Sunday Reading V. 40/An Ode to Small Business & Mom

Happy Sunday and happy Mother’s Day! What a great day to celebrate all the moms, grandmothers, step-moms, best friend’s moms, “second” moms, dog moms… I’m so grateful for all of the above! I know that today is hard for some, please know that you are not alone and that you are loved. I had an honestly awesome day yesterday and wanted to share it with y’all, so going a bit of a different direction with Sunday’s post. I had a busy Saturday involving errands, a haircut and photoshoot that ended with a realization and kind of came full circle towards Mother’s Day…

I started the day with a few errands then got my hair cut (for the first time in so many months that I’m embarrassed to say..) at a locally-owned salon. The owner told me a cool idea he had that would involve another local business. Afterwards I popped across the street to Peplum boutique, because I was getting headshots taken later and realized that morning I had no idea what I was going to wear. I’m used to being behind the camera, not in front of it! One of the owners was working and I told her what I was shopping for and she was genuinely so helpful and interested in hearing about my blog. I successfully found something to wear then headed to Magee’s to get a few “props” for said photoshoot, where the staff enthusiastically helped me pick out the “prettiest” looking donut and did not bat an eye at my obnoxious requests. 

Time for pictures! My friend Sarah Caton is a talented photographer and fellow blogger among many other things. I’ve needed some personal branding photos for my blog for a while, and finally got around to getting those done. Sarah made the photos so easy and fun. I’m loving the preview and I’ll be sure to post more when I get them. Being in front of the camera is not as easy as it looks, y’all! And after the crazy morning I was starving. I’ve been wanting to try High on Art and Coffee for a while, and thought it would be a good pick for my $5 Lunch series on Instagram where I try to find local restaurants from which you can eat a meal for $5. The little cafe and shop was too cute, the homemade chicken salad was bomb (and y’all know I’m picky about my chicken salad), but what really blew me away was the staff. Everyone was genuinely kind and inviting. I sat outside and within the 30 minutes I was out there two different staff members came out to check on everyone. I overheard another guest thanking the staff for letting her hangout and telling them it was her favorite place to come on her day off work. 

On my way home I was just in the best mood. I realized that all the people I encountered were kind, but also that they were all locally-owned businesses. Actually almost all of the people I interacted with were the owners of those businesses. I can’t help but think people were so friendly because they were doing what they loved. It feels so good to support that. The money I spent on my sandwich at High on Art and Coffee paid for my sandwich, but it also goes into supporting local artists whose work is for sale at the shop. By supporting Sarah, I also get to support the nonprofits and small business owners Sarah donates time and photography sessions to. Your purchasing power truly has power y’all! 

So how does this relate to Mother’s Day? I think part of the reason I love supporting small business owners is because my parents are both entrepreneurs. My mom owned a Body Shop franchise (the bath and body products not auto repair – side note, they’re doing 40% off most products right now and I’m obviously a fan) until I was in fifth grade and now owns a small business as a Stella & Dot consultant. My mom started her business when I was tiny and I grew up in that store in the mall. I can’t imagine what it was like to take the risk of opening your own business with an infant (and first child). Growing up I certainly didn’t understand the sacrifices she made then as a working mother, but I’m so grateful now for the example she set for me. I learned a lot about hard work from my parents and a lot of what drives me to pursue a career and dream about owning my own business is from them. Thank you Mom, I love you!

Highs & Lows

High: I attended a dinner at Keeneland this week that was amazing! It was all served family style at the most beautiful table in the middle of the Paddock. They are hosting two more this summer and you should check it out. 

Low: Had to get a hepatitis shot.. not fun.

Links I Love

For my fellow wanderlusters, ten spots “worth it” spots for female solo travelers.

Brie spaghetti is a thing I’m about it.

Anthropologie is running 20% off everything for Mother’s Day.. I’m seriously considering these shoes.

The 15 healthiest frozen dinners. Because sometimes you just don’t want to cook and it’s better than the drive through! 

What does “processed food” actually mean?

I’ve talked a lot about collagen peptides, can they replace your post workout protein? 

Quote of the Week

Drake seemed appropriate for Mother’s Day, no? Anyways, if you made it this long, I applaud you and thank you for following along. Hope everyone has a great week!

Biscuits & blessings,

Leels

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