What Your Money Supports

People like to shop around, looking for the best deals. I like to shop around, too, but I also like to support other creatives.

And when you support small and local businesses, your money goes to many different things. It’s not just paying for the goods or products, your money goes towards much more. Nearly one third will go towards taxes, and maybe the other third goes towards restocking their inventory, so that might just leave one third or less that goes to food on the table, clothes, bills, and gas.

Not only are you supporting their hopes and dreams, you're also bringing them joy and validation. All of their hard work is appreciated by someone and that someone is you. But sometimes you admire from a far, like a cat sitting on their porch watching the bugs and birds fly through the neighborhood. But the kitty isn't shy to let itself be seen, so let others know that you enjoy seeing their work. There's more than one way to support artisans than with money. Let others know about who you admire. Spread the word and maybe someone else you know will fall in love with their work, too.

So, the next time you’re looking at an artisan’s pricing and think it might be a little excessive, remember that there’s more than what meets the eye.

Here's one more thing for you to think about ... if everyone who admired an artist just bought one greeting card, imagine what would happen. They say that many drops in the bucket fills it up quickly. Don't feel like you need to make a large purchase to support a creative, even the smallest amount of support means a lot.