Natalie’s Guide: An Open Letter from a Small Business Owner in 2022

Dear Reader,

As many of you have noticed, the world is currently experiencing a recession and times are getting tougher. People are worried about job security and feel nervous about the state of the economy. As a result, people are reasonably tightening their spending to ensure that they have the essentials and are preparing for an uncertain financial future.

We will get through this together, (we have been through difficult times before, like COVID) though these times may be particularly difficult for many people. Heading into the holiday season, I ask that you remember to support your small businesses: a family owned restaurant, an independent boutique or brand, an independent freelancer, a small grocery store, etc. I am certainly guilty of running to Amazon to find things, but it is important to shop small whenever possible and your budget allows. Small business owners feel each and every sale; We greatly appreciate your business!

Also, and equally as important, you can support small businesses without spending a dime! Some ways include:

1. Sharing a small company’s social media postings (and tagging them), or liking them;

2. Recommending small businesses to friends and family;

3. Writing reviews on a small business’s page to encourage other shoppers; and

4. Simply being kind to small businesses.

I am located in the DMV and would like to recommend some of my favorite small businesses:

1. Kanika Styles/ Dc Editorial Hairstylist

2. Conceptual Beauty/ Kristin Birckhead

3. Pietro’s Corner Restaurante

4. Lena's Wood-Fired Pizza & Tap

5. ByVinnik

6. Boxwood Boutique

7. Lily’s Flower Truck

8. ..and the brands I carry at Wild Gardenia Boutique.

Sincerely,

Natalie Zink

Owner, Wild Gardenia Boutique