Many people buy products from the same large companies or simply ship things directly to their doorstep. They forget other options exist and continue to purchase from Amazon or Target. This system does not even give small businesses a chance. Not only is it important to buy from locally-run small businesses because it supports the community, but they often end up having more thoughtful employees, unique products that can not be found elsewhere, and more “TLC” put into the goods.
It is easy to get stuck in a system. People tend to eat at the same places, wear the same few clothes, re-stock the same beauty products and purchase items from the same stores. They get stuck in a habit, and while it is technically a convenient system, it is boring. Not to mention, who knows what these people are missing? Small businesses have so much to offer, and it all goes unappreciated if people never give them a chance.
Modern teens have a huge buying power. They consistently spend large amounts on things like clothes, jewelry and makeup. This is inevitable since it is simply the direction the world has gone. Therefore, they should use that purchasing power to support small businesses.
Glow Skin & Body is a small business located in San Mateo. They do waxing and many types of skincare, including facials, dermaplaning, gua sha, peels and light therapy. An appointment at Glow is perfect for a self-care day, and the perfect way to support a small business.
Renza Celotti, the owner of Glow, shares what led her to start the company, “I was going to community college and aimless. I didn’t know what I wanted to do. Everyone was getting business degrees. It sounded nice, but I was more of an artsy person. I would do people’s makeup, and everyone said, ‘Go to beauty school,’ but I was a little embarrassed by it. Then, I just decided, ‘You know what? I’m gonna do it.’ It was the scariest thing and the best thing I ever did.”
What does it look like to start? What is the process? Susan Wu has had the dream of owning a hair salon for 20 years, and she is on the journey of starting her own business. She has a passion and is following it.
“I got my cosmetology license last year, and then I started to pick up all the skills I needed to eventually become a salon owner. Now, I’m training and practicing on it,” said Wu when asked where she is now.
Wu also shares what advice she would give to other people who want to start their own business.
“You have to make sure that’s the thing you really like to do … and you really have to go for it. You have to know who you are first, and then you have to understand that this is going to be hard and new for you. Anything can happen. But, face the problems,” said Wu.
Small business owners are examples of people taking non-traditional paths. Many hold a stereotype in their head or a strict definition of the “path to success,” but success does not have to come from a business degree. It comes in many different forms. In fact, true success happens when someone is doing what they love. Renza Celotti and Susan Wu are both inspiring examples of following a passion. They are empowering women who followed their dreams, and they exemplify all aspects of small businesses: the passion, the pursuit and the reward.
