The importance of local, small businesses
Happy Tuesday! When you consider how many small businesses surround you in your everyday lives, it’s hard to imagine life without them. Most of us, with a little forethought, prefer to keep our dollars local and support family-owned businesses. Every small purchase makes a big difference. Supporting a small business means you are supporting a family. With a little planning, most of us like to buy unique items for our loved ones anyway, instead of resorting to big chain stores for lastminute purchases. I am thankful to live in a small town for obvious reasons, like less crime, traffic and pollution. I enjoy a slower pace in a close-knit community. Another perk of living in a small town can be the colorful, local-business scene that can’t be found anywhere else. Not only can shopping local provide unique finds and quality services, but it also means supporting your neighbors directly — and giving back to your community. I stumbled onto this gem of a shop, Faye’s Hobby and Gift Shop, recently when I was downtown Poteau dropping off some mail. You must go check it out! It’s located at 107 North Witte Avenue, right between The Purple Plume and the Poteau Post Office. Faye’s Hobby and Gift Shop is owned by a local mother and daughter team, Sandy Maxwell and Shea Hebert. At Faye’s, you can pick up a cool gift for literally anyone for whom you are shopping. With Mother’s Day and graduation just around the corner, I wouldn’t wait to drop in. Faye’s Hobby and Gift Shop is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. This is a one-stop gift shop with many local vendors and artisans represented. You can find things like hand-made gifts and quirky one-of-a-kind items, and they will even gift wrap for you right then and there! Need some help for the hard-to-shop for? Sandy and Shea are very helpful and attentive. Give them your budget, and you will love what they help you pick out! Looking for custom-made? At Faye’s, you can create a custom T-shirt, coffee cup, tumbler, a cute personalized license plate, etc … Definitely check this new store out for your small business or event merchandise. Go follow @fayesdowntownpoteau. There are so many possibilities! I absolutely adore the women that own this shop. If you haven’t met them yet, you will find them adorable, too! Shop local and love your community. Have a great week, and see you at The Cup.