Forgive Me...

Forgive me for the rant that may or may not follow - well, not really a rant, just a stream of conciousness.  I have written on the subject of supporting local businesses before, and most people know my stance on it, i.e. DO IT.  Now, I'm not saying all the time....I know that Wal-Mart and Target (my favorite) have everything in them and are practically cities in a box.  You go in for one thing....some sugar, a hairdryer....and come out with 50.  I understand this convenience and the fact that prices ARE lower, because these entities are so enormous.  I totally get it.  At the same time though, we've got to try to spend money in independent storefronts too.  Not just storefronts - businesses in general.  The 3/50 Project is a wonderful example of this thought in action.  Spend just $50 a month at three local, independently owned businesses - no chains, no franchises - and watch the businesses flourish, and the community thereafter.  Any money spent goes back into the community in terms of taxes, etc. which can be put forth to better the community.

I can also apply this on a personal note.  I am a massage therapist.  I massage people, dogs, horses, and cats.  I work at a chiropractor and a few other places around town.  I know how easy it is to go to a place like Massage Envy.  Let me tell you, you get what you pay for.  I'm not saying their people aren't good - but most are fresh out of school and new to the business.  Generally they are also worked to the bone, for very little pay (I interviewed for them once, so I know the pay scale).  When you go in for your nice, relaxing massage, or deep tissue workout, more than likely you will have one exhausted therapist on your hands.  You may not get that therapist next time either.  Turnaround is generally very high.  Now, if you call a locally owned business (i.e., my own), you will get someone who genuinely cares about your well being.  I work on my own time, so you will get the 60 minute massage you are paying for, not 50 minutes.  Most importantly, you will deal with myself and myself only, so that you will get me the next time you call.  Not to mention the fact that my prices are reasonable as I am not dealing with a middle man.

Big franchises and corporations aren't bad ALL the time - but when Petco starts killing the local pet store or the local drugstore has to close down because Rite Aid moved in....well, it's just a crying shame.  We don't need a chain on every single corner.  Let's think less of convenience and more of what this country was built on - hard work and perseverance.  Let's make sure we follow the 3/50 rule and try to keep our small businesses going in this flailing economy.

Oh, by the way, for those of you in the Richmond area, a one hour Swedish massage from myself is $50 - there's one of your $50 blocks spent right there.  :)