Estimated read time: 3–4 minutes

I was in my sophomore year of college, struggling to find a job that offered fewer hours, so I decided to start my own business. I had been working on my brand behind the scenes for about a month or so when, one cold January afternoon, my mom called me over to show her client some of my products. I was terrified! I didn’t feel ready. I didn’t have all my inventory yet. But… I was ready. Just a few days earlier, I had probably been wondering how I’d make my first sale. Well, the time had come. It was time to officially launch my brand to the world, and it just so happened to be the perfect day to make my very first sale. (P.S. thanks, Mom, for encouraging me.)

I gathered some courage, prepared my speech, and dove in! I approached my first potential customer and greeted her with what little confidence I had. I introduced my business and told her about the amazing quality of my jewelry, hoping she’d see the glimmer of hope and the diligence I poured into my newfound business. Thankfully, she was incredibly supportive.

After a few minutes of telling her about my brand, she bought a bracelet from me… my very first sale. I couldn’t believe it! I had just made my first $20 from starting my own business. My mom was an entrepreneur, and I had watched her sell time and time again. She made it look effortless, but I didn’t realize how much courage and heart it really took until I made that first sale. I immediately ran upstairs to carefully package her order, hoping to give her a memorable experience. It was the beginning of something I had only dreamed of.

Looking back, I wish I could remember everything she said that day, but it’s been four years. What I do remember is how kind and supportive she was, and how much her purchase meant to me.

To my first ever customer, thank you so much for believing in me. Thank you for giving my small business a chance. You opened the door for me to keep going, even when I had no idea how many obstacles were ahead. May your cup always be full.

Why Shopping Small is Worth It

1. Personalized & Way Better Customer Service

Have you ever ordered from Amazon or Walmart and received a handwritten thank-you note, a coupon, affirmation card, or even a free gift with your purchase? Probably not. Small businesses are known for going above and beyond to ensure customer satisfaction, not just by selling, but by connecting and leaving a lasting impression. Shop small, and you just might get something extra you didn’t even have to pay for. We are also more attentive and eager to resolve issues.

2. Better  Quality Products

Larger corporations tend to sell fast-produced items that barely last five minutes. Totally not bashing Amazon (because I love me some Amazon), but I bought a necklace from a store on there the other day, and I don’t think I even got two wears out of it before it broke. I was highly disappointed… and don’t even get me started on SHEIN. Smaller businesses usually have better vendors who focus on craftsmanship rather than mass production. You can rest assured that your goods come from a high-quality source when you shop small. Smaller brands have a lot to lose, so they take great care with the quality of what they offer. Think about it, they're trying to build a name for themselves!

3. Community

Smaller brands you love come with a community you can connect with. Women-owned, Black-owned, family-owned, and locally owned businesses provide safe spaces for connection and authenticity. By joining a small business community, you can connect with like-minded individuals through social events and online engagement. You never know who or what you might be inspired by.

So...

Whether it’s retail-based, service-based, or a non-profit… I think everyone should shop small at least once! If you’ve been eyeing a small business, now’s the perfect time to take the leap. Get to know their story, feel the passion behind their work, and trust me — you’ll be so glad you shopped small!

Thanks for reading my story. I hope it inspires you to discover and support the small businesses that are the heart and soul of our communities.