One of my articles on BIPOC-owned businesses recently got published on Explore Waterloo Region’s blog! It was such an honour to have curated a shopping guide highlighting some local businesses owned by Black, Indigenous and People of Colour. In the written piece, I really wanted to create a sense of community by highlighting the importance of shopping local and then provide some options that readers could conveniently explore. I think the article was successful in doing just that because the response has been overwhelmingly positive! The article got shared far and wide on social media and it even landed me in the local newspaper. It featured a variety of businesses located across the Region from Kitchener to Waterloo and from Cambridge to Guelph. If you have not gotten a chance to read it and would like the full scoop, then click here.
Why should you shop local?
I believe that shopping local is more than just choosing where to spend your money. It is adopting a conscious system of beliefs that places priority on one’s social responsibility to the wellbeing of the community. 2020 has been an interesting year for local establishments – many of whom are feeling strained from the pandemic. They need our support in order to survive and eventually thrive. This is why shopping local is important now more than ever. Plus, it is even better for the environment.
Looking for something that’s not in your locale?
If you are frustrated at not having certain things available in your community, make a decision to shop everything else locally and watch how the things you need eventually become accessible to you. Shopping local contributes to wealth allocation in our cities, especially in this region and it also fosters innovation. The creativity fueled is such that when you shop local, those businesses will now be empowered to grow their product or service offerings to better serve your needs. Also, don’t be afraid to ask for what you desire. How will our local shops measure up to your expectations if they do not know what you need in the first place?
How to find local shops in your city
Be a little bit more observant the next time you go out for a long walk in your neighbourhood and you will discover some hidden gems. I am always finding new shops popping up just waiting to be explored in my city. When in doubt, ask for word-of-mouth recommendations from people that you already know and trust. Pay it forward by then sharing the information with others. Social media is also a powerful tool. Through detailed searches on platforms like Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, I have been able to find some of the unique BIPOC-owned businesses that I now shop from on a regular basis.
Why shop BIPOC-owned?
Well, I think it is important for people to shop from local BIPOC-owned businesses and not just because it seems trendy. When you shop from these businesses, you are also making a choice to invest resources in their communities, which is important for economic growth. The hard truth is that owning and running a local business is challenging, but it is even harder due to certain racial disparities. I remember an old saying from someone that goes something like “where your money goes, there your heart is also.” Therefore, if you are an ally, show your support by investing in the communities that matter to you.
Looking towards the future
The pandemic has definitely made things rough for most BIPOC-owned businesses who probably never thought they would ever reopen again after the first wave. Now, the challenge for most brick and mortar stores would probably have to do with making the pivot to an online business model. I think that many of these businesses are navigating the path of uncertainty right now. However, they are doing all they can to launch e-commerce websites, offer curbside pick-up and other delivery options. All in all, we have to support them as they make this transition.
Both the opportunity to curate the shopping guide and the newspaper feature happened so fast. For this, I am grateful. It is a unique privilege to have had an opportunity to speak on behalf of these fabulous businesses who are serving our community and to also be a strong voice for them.
To read the recent feature in The Record where I share on supporting BIPOC-owned, click here.
What is your plan to shop from BIPOC-owned businesses in your local community?
I’m a seasoned communications and marketing consultant with a penchant for all things stylish and chic. Follow me on social media and subscribe to the newsletter for regular updates on industry trends and much more!