Why Shopping Small Matters More Than Ever
There’s something special about stepping into a local market, walking past tables full of handmade goods, and meeting the people who pour their heart into every product. It’s a feeling you can’t replicate in a big-box store—the sense that your purchase is more than a transaction. It’s a moment of connection, a ripple of support that stretches far beyond the item in your hand.
As a small business owner myself—after spending nearly a decade working in the public sector—I’ve come to understand the true impact of shopping small and local. It’s not just about keeping money in the community. It’s about nurturing dreams, supporting families, and building the kind of local economy where everyone has the chance to thrive.
And with Small Business Saturday here this weekend, it’s the perfect reminder of how powerful your support truly is.
🌱 How Shopping Small Helps Businesses Grow
Every time you choose to shop locally, you’re strengthening the roots of a small business. Whether it’s a candle, a ceramic mug, freshly baked pan dulce, or a handcrafted charm, your purchase helps an entrepreneur grow brick by brick.
For small businesses:
It means we can restock products faster.
It helps us scale thoughtfully.
It gives us the confidence to show up at more markets.
It allows us to invest in better materials, equipment, and opportunities.
It allows us to hire staff who we can pay a living wage.
Unlike large corporations, small businesses don’t have deep resources or massive factories behind them. What we do have is passion, grit, and community—and your support fuels all three.
🏪 Big Box Stores vs. Small Shops — The Pros & Cons
Let’s be honest—big box stores have their place. They’re convenient. They offer one-stop shopping. Sometimes they’re the easiest option for busy families.
Pros of Big Box Stores:
Convenience and quick access
Lower prices from large-scale manufacturing
Broad product variety
But here’s the flip side…
Cons for the Local Economy:
Revenue often leaves the community instead of staying local
Limited personal connection
Goods are usually mass-produced with little uniqueness
When you shop small, your dollars work harder. A study by various local economic groups shows that up to 68% of money spent locally stays in the community, versus about 43% when spent at big retailers. That means more local jobs, more community events, and stronger neighborhood growth.
Local businesses also pay local taxes—sales tax, permit fees, property tax—that directly support schools, roads, libraries, and city resources. When small businesses succeed, the entire town feels it.
That impact is why Small Business Saturday is so important. It’s a day dedicated to lifting up the makers, dreamers, and hardworking owners who give our communities their identity.
💛 From Public Service to Small Business: What It Means to Me
After years working in the public sector, serving communities and helping programs grow, I’ve carried those lessons with me into entrepreneurship. I learned:
the value of consistency,
the weight of responsibility,
how important it is to treat people with care,
and what it truly means to show up—even on the hardest days.
Mi Madre Candle Co was born out of tradition, tribute, and memory, but it has grown because of the people around me. Every market conversation, every returning customer, every “this reminds me of home” moment—it all reminds me why I do this.
The dreams behind a small business are deeply personal. They’re handwritten. They’re stitched together by early mornings, late nights, and the hope that someone out there will connect with what you’ve made. So when someone chooses to shop from me—especially during weekends like Small Business Saturday—it’s never taken lightly. It means everything.
🤝 The Community Behind the Craft
One of the most beautiful surprises of starting a business has been joining a community of creators who uplift each other. Local makers don’t compete—we collaborate. We celebrate. We cheer each other on.
I’m thankful to support so many talented entrepreneurs, including:
Prep Yo Self - meal planning with care and thoughtfulness
Ellen C. Duvall Ceramics — stunning, soulful ceramics made by a dear friend
Glow Con Amor — beautifully formulated skincare with heart and soul
Sip Society — handmade cups and purse charms that brighten your day
Panhaus — authentic Mexican bread that tastes like home
Rebecca Candelas — an insurance agent who really cares about finding you the best insurance products and solutions
Drinkle Coffee (Austin, Conservation Lane) — a cozy spot filled with creativity and community
Mi Mundo Coffeehouse & Roastery (Round Rock) — serving love, warmth, and incredible brews
These businesses inspire me, remind me why community matters, and represent the heartbeat of our local economy.
✨ Closing Thoughts
When you shop small, you’re not just buying a product—you’re investing in a dream. You’re keeping creativity alive. You’re helping build a stronger, more connected community.
This Small Business Saturday, and every day you choose local, thank you for supporting small businesses like ours. Your support means more than I can ever put into words.
