9.25.17 30

3 Major Reasons To Support Local Businesses

Living in Napa Valley for over a year and blogging for over four, I’ve had some wonderful opportunities to partner up with many amazing individuals and brands in the past. I gotta say, being able to support local businesses and to connect on a more personal level is always one of my favorite things to do as a blogger – something that gives what I do a special meaning.

You see, blogging is not only about taking photos of pretty things and places. To me, what matters the most is connecting and building long-lasting relationships. Especially, right here in my beloved California.

Why Support Local Businesses?

Since I get a lot of questions about blogging and where to start, I thought I will touch once again on the importance of shopping small and working with small businesses – first AND foremost. Yes, reaching for stars and big franchise is always nice, and the recognition you might get could be quintessential to you career, but working on connections right here where you live will ultimately bring you a more sustainable growth.

photography by Kayla Alaska Taylor

skyline wilderness park napa california

Personal connection

I cannot stress it enough. Having a personal connection and knowing the person behind the actual brand is something you shouldn’t take for granted. I know these days we try to be super efficient with our time. That is why more often than not we will rely on the Internet and social media because the virtual connection is just so instant.

However, whenever time and place allows, I strongly suggest choosing to meet in person rather than continue talking about a possible partnership over phone calls/ emails. I believe going out of your way and driving to a place of businesses to see how you vibe with the person behind the brand is priceless. Yes, sometimes it may feel intimidating. In fact, it usually is for me, but somehow I always come back from a meeting more inspired than ever.

5 Reasons Why You Should Support Local Businesses

Love what you do and you’ll never feel like working

It’s so true. Working on countless photo shoots I can honestly say there’s nothing else that gives me more joy. Yes, they usually require a lot of time from scouting locations, prepping, shooting to post-production, but when you get together with like-minded and creative souls… Well, it makes it all feel like a breeze.

Being a blogger, I get to shoot with a lot of photographers, mostly those that are local to Napa but also those who I get to meet during my work trips (see a list of them here). Connecting over mutual ideas and goals is definitely something I love and am so grateful for.

Let’s take Kayla Alaska Taylor who I recently met and shot these photos with as an example. Just a few days after we connected on Instagram, we decided to meet in person and go straight to creating something cool together. And we had a blast! We spent about 3 hours shooting different looks and it didn’t feel like work at all! I believe that even all the editing and promoting each other on social media didn’t feel like too much effort either, because we were truly excited about working together and the actual photos. Once again – support local businesses and entrepreneurs because it’s fun, exciting, special and so rewarding!

skyline park napa california

lace up black sweater fall style

Support your local economy

That’s probably one of the most obvious reasons why you should support local businesses because it’s a valid point. Shopping small often means the products were locally sourced and created with the kind of soul that you simply can’t put a price on. Think about it. Have you ever bought something that was only sold in that one place of business or you could only get it locally? How did those purchases make you feel? Special? I thought so! It’s the same when you work with local brands and entrepreneurs.

RELATED POST: THE IMPORTANCE OF SHOPPING SMALL

all black style

all black outfit

sweater: Malus Marcoo       pants: H&M        shoes: Qupid via Boho Lifestyle Boutique

Do you love to support local businesses? What is your favorite way to do so?

Tell me about your experiences! Please and thank you. 😉

blog post signature Napa blogger Shenska

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30 Comments

  1. love this top and supporting local businesses!

    Published 9.26.17
    Reply
    • Paulina wrote:

      Same! It’s so rewarding and exciting at the same time! xoxo

      Published 9.26.17
      Reply
  2. Onyi Moss wrote:

    I completely understand what you mean. I actually only started succeeding in blogging when I started connecting with other local bloggers and businesses. Your photos are amazing ?

    Published 9.26.17
    Reply
    • Paulina wrote:

      That’s amazing – glad you agree! Focusing on building a community right where you actually live is so important! Not only for your business but also your soul! xoxo

      Published 9.27.17
      Reply
  3. Farrah wrote:

    Good customer service is everything!

    Published 9.27.17
    Reply
    • Paulina wrote:

      Couldn’t agree more! Thanks for stopping by, Farrah!

      Published 9.27.17
      Reply
  4. Kimberly wrote:

    I love that top! It is so unique! And I definitely agree with this post!!

    Published 9.27.17
    Reply
    • Paulina wrote:

      Thank you for stopping by and loving the post, Kimberly!

      Published 9.27.17
      Reply
  5. Yes girl yes! I absolutely agree, it’s so wonderful to feel a true sense of belonging and connection to the community around you. Loved reading this!
    xoxo – Lauren Will from LaurensLipGlossary.com

    Published 9.27.17
    Reply
    • Paulina wrote:

      So happy you feel the same, Lauren! That being said, I’m about to check out your blog! xoxo

      Published 9.27.17
      Reply
  6. Ruth wrote:

    Those pictures are absolutely amazing! I love the sweatshirt!

    http://www.mylittlenest.org

    Published 9.27.17
    Reply
    • Paulina wrote:

      Thank you so much for stopping by, Ruth! Have a great rest of the week. :*

      Published 9.27.17
      Reply
  7. Kelly wrote:

    I love to support local shops! And I love that top!

    Published 9.27.17
    Reply
    • Paulina wrote:

      Yay! We’re on the same page then! 😉 xoxo

      Published 9.27.17
      Reply
  8. Alina wrote:

    Good customer service is sooo important … can’t stress that enough! Love supporting local businesses.

    http://www.theclosetcrush.com

    Published 9.27.17
    Reply
    • Paulina wrote:

      Thank you for saying that, Alina! xoxo

      Published 9.27.17
      Reply
  9. Amy Arnold wrote:

    Love this edgy all black look! Personal connection is so important!

    Amy Ann
    Straight A Style

    Published 9.27.17
    Reply
    • Paulina wrote:

      Thank you, Amy Ann! I SO agree with you! Have a great day! :*

      Published 9.27.17
      Reply
  10. Jackie wrote:

    I couldn’t agree more with you, it’s so important to support the local economy. By the way, you look fierce in all black! And that sweater is so chic and edgy too! Hope you’re having a great week so far!

    xo, Jackie
    stylemydreams.com

    Published 9.27.17
    Reply
    • Paulina wrote:

      Aw Jackie, thank you so much for stopping by! Love seeing you here! And yes, nothing better than feeling the sense of support in your local community AND economy!

      Published 9.27.17
      Reply
  11. Laura wrote:

    Love this outfit on you! Those pants look amazing and I love that top!

    Published 9.28.17
    Reply
  12. Elise wrote:

    Great post and wonderful tips! Gorgeous photos and amazing top!

    xx, Elise
    http://www.sparkleandslippers.blogspot.com

    Published 9.28.17
    Reply
  13. Rachel wrote:

    So chic and beautiful! Amazing photos!

    http://chicglamstyle.com

    Published 9.28.17
    Reply
  14. Samantha wrote:

    Great post and love your outfit! Such a cute top.
    ~Samantha
    http://goldcoastgirlblog.com

    Published 9.28.17
    Reply
  15. Ashley wrote:

    There are a few local businesses I work with that I absolutely adore- and you’re right, you totally build personal connections with them; I consider them my pals! 🙂 Love this look, babe!

    -Ashley
    Le Stylo Rouge

    Published 9.28.17
    Reply
  16. Sheree wrote:

    I’ve always thought it was important to support small businesses, and I am so happy to see you posting about it! I think it is very valuable to contribute to the success of your community. Also, I love your outfit in these photos!
    Thank you for linking up this week!

    ~xo Sheree
    PoshClassyMom.com

    Published 9.29.17
    Reply
  17. I love supporting local businesses when I get the chance! Keeping the local economy strong is important and developing a personal connection with employees is beneficial to everyone involved!

    Luci’s Morsels | fashion. food. frivolity.

    Published 9.29.17
    Reply
  18. Jessica wrote:

    Couldnt agree more. Rich enterprieses keeps getting richer, it’s time to spread the wealth to our local businesses. By the way, your top looks gorgeous dear.

    Jessica | notjessfashion.com

    Published 9.29.17
    Reply
  19. Kileen wrote:

    This is such a great reminder and love supporting local entrepreneurs!

    Kileen
    cute & little

    Published 9.29.17
    Reply
  20. Nice and perfect looking outfit..

    Published 3.7.18
    Reply