Group of smiling people standing outside with decorations and a building behind them, celebrating a special occasion.

I’ve spent my whole life immersed in small business culture.

This is what I’ve learned.

Authenticity always wins

From Lundy Layne, a home decor and clothing boutique

Group of six women sitting and standing inside a home, all wearing matching pink shirts with 'Lundy Layne' written on them. They are smiling and appear to be part of a team ready to help today, with a sign above them reading 'Our team is ready to help you today!'
A mannequin dressed in a colorful floral summer dress with ruffles, accessorized with a wide-brimmed straw hat and a necklace, standing inside a clothing store.
Young woman in strapless black lace dress standing in front of a green hedge background with a neon sign above her head, looking to the side.

People are drawn to authenticity, not fakeness.

Being honest, vulnerable, and staying true to your values creates trust.

It’s not about perfection, it’s about showing up as you are.

Community is everything

From Uliveto and Gersi, the restaurants I worked at during college

A large, decorative chandelier with multiple layers of glass or acrylic pieces hanging from a ceiling with dark, patterned panels.

Small businesses are built on relationships. Having loyal customers that you know by name, and their weekly order, is what keeps them coming back.

Community also has to be from within and having a strong inner core is what truly lasts.

Passion fuels success

A white coffee mug with gold script that reads "Frances Khan" sits on a glass display case in a jewelry store, with people shopping and browsing in the background.

From Frances Kahn, the luxury boutique that I manage their social media

Passion is what drives a business to fruition and maintains strong employees, loyal customers, profit and new ideas. I have learned to fuel my creativity and encourage passion in my work and personal life.

A woman taking a mirror selfie in a clothing store, wearing a beige trench coat, black ruffled blouse, blue jeans, and black boots.