Building Your Wardrobe By Building Up Your Community
Now more than ever, after being apart for so long, the community needs to come together and bring back the joy and support we share for each other. And what better way to show compassion and support than supporting local and small businesses?
Fort Collins, Colorado, is a hot spot for local entrepreneurs making a start in their business careers, and the community is feeling the vibrant love from it. According to the Coloradoan, small businesses in Fort Collins are a “real big” part of what makes this town so special. But how can businesses that are small have such a big impact?
The numbers speak for themselves. The Fort Collins Economic Health Office found that 2,620 businesses (31% of the total) are ran by solo entrepreneurs. Out of the 8,500 businesses in Fort Collins, 91% have 20 or fewer employees.
While these numbers are astonishing, how does this impact the community of Fort Collins?
Kaylyn Schmidt is not only a student at Colorado State University, but over the summer became a small business owner with her younger sister Evie. The Schmidt sisters created the brand “Ginger and Faye”, named after their two grandmothers. Their jewelry shop blossomed into a unique, affordable, and eco friendly brand that strives for inclusivity and positivity.
Sure, the average department store can have storage rooms full of products and basic options for descent prices, but they lack key factors anyone who strives for unique style looks for: Character and Individuality.
“All of our jewelry is handmade so no two pieces are the exact same, just like the everyday person. We also wanted to make a positive impact on the world so we decided to not only use environmentally friendly packaging, but we also donate 10% of ur proceeds to Sea Shepherd.” Kaylyn described when asked about G&F.
Community is built off of values shared by individuals. These typically include positivity, ambition, love, acceptance, joy and so much more. When you walk into a locally owned or small business the atmosphere greets you differently than walking into a corporation like Walmart or Target.
“Small businesses are so so important to any community because they not only provide special products, but they create that sense of love and warmth. Buying from smaller businesses not only benefits the person whose goal to be a business owner you just helped achieve, but it also benefits you in the sense that you are becoming a part of a ‘family’ of people wanting to spread love and make the world a happier place.” explained Schmidt when asked about the importance of small businesses.
The article “Small Businesses Can Save Your Community” by Quint Studer advocates for the importance of small businesses in a community. And especially after the pandemic we all need a helping hand from each other more than ever.
“There is a symbiotic relationship between residents and small business owners. They really need each other. Small business owners have an active and personal interest in the well-being of the community. They live there. Their kids go to school there. They care about what happens.” wrote Struder.
Small businesses are a key piece of what makes Fort Collins, and any community, so beautiful. So when building your wardrobe, remember to build up your community as well.
