Small Business Saturday - November 24, 2012

I’ve been a small business owner for the last 8 years. It started as a hobby and supplemental income to my full-time job and because of health reasons; it became my only job about 5 years ago. The benefits of owning my own business is that I can work around my disability and still maintain an income; granted not at the same level as working full-time and without many of the perks like paid vacations and benefits. But at this time of my life it fits my needs.

I support small businesses whenever possible because I know they’re made up of people like me. Many have joined the ranks of the self-employed out of necessity, a sense of entrepreneurship, or because they see the value in providing one-on-one customer service.

Small Business Saturday®

Set between Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Small Business Saturday® is a day (this year it’s November 24th) dedicated to supporting small businesses nationwide. Over one hundred million people came together last year to Shop Small® in their communities on this one day.

I’m participating in the Small Business Saturday® campaign to remind people that shopping small doesn’t mean paying higher prices. The products I sell have been picked up by a few big box stores this year because of their popularity. They’re no longer boutique special items, but they’re still top quality and adorable. Because of Manufacture Advertised Pricing (MAP) all retailers are required to advertise the items at the same price point. That means you’ll pay the same to purchase them from me as you will the mass retailer who pays their employees minimum wage.

Why Shop from a Small Business

Why shop with me? You’re maintaining a small business owner and in my case someone who is unable to work full-time. You’re also showing my kids that you value the hard work and dedication I’ve devoted to my business. As a mom, I love that my kids have been shown that one can succeed as a sole proprietor if they’re willing to put in long hours and dedicate themselves to the work.

I hope that as a society we never lose sight of the importance of small businesses. They add some variety and flavor to a landscape filled with the same big box stores and chain restaurants. More and more “mom and pop” places are disappearing every day and we’re losing our regional distinctions. That to me is sad.

Shop Small on November 24, 2012

Shop Small on November 24, 2012

Get Involved in Small Business Saturday® as a Customer

If you’re an American Express customer, you can score a $25 Statement Credit just for shopping. Restrictions apply – see American Express $25 Statement Credit Cardmember Offer for Small Business Saturday® rules for more details.

Get Involved in Small Business Saturday® as a Business

Small businesses have access to free advertising and signage for the event. To find out if your business qualifies, visit https://www.americanexpress.com/us/small-business/Shop-Small/#promote_small_business . Plus they’ve partnered with FedEx Offices so that you can get two pieces of your Small Business Saturday signage printed for free.

The holidays are the busiest shopping days of the season. Please consider spending some of your dollars to support small businesses like mine.


I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for American Express. I received a promotional item as a thank-you for participating. All opinions are my own.