HOW TO SUPPORT SMALL BUSINESSES
The pandemic took a toll on small and local businesses across the country. Shutdowns, curfews, guidelines and overall economic strife have forced some businesses to officially close. Local businesses are the cornerstone of a community's culture, they stay in touch with the local pulse, usually provide unique goods and services, and provide an experience you just won't get from corporate companies. At a time where we can often feel helpless to the situation, supporting small businesses through a simple purchase or act of support can go a long way. Here are a few ways you can help:
Order Takeout or Delivery
Just because you might not be able to hang out at your favorite local bar or restaurant, doesn't mean you can support them. The next time you feel like taking a break from cooking, call up your favorite local spot and either go in to pick it up and say hi or have it delivered. And don't forget to tip! If you like the food and service so much, make it almost a weekly thing so you can be consistent about supporting them.
Leave a Great Review
While people are glued to their phones and social media, public opinion is gold. If you have something great to say about a local business, find them on Yelp, or mention them on the Nextdoor app, or even just say something nice on Facebook or Instagram by tagging them (so they can see it) and talk about the amazing experience you had. If there was a specific person who really helped make that experience memorable for you, give them a shout out. If the masses see great reviews online, they're more likely to visit that business, thus keeping them going strong.
Follow/Post on Social Media
Another thing that gives local businesses some clout is their social media presence. If there's a small brand that you want to support because you truly love what they produce, follow them on their social media platforms. If they're good about updating it, you can find out about sales, promotions, and any announcements they have. It's also a great way to stay within their network and meet more people who are also fans of theirs.
Find Your Special Pieces
Looking for a cool picture for your wall? A gift for your bestie? Something interesting to add to your wardrobe for your Zoom meetings? Instead of going to the nearby strip mall, check out some of your local shops to see if they have what you're looking for. They're likely to provide a local flavor that mainstream shops won't have. Some things could be by local artists and designers and will have a uniqueness to them that you can't get anywhere else.
Support Small Brand Sex Products
There are TONS of small sex-positive brands out there that need to be supported. Especially in a time where sex workers and the sex-positive community, in general, is being censored and compromised. There are tons of brands out there with top-line vibrators, toys, lingerie, lubes and bedroom props that are made with love and a lot of education behind them. Follow those brands, purchase something sexy and brag about it on your social media by tagging them.
Some of our favorite sex-positive brands:
- Taboo Leather
- Dark Garden Corsetry
- hi Personal Wellness System
Handmade floggers by Taboo Leather
