Whenever I can, I try to support small businesses and businesses owned by BIPOC and AAPI owners rather than corporate giants like Amazon. Sometimes it’s hard to do so, but often I am surprised by the simple changes I can make to my lifestyle to support these people. Here are a few ways you can do the same:
1. Visit a Farmer’s Market
One of the easiest ways to support diverse small businesses is to go to your local farmer’s market. They usually have tons of delicious food, beautiful knickknacks, and exciting stories to go with their products. It’s a great way to get involved in your community.
2. Browse Speciality Shops
Next time you need a specific product, don’t immediately turn to Amazon. Instead, look around town or online for a shop that specializes in that product. They usually put a lot of care into their work and tend to be more sustainable and less focused on capitalism.
3. Etsy
Etsy is the go-to for small businesses. Whether you have a passion project you’d like to start making money from, or you’re looking for a unique gift, Etsy is the perfect place to visit. They have everything you could ever want, they can often personalize things, and many shops are owned by BIPOC and AAPI creators. If supporting small businesses is important to you, just make sure you do your research so that you actually buy from an independent seller.