Moving here from Austin, TX I learned something very important, local is the future or at least it should be. I witnessed the economy and housing boom first-hand and it was rumored that even former President Obama traveled to the capital of the big red state to see why people don’t mess with TEXAS, that can all be summed up in one word: LOCAL. Working in marketing, both print, digital, and events primarily, I would laugh sometimes at the advertisements that often times consisted of a logo and LOCAL. LOCAL. LOCAL. LOCAL, like a clucking chicken, and that’s about it.
As you can imagine the non-profit Keep Austin Weird which translates to shop local and was advertised all over the city mostly in cheesy 70’s tie-dye, resonated with a majority of residents, me included. It was amazing to be a part of this movement. To feel like I was taking part in a campaign to empower small-business. The city was alive, thriving and people talked of the American Renaissance while sipping local spirits, eating local, non-gmo dairy and produce, shopping local craft markets, local retail boutiques and congregating at the Mothership Wholefoods Market on N Lamar.
I remember, in fact, waiting in a line at least 200 people deep to try the new artisan ice cream shop on S Lamar. Never in my life would I imagine eating goat cheese ice cream but mercy, it was gorgeous.
When I moved to Albuquerque, NM a year and a half ago I had heard of something similar, Keep Albu-querque and observed the same trend right here in this tiny picturesque state. So I am going to do my part in supporting the local businesses and organizations that empower small business and keep the unique and querque spirit of individuals alive and well and I think you should too.
Soapbox moment: reviews. If you contract with a local business and they went above and beyond your expectations, tell people about it. I know creating an account is a hassle but it only takes a moment and it is a really easy way to give back. All of the most successful people I know believe in collaboration over competition so keep this in mind and let’s all collectively thrive.