I’m sure everyone has been hearing the term “shop small” lately, especially with Christmas coming up just around the corner. You may be wondering what shopping small means, or why it’s so important. Allow me to tell you!

 Shopping small is a nationwide movement that celebrates and supports small businesses by encouraging people to purchase services from small, local businesses rather than large corporations and retail stores. The day that commemorates shopping small this year is November 27th, the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Although, I recommend shopping small year-round! Shopping small inspires a thriving local economy and a more vibrant, connected community. 

My name is Christine Kelly and I am a professional newborn and family photographer, trained thoroughly in my industry for over ten years. As a local small business owner and St. Louis photographer, people who shop small are my main source of income. All of my valued clients literally support my livelihood! I am newborn certified and specialize in newborn and family portraiture, but I also enjoy doing milestones, first birthdays, maternity, and mini sessions. I own Conner James Photography, a Glen Carbon newborn photography studio, and I love every minute of it. Conner James Photography is more than just a side hustle for me, it is my life and sustenance. My photography business helps my family. I know that I’m not the only one who relies on my small business to pay the bills and feed my family, and that’s why shopping small is so important.

Just as I want the best for my children, I want the best for my clients. To me, all of my clients are a part of an ever-growing family. I always strive to provide the best quality images and customer service, because you deserve it! Due to small business owners having much more invested in their business than large corporations, we value our customers much more. I strive to provide my clients with the most personable, hands-on, and detail oriented experience when they work with me. There are countless hours and immense amounts of energy that I personally spend on each session, as it is my goal for every family to be ecstatic with their results. I want to show each client how grateful I am for their service, and keep them coming back!

I also recommend shopping small because it aids in the support of your local community. Not only does it directly benefit us as business owners, but when small businesses pay taxes to the city in which they reside, those taxes are used to fund public services such as schools, parks, roads, sidewalks, and service workers. By shopping small, your tax dollars go directly back into your neighborhoods, further enriching the local economy. If you’re ever unsure of what local small businesses are located near you, try searching online with the keywords, for example, “photographer near me,” and many results will pop up. If you're in the Edwardsville, Glen Carbon, St. Louis, or Alton area, I’ll be there, too! Overall, there are many reasons to choose a small business when spending your hard earned money. Support your local community this holiday season and shop small!