05/12/2026
Owning a small business is tough.
I recently overheard another small business owner say something that really stuck with me, which leads me to this rather long, but heartfelt post. This small business owner was talking to a young couple that is considering opening a small business, and he stated, “You never really own your business, it owns you.” And honestly, that couldn’t be more true.
Small business owners pour their hearts, souls, time, and money into a dream. We work long hours, make sacrifices, and constantly worry about how to bring people through our doors. Meanwhile, big box stores and online shopping sites can undercut prices because they buy bulk and have resources most of us could only dream of. But here’s what they can’t offer. A genuine connection. Personalized service. Undivided attention. A warm welcome when you walk through the door. Owners who truly care about their customers and their community. Now don’t get me wrong, grocery stores, Amazon, and large retailers are absolutely a necessity. Anybody that knows me knows I spend a lot of time in grocery stores, searching for new and exciting ways to enhance my cooking abilities. But that same passion is exactly what drives our small businesses too. We spend countless hours searching for unique products and specialty items that you simply can’t find everywhere else. Many of the products we carry come from other small business owners and suppliers who started with a dream just like ours. Supporting one small business often helps support many others behind the scenes.
Small businesses support your local teams, donate to your fundraisers, support local events, and help build the communities we all love. We’re your neighbors, your friends, and your family. This country was built on small businesses and hardworking people chasing a dream. But too many of those dreams are disappearing. Too many small shops are closing their doors for good. And if that continues, what happens to our wonderful small towns? What happens to the small mom and pop shops that give our communities their character, charm, and heart?
People talk a lot about supporting small businesses. The promotions are everywhere. But support isn’t just a slogan, it’s action. Please think about all of us small business owners the next time you’re out shopping. Give us a chance. I promise if you visit one of our two shops you will be welcomed with open arms, treated like family, and receive the kind of care you simply can’t find anywhere else.
Thanks for reading, and we hope you have a chance to visit us soon.
Billy & Maria
