If you’ve skimmed even a few of my posts in the last several months, you’ve likely noticed I’ve been blathering on and on (and on … and on) about how now is the time for us all to step away from the corporate machine and hang out a shingle.
You might be thinking I’m a bit looney, and while that is probably true, I promise my reasoning is well grounded. You see, as the benefits of a corporate gig slip away and the big box giants rest on their laurels, I firmly believe that a sliver of opportunity has arisen for us “regular” people to retake control of our local markets and communities.
Now that our communities are dependent on handful of big box stores to fulfill our day-today needs, the stores no longer feel like they need to compete for our business. So they’ve reduced service, inventory, and variety. Some have driven entire sectors out of business and then went out of business themselves (I’m looking at you, JoAnn Fabrics). Left with no other local options, we’re turning to membership delivery options like Amazon, where prices are going up and we’re left waiting for a package to arrive.
Meanwhile, your “safe” corporate job is anything but. That job is more and more likely to lay you off. And even if you’re able to hold on to a corporate job, between increases in the cost of living, health insurance premiums, and low or non-existent raises, the wage you’re earning is less and less livable.
So you can imagine how excited I was to see that a local woman has opened an independent fiber arts store in my community. This is exactly the sort of move I’ve been advocating for. Renea Gonzalez found a niche that is no longer well served (or even served at all) and then found a lightweight, low risk way to meet the need. Loops and Stitches, LLC opens on July 11th in a donated space with low-cost crafting supplies which she negotiated with her vendor to purchase in small quantities.
But Ms. Gonzalez is doing more that just selling yarn and supplies. She’s also creating community, an important element that’s been lost from our hometowns and neighborhoods in the last couple of decades. By offering a comfortable space in which to meet, chat, and craft with others, she’s adding a “third space” in a town that’s been struggling without them.
So kudos go out to Renea Gonzalez of Loops and Stitches today as well as the friends and business acquaintances who worked with her to make this store and community space a reality. Our towns and small cities desperately need more places like Loops and Stitches and more people like Renea Gonzalez. The sliver of opportunity is opening, but it won’t stay this way forever. What are you waiting for?
If you’re ready to make the leap to small business ownership, but unsure where to start, I want to work with you. Let’s chat.
Resources:
nicolederr.com 