologetically, she wasn't there to buy anything, but rather was having a bad day and needed to go someplace that would make her happy.  My little shop filled with flowers, lovely scents, and fluffy duvets was her happy place. 

It's pretty safe to say we understand the likelihood of getting rich as small business owners is slim to none, but I'm at an age where as long as Dan and I have our health, a roof over our head, and get to do what we love everyday our "wealth" is greater than anything that can be calculated in currency, stocks, or gold.  Every morning when I flip the sign from "closed" to "open", unlock the door, and put out our "open" flag I realize how lucky I am to see my vision come to life.

We're not just a small business located in your community, we're part of your community.  Small businesses are the heart and soul of communities.  They are the historic foundation of our country and a vital part of the American dream.  And while I hope you'll head out to the small businesses in your community today....Small Business Saturday....to thank them for adding vibrancy and life to your Main Street, I also hope you'll remember them on all the other Saturdays.  And what about all those days you don't need anything?  A wave as you walk by or a quick "hello" works too.

I would like to thank our friends and customers who have welcomed us so warmly to our new home and supported our small business, LUCKY HILL.  You know who you are!  You're the friends who stop by with your Goldens to say "hi", the "white tornado" who taught me to knit so I don't go crazy in the dead of winter, the sweet potato who comes in to check and make sure we're okay and joins me in the "chop chop" chorus directed at Dan, the doctor who brings in the article on the correlation between chocolate consumption and cognitive brain function as he buys three chocolate bars, my banker who is my BFF, fellow retailers and merchants who understand this crazy existence, and everyone who comes in to share a laugh ("pokin' the bear") and a hug.  Thank you, thank you, thank you!  We might be a small business, but we have a big heart. 

And now I get to do what I love most.....open the shop for the day.

Love and Big Hugs,
Kristin