Small Businesses Matter: The Importance of Shopping Small

Written By: Phaedra, an Element Designer

Element Design Co began in Amelia Paradysz’s attic. She took her dreams and built out a business that has flourished, moving from that attic to a small shop, to a larger space (with a warehouse!), to our current Easton location. This would not have been possible without the support of our earliest clients and customers, who trusted us with their flowers and chose us for bespoke gifts. That trust enabled us to grow into who we are today. This is part of why shopping from small businesses can truly make a difference. 

Through those earliest orders, Amelia was able to hire her first staff members, and the team grew from there. This has given people opportunities to grow in their careers, and as people. The talented team Amelia has put together are able to live out their own dreams of doing creative, interesting work. All of this because people chose to support a small business!

This has also given us at Element Design Co the opportunity to branch out, with our Home + Living line, Digital Floral, and so much more to come! When you make a purchase from a small business, you are allowing for dreams to grow bigger and brighter. 

Why Small Businesses Are Essential

Small businesses are important for a strong economy and a close community. They show what it means to start new ideas and chase dreams. Every time you buy from a small business, you help them continue to grow. This lets them invest in their workers, buy local goods, and support the community.

We have opened our doors for workshops and have been part of local festivals and bridal shows, mingling with other small businesses and seeing the effect that the support given to companies like ours can bring. 

Fostering Community Identity and Unity

Small, local businesses are a big part of our community. They show what makes our area special and hold the values we care about. The growth we have experienced in five years is truly incredible, and has allowed us to support the growth of other small businesses with both  our Partner Vendor program, as we truly believe in helping to make the dream possible for others. 

While we have traveled far and grown from a one woman show to a team of over 20 people, we are still a small business with deep ties to our local Lehigh Valley community. Be sure to browse our list of partner vendors, whether you are wedding planning or just looking for some new essentials. When you buy from a small business, you get to be a part of the story of these businesses and the people behind them.We have loved partnering with so many local vendors who are often, like us, women owned small businesses with a niche idea or style that they’ve taken to a whole new level. Quarterly, we feature one of our partner vendors, shining a light on the hard work of another entrepreneur. This past quarter, we featured Dressed in Love Bridal, founded by Amanda, who has a passion for helping brides find the dress of their dreams. 

Not only do we partner with other local small businesses, but we have also launched Element EDU, a service that allows business owners to learn from Element’s founder, Amelia, on how she got our small business to thrive. We offer 1 on 1 sessions, marketing courses, and downloads to help others achieve their dream. 

When you support local businesses, you help keep the unique charm of your community alive. This helps your area stay lively and inviting for everyone. 

The Unique Value of Shopping Small

When you shop small, you find unique, handmade products and special services. These are special items you can't get from the large chain stores. Each and every item from Element Design Co, from our custom frame and resin pieces, to our digital floral prints, to our Home + Living jewelry is completely unique. We have real, human touch going into all of the items we offer. 

Small businesses are able to focus on their customers and clients in a way that big box stores are not designed to. During business hours, we are always happy to answer a question if a client calls or emails, speaking directly to them and not sending them down the long path of holds and robots. 

For custom bouquet preservation, we also offer the Peony Experience, allowing our clients an opportunity to get hands on with their preservation. Clients with Peony Experience get to speak with a preservationist prior to the design process and make changes to their designs. This sort of hands-on, completely personalized experience is something that can only come from a small business made up of people who truly care about the products they are creating. 

Visiting a local boutique or artisan's workshop gives you access to special and meaningful items. Instead of ordinary products, you’ll find unique gifts made with love. We love our local Easton Candle Co for sweet smelling candles, and Aging Moon for all our charcuterie needs. Both of these partner vendors are truly unique. We encourage you to look into them, especially if you are in the Lehigh Valley. If you aren't, be sure to look for your area’s local artisanal businesses to support, as well as local markets and festivals. 

When you choose handcrafted items, you get more than just a product. You get a piece of the artist's heart, making your purchase special. When you choose a small business for a service, you are receiving the best care possible. 

Small businesses are an excellent place to look for gifts, as well as for services, such as when one is planning a wedding. Small businesses are not just for tangible items, but also for providing services. Wedding planning services such as Lavish Haus and Back the Bride are examples small, women owned businesses that do more than offer items.  

The Impact of Your Support on Small Businesses

Your support greatly helps small business owners. Every time you make a purchase, you help them keep their businesses running. This allows them to follow their dreams and support their families.

Also, when you buy from small businesses, you help them grow. This can create new jobs, expand what they sell, and make their positive impacts even greater in the community. The support we received early on as a company has allowed us to grow and expand so much, making it possible for us to in turn support other small businesses. 

When you shop small, you help the small business owner and their workers. Every dollar you spend goes to cover costs, pay salaries, and improve the future for those who rely on the success of their business.

As small businesses do well, they may need to grow. This growth can bring new job openings in the local area. This helps make the community stronger, creating more jobs and a feeling of shared success.

Your support affects more than just the sale; it becomes an investment in the hopes and goals of the people who help keep our neighborhoods alive.

Conclusion

Supporting small businesses is very important for local economies and community spirit. When you shop at small stores, you find unique products. You also create a personal shopping experience and help sustainable practices. Your choice to support these businesses helps with jobs and improves lives. Enjoy the special feel and benefits of shopping small. You can make a difference by supporting local businesses today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Shopping at small businesses is important for economic development. When you support local businesses, money stays in the community. This helps create jobs and builds a strong sense of community identity. It also has a direct impact on the local economy.

How does shopping small benefit the local community?

Shopping small is good for local economies. It helps create jobs, especially in family-run businesses. It also brings people together in the community. This can lead to strong economic growth over time.

The holiday season, especially Small Business Saturday, is a great time to make a difference. When you support small businesses during this time, it helps the economy and brings the community together.