Don't support local businesses

If you knew the significant power of supporting local, you would change your whole mindset.

So many people have become unemployed during 2020, as a direct effect of a pandemic that nobody could foresee nor prevent. So many left helpless and desperately scrambling to make an income in any way they thought possible. Not an effortless or swift task at all, and most still working tirelessly to build their brand enough to be able to reap the rewards.

The flip side... there are insanely creative, new brands out there, that most of us are still yet to discover (I’m on a mission to try and uncover as many as I can)

The sudden lockdown has forced many of these entrepreneurs to think differently and kickstart collaborations and concepts that will truly blow your mind.

So many small local businesses are in desperate need of our support, but don’t support them because you feel compelled to, or because you want to do them a favour. Shop local brands because they are deserving, creative, innovative and world class. Do the research, change your perception of local brands, and I guarantee you will find so many bespoke products you didn’t even know existed, and you will never look back.

I've recently spoken with designers that have started locally producing and printing their own textiles instead of importing them, because they couldn’t get the stock they needed into the country during the pandemic, which has in turn generated additional employment and opportunity here in SA.

I am sure I don’t need to point out the obvious fact that each time we support these local small businesses, we are potentially feeding tons of families and keeping these talented brands alive.

I’ve been blown away by the entrepreneurial spirit that has emerged out of an unfortunate situation, and we can only salute these brands. I can't wait to watch them soar.

In the next few weeks I’m interviewing and chatting to as many brands as I can and can’t wait to share their unique and enthralling stories of the journey that got them to where they are right now.

I’ll also be executing a series of location shoots at luxury bush lodges to feature these products and amazing local travel destinations in all their glory, so do keep an eye on our social media pages to stay enlightened.

I encourage you to shop consciously and support local this Christmas, and way into the future.

photograph credit - Freekpik.com