Supporting small business

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Joseph Pratt

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Portsmouth is ever-growing with small businesses that provide opportunities and options for the community. From gourmet coffee to homemade chocolates, from vintage toys to vintage décor; the area has a healthy small business layout that offers room for continuous growth. Small Business Saturday is an annual shopping holiday, aimed to give thanks to these business owners for going into the risky waters of starting something on their own.

As stated on many occasions, my heart lies in Boneyfiddle and downtown Portsmouth. My grandmother raised me in the downtown area and always taught me about its history, while also instilling the importance of preserving what we have.

Naturally, I was excited to give back during Small Business Saturday. I was proud to hit the street with my wife to do our part. During the celebration of local business, we had a great time catching up with friends and finding great deals.

While we saw many wonderful friends, we were most happy about visiting with the talented Martha Padgett, an artist with a unique trade, who we had not seen since Boneyfiddle Arts Center met its depressing and untimely closure. Martha remains to be one of my favorite artists, both in her unique egg art and in personality. She even parted us with a late wedding present and words of wisdom, which was a nice surprise, as we come closer to our one-year anniversary.

While shopping, we were able to grab a new bar of honey chai soap from Different Daisy in Journey Within, a collection of Ansel Adams prints, as well as some original art from Martha Padgett, in River Town Antique Mall, and a box of sinfully delicious chocolate from Kakao Konfections.

In an effort to lead by example, I always attempt to shop downtown for the things we use, since I live by a philosophy of supporting the community as best as I can. Desserts, dinners, candles, soaps, décor, and more can be had by visiting these places, and at a better quality than most chain stores.

I was very happy to see a busy downtown Portsmouth this past Saturday.

In a perfect world, the streets would be as packed on any given Tuesday, as they were on the shopping holiday. I challenge readers to consider these businesses when they are needing something for the home.

Small business patronage needs to be bountiful and not limited to one day a year. Not only do the businesses benefit from the patronage, but so does the consumer; investing in local business is an investment in your home.

Reach Joseph Pratt at 740-353-3101, ext. 1932, or by Twitter @JosephPratt03.

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Pratt
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