Tuesday, November 23, 2010

This Saturday is Small Business Saturday!



Thanks to American Express for sponsoring my writing today about small businesses.  American Express is presenting Small Business Saturday, a way to honor the local merchants who are the backbone of the economy, this Saturday, November 27.  They're offering statement credits to people who shop at small businesses, advertising for small-business owners, and donations to Girls Inc. for "Likes" of the Small Business Saturday page on Facebook.  Join the celebration by clicking the "Like" button and then visiting the Facebook page to learn more about the program and read the terms and conditions that apply.

You know just how much Ascending Butterfly loves companies who give back! I call it guilt free shopping, and it has to be the best type of shopping there is. It means knowing I spent smarter, and actually did SOMETHING with my money and my time!

First there was Black Friday, then Cyber Monday. This year, November 27th is the first ever Small Business Saturday, a day to support the local businesses that create jobs, boost the economy and preserve neighborhoods around the country. Small Business Saturday is a national movement to drive shoppers to local merchants across the U.S.

Small Business Saturday takes place November 27, 2010. AMEX is offering $25 statement credits to people who shop at small businesses, advertising for small-business owners, and donations to Girls Inc. for "Likes" of the Small Business Saturday page on Facebook. So by shopping at a small business you are doing something smart for YOU and helping Amex doing something great for girls! How awesome is that? 

I have always loved the term 'mom and pop shop' for small businesses. It always brought up images of a family working together side by side. Of businesses where you walk in, and are actually greeted by name. A place where you are certainly not another face and not just a dollar sign. A place you frequent because it feels so much like home.

I love that Amex is giving back to us for supporting small business! Communities need neighborhood stores, neighborhood stores care and should be supported. I love the fact that Amex wants to help spread the word by having us spotlight our favorite neighborhood small businesses. The ones that don't have a bottomless pocket when it comes to advertising, the businesses that are sometimes forced to stay open later and work longer hours to stay competitive.

My favorite local business is my local Beauty Parlor! For me finding a good Hairdresser is like finding a good Dentist, it's not easy, and it's something that you can't afford to do via the 'trial and error' method. You want to ensure you are putting yourself in the right hands the first time. You want to WANT to go back regularly.

And that's how I feel at United Skills, it's a Unisex Salon just north of a bustling shopping district. A district located near several well known City Landmarks, the Bronx Zoo and the New York Botanical Gardens! With several University and College Campus' nearby.

I found them when my hairdresser of over 10 years had a heart attack and sold his salon. I was devastated for sure, this was the hairdresser who did my hair for Prom, for my graduations, I knew all his family and he knew just how I liked my hair. I could literally fall asleep on the chair and wake up and know I'd be happy. That level of trust comes over time. I didn't think I'd be able to trust another hairdresser to know how to handle my finicky hair.

I tried several places in the hunt for a new hairdresser and just wasn't happy. And when I walked into United, everyone seemed to know everyone, and here I was a total stranger walking into a very high energy salon with lots of talking, laughing, loud music, I wasn't quite sure I'd fit in. Well that was over 7 years ago, and it's the only place I'll get my hair done now! (Speaking of which, I'm over due for a haircut!).

This is a great iniative and I would definitely encourage you to make sure you frequent a small business this weekend, whether it's a local salon, or other small business in your neighborhood, make sure that you don't get so swallowed up by post Thanksgiving Chain Store Sales that you forget about the small businesses. They need your holiday dollars too!

If you are ever in the area and want to try them out:

United Skills
2445 Walton Avenue
(off Fordham Road)
Bronx NY, 10468
(718) 329-2421

If you'd like to try my hairdresser, her name is Digna!

Join the movement, spread the word!
Visit Small Business Saturday on Facebook



 

Have a Question for American Express, You can Ask Amex on Twitter @AskAmex

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I was selected for this sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective, which endorses Blog With Integrity, as I do. I will be compensated $75 for my participation in this campaign. However I do prefer local shops and family run businesses, and it is my pleasure to help readers stay informed of ways they can shop smarter and benefit both themselves, and their communities! Way to Go American Express!

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