It’s easy to get swept up in the rush of Black Friday emails and next-day shipping promises.
The sales. The countdowns. The rush to check off every box on the list.
But somewhere in between the flashing banners and overloaded carts, we lose a little of the magic — that feeling the holidays are supposed to carry.
The warmth, the community, the connection.
That’s why I always say this: when you shop small, you’re not just buying something. You’re building something.
You’re keeping creativity alive. You’re helping someone keep their dream lights on. You’re giving your money a heartbeat
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The Heart Behind Local Shops
Small businesses are the quiet storytellers of our neighborhoods.
They’re run by parents balancing bedtime stories with bookkeeping, by makers who believe beauty still matters, by neighbors who greet you by name instead of order number.
When you buy from them, your dollars don’t disappear into algorithms — they stay here, in Saint Paul, helping someone pay for art classes, studio rent, or maybe even the first new camera they’ve been saving up for.
“When you spend money locally, you’re voting for connection over convenience.”
I think about my own studio often in that light — the people who’ve trusted me to photograph their families, the stories that have become part of mine.
Every session booked, every print ordered, every word of encouragement from a client isn’t just business — it’s a relationship.
It’s what allows me to keep doing what I love: preserving memories and building a creative life right here in our city.
The Season Feels Different When You Shop Small
Walk into a local shop during December and you’ll notice it instantly — the pace slows.
Someone greets you, maybe with a mug of cocoa or a friendly nod. You can actually talk about where an item came from or who made it.
You might meet the person behind the product — a jeweler, painter, baker, or photographer who pours their heart into their work.
And when you hand over your card, you see gratitude in real time.
That moment matters. It reminds us that the holidays were never meant to be about more — they were meant to be about meaning.
“Buying small feels like slowing down enough to notice the magic again.”
Photography as a Local Art Form
Photography often gets tucked into the “service” category — but at its core, it’s art.
It’s storytelling. It’s collaboration. It’s local legacy.
When you hire a local photographer, you’re not just getting photos; you’re supporting a craftsperson who uses their skill to celebrate this community’s people and places.
Your family photos become part of the shared visual history of our region — familiar parks, favorite seasons, the way Minnesota light filters through fall trees or snowy streets.
“Every local photo is a small piece of community memory.”
And that’s what I love most about working here — seeing families come back year after year, watching kids grow, couples evolve, grandparents join in.
Those aren’t just sessions. They’re the living record of who we are, together.
The Ripple Effect of One Small Purchase
When you choose to buy a print, a session gift card, or a handcrafted item from a local artist, you’re not just helping one person — you’re helping everyone they touch.
That print order supports my local lab technicians in Eagan.
That photo frame might come from a woodworker in Duluth.
That studio coffee? Bought from the café down the street that knows my name.
Local economies aren’t just numbers. They’re webs of people connected by intention.
Every purchase becomes a thread that keeps the tapestry strong.
“Small business isn’t small — it’s personal.”
How to Support Small Businesses (Beyond Spending)
Here’s the thing — you don’t even have to spend money to make a difference.
A kind word, a tagged photo, a quick review — all of it helps.
When you share a post or tell a friend about your favorite local shop, you amplify their story. You remind others that behind every small business is a real person trying their best to create something meaningful.
At this time of year, that kind of support is gold.
“Kindness is free — and it keeps local dreams alive.”
Where You’ll Find Me This Season
This year, I’ll be part of the Minnesota Christmas Market at Union Depot — surrounded by incredible makers, artists, and dreamers who all share the same goal: to bring beauty, warmth, and story into people’s lives.
I’ll have studio gift cards, sample prints, and a little slice of the holiday magic I bring into every photo session.
And honestly, that’s my favorite part — meeting people face-to-face, hearing their stories, and knowing the photos I’ll create will one day hang in their homes as part of their own family legacy.
“Community is built one conversation, one smile, and one photo at a time.”
If you stop by, come say hi — I’ll be the one near the twinkle lights with coffee in hand, probably chatting about dogs or camera gear. (Some things never change.)
Why It Feels Different to Shop Small
Supporting small businesses is more than economics — it’s emotional alignment.
It feels right because it is right.
It reminds us that human connection still matters in a world that keeps speeding up.
That handmade, heartfelt things still have value.
That your story — and your support — can make a difference right here, close to home.
When you shop small, you’re not chasing the lowest price; you’re investing in stories that last.
You’re proving that joy and generosity still have a place in how we spend, how we give, and how we live.
Closing Thoughts
Every photo I take, every product I create, every family I meet — it’s all part of a bigger story: community.
When you choose to shop small, you’re saying, “I believe in this story.”
You’re helping dreams survive, grow, and keep giving back.
So this season, take a breath. Step away from the endless scroll. Wander through your favorite local market. Send a kind review. Order that session gift card.
And when you do, know that somewhere in Saint Paul, another creative heart is quietly saying thank you.
Visit me at the MN Christmas Market or shop studio gift cards online — let’s make the holidays feel good again.
