They say 'put your money where your mouth is'.
I say spend your dollars like votes! 
Whenever possible, I try to support small local businesses. As a small business owner myself, I understand the impact each customer can make to help grow my business. I'd like to spend my money the same way and get products and services that help other local artist and entrepreneurs. 

This doesn't require extra spending or even a lot of research! The money I'm already spending on necessities can go towards businesses that support the community, like a local grocery or farm stand instead of a big super-market. I don't google every shop and store before I spend there... usually these unique local vendors present themselves naturally. They are the places that stand out, offering specific goods and services, or an artistic approach to a common purchases.

I had a great local shopping experience at the Akron Arts Expo. I wasn't looking for anything in particular, but ended up finding a mouse pad to replace my well loved and worn one at home. The artist passion for his colorful abstract pieces was evedient in his work and his brief interaction with me. Now I can enjoy his colorful piece everyday. It is a bright and exhuberant reminder that my dollars are supporting other local artists. 

The power of local purchases:
1. Enjoying memorable experiences and personal interactions.
2. Keeping and cultivating an attractive community with diversity.
3. Recognising the efforts of hardworking business owners.
4. Finding unique products and services unavailable elsewhere!
5. Improving the community through local schools, police and fire departments!

Big business isn't bad. It's nice to buy things cheaper! I love Amazon Prime as much as the next gal;) But I feel even better spending money where it will trickle back into my local economy and the pockets of my neighbors. 

Thanks for reading!!
Blog by MB

For further reading, here's more statistic based information about shopping local: 
USA Today
Small Business Saturday is November 28th:
Shop Small