This is the time of year where I realize what it really means to own a small business. I am not sure if it’s because the year is wrapping up and we are in the process of figuring out how we actually did for the year, but it might be. As everyone knows, the reason Black Friday is called “Black Friday” is because it’s the day in the 365-day calendar when most businesses go from being in the “red” to in the “black” - and that rings true with most small businesses I know in all sectors. We spend the first 11 months trying to pay operating costs, and then, at the very end, we flip over into profitable territory.

With this whole enterprise being so hard and its math so daunting, you might ask why we do it. That answer is easy – because it is our passion. It is what we love. I love clothes and all things fashion, Danielle of fibre space loves knitting, Amy of Red Barn Mercantile and Penny Post loves home and paper, Adrien Cotton loves guiding women in their health journey as we age, and Megan of Mind the Mat loves giving us the ability to jump out of the way of a bus if it is coming at us. But we all actually have something that brings us together, a sense of community. It might seem silly to imagine that a clothing store can build a community, but it has in more ways than one. First, we have a community of people who have worked at the stores. I have been to weddings, baby showers, and many other celebrations for people who work at the store and for those who left us years ago. Strong friendships are formed, and that is something that makes me the most proud. Then, there is the community we have with our clients. I hope we provide a place where people can escape for a little bit, get some retail therapy, and feel good about themselves when they wear something they purchased at our stores.

Then, of course, there is the sense of community we have with other small business owners. Many of the women who are in Stylebook have become my close friends. No matter how different what we “do” is, there is a common thread through all of us that makes us become quick friends.

In my opinion, this business community that brings so many people together in different ways is what makes Alexandria so great. The people of Alexandria and the businesses support one another and that is why this is such a special place to live. We aren’t a town of big box stores that have no connections to the people who live here.

 We are the people who live here.

So, as we approach Small Business Saturday, I hope everyone will consider going and supporting some of your favorite small businesses. I know it is the day after Black Friday and many of you are “shopped out.” But, if you missed the Black Friday deals, I hope you will consider stopping in your favorite store, coffee shop, restaurant, salon, or gym.

Below is a list of all the great stores that are part of Alexandria Stylebook. We also listed the different shops that are all having a special gift with purchase promotion for the day. We even shared a sneak peek of a few of the items!