Why to support your local business, artist, crafter this holiday season.

COVID-19 had a devastating impact on artists and crafters, shutting down open markets and significantly reducing customer numbers for those markets that remained open. Many of us rely on public shows throughout the year to showcase and sell our products. While these shows require hard work and can be costly, they are also the most enjoyable and rewarding part of our process. Meeting customers face to face, seeing their eyes light up when they discover something they love, and sharing experiences with other artists create unique opportunities that cannot be found elsewhere.

This year, many of us chose not to attend any markets to ensure our own and others' safety. It was a challenging decision: sell products or prioritize safety. While some of us have websites and utilize platforms like Facebook and Instagram to market our products, most sales typically occur at shows. Without shows, there are no sales. This situation creates a dilemma at the end of the year: do I stay or do I go? (That song will likely be stuck in your head for the rest of the day!)

Every year, many artists and crafters ask themselves a similar question: Why do we continue this journey? Most new businesses don’t turn a profit for three years, and for artists and crafters, this timeframe can be even longer. So, why do we persist? It’s simply who we are and what we love. It reflects our beliefs, and for many of us, it’s our way of supplementing our income or purchasing art supplies. Like many, I have worked hard and dreamed about this opportunity for most of my life. I get to do what I love, create joy for others, and earn enough to buy more supplies and pay for shows.  Income isn't part of the equation.

Now is the perfect time to support and shop from your local businesses or artists. By doing so, you’re not only giving a gift to the recipient but also supporting the artist, fostering their continued work. Thank you for the years of support you have already provided; without it, many of us would not be where we are today.