Faculty Feature: Small but Mighty in the Sauk Valley

By Dallas Knack

2021: the year we never thought would come.Toward the end of 2020, we all hoped and prayed for the year to end so we could start fresh in the new year. All of a sudden we blink and find ourselves three quarters of the way through 2021; and before we know it, the holidays will be upon us. Halloween, followed by Thanksgiving, and most importantly: Small Business Saturday.

The Saturday following Thanksgiving isn’t the only day dedicated to small businesses; we now have Small Business Week, Women’s Small Business Month, and others. However, Small Business Saturday happens to be the day most widely recognized as it falls within the holiday shopping season. It’s a day to shine a light on small businesses and inspire consumers to shop within their own community. 

As the owner of a small, handmade business, The Violet Veranda, I look forward to holidays that highlight my hard work. At The Violet Veranda, we specialize in campfire mugs that bring light-hearted humor for fun loving, caffeine enthusiasts through quality, handmade products. My business resides primarily online; however, I provide products for local businesses and set up at many markets in the Sauk Valley area and beyond.While I personally appreciate having one day per year that highlights my hard work, there are 364 other days in the year we can celebrate those businesses.

By supporting small businesses you’re supporting so much more. Maybe you’re fulfilling someone’s lifelong dream, helping their family pay the bills, or contributing to the local economy. Shopping small should be a routine activity. Close that Amazon cart and open your eyes to the amazing businesses right here in our community.

Supporting a small business doesn’t always mean spending money. There are many free and simple ways to show your support, for example: interact with them on social media--Follow, Like, Comment, and Share. That type of support is invaluable and greatly appreciated. Many small business owners, like myself, form lasting relationships with customers solely through comments on Instagram posts. Additionally, help spread the word by referring friends and family to the business. If you’re looking for a space to meet a classmate, colleague, or client, skip Starbucks and pick somewhere like Air Play (Sterling), Coffee Crush (Dixon), or Sweetbean (Byron). Just by introducing a friend to a new business, you’re helping out your local community. Another no-cost, yet effective, way to help a business is to leave a review. Everyone checks reviews before making a purchase or going out to eat. Help out your favorite places by leaving a few nice words and encourage others to visit the business. 

We are all guilty of complaining about what the Sauk Valley area is missing, but let’s take a step back and celebrate what we have. Amazing bakeries, boutiques, floral shops, and cafes are just a few of the things our area has to offer. Let’s support them through the holiday season so they can continue to be an intrical part of the Sauk Valley for years to come.