Making a call to support the small.

I have a message for all those who love what we do. When I say we, I mean all those who provide fun, items and information to the sewing and vintage community. Everyone from Eva Dress, to Fab Gabs, to Wearing History and beyond, to all the great sellers on eBay, the brick and mortar stores owned by one person, to the person who does it out of their living room, to yours truly. This 'shopping season, if you can, shop small, shop local and shop indie.

I don't just mean this community, either. If there is an indie author you like, buy their book (online or in paper). Shop an indie book store (while we still have them). Buy that pair of shoes, or that indie toy from that start up company. I make this plea not as a business, but also as a shopper.

I mean, I've done it. I've put off making that 'purchase', thinking that seller/item/business would be around later. I could get it later, what's the big deal? I have seen so many indie sellers just whiter away simply because I waited. And I asked myself, why did I wait? Why did I put off getting the item I really wanted and could get, for an item that i kinda wanted from a box store? Why did I do that?

I've realized these smaller sellers need me more. They value my purchase more, and my choice impacts more. That is the point of small buying and selling. These people took a passion and went beyond what I would do in order to bring it to a larger audience. I couldn't do it, I didn't do it, but their passion is so interesting to me. I've learned I want to contribute. I want to be their customer so they can keep doing awesome. They are doing awesome things.

This holiday season I'm going to buy the items that I want, not the most. I'm going to either make, create or share. I'm going to delight in the thoughtfulness of the give I give to another. Something I know they wanted or something I know they will enjoy.

People are tightening their belts more than ever. I'm going to make sure my choices have the most impact this holiday. If you are gift giving this season, think of your impact.