Saturday after Thanksgiving arrives with all the branded tote bags, coupons and Twitter hashtags common to American shopping spree days, thinly veiled as real holidays. But when you take a closer look, many small businesses in San Diego are committing to practices that make them worthy of an extra shopping visit — not just on this “holiday,” but all year long as they make life better for San Diegans.
At Nomad Donuts in North Park we know that pastries alone might not save the world, but I do my part to treat San Diego right. When customers come through my doors on Small Business Saturday they are part of more than a social media-friendly shopping campaign; they are supporting my commitment to making our neighborhood a better place by investing in my employees and our community.
I pay a true living wage, offer paid sick time off and treat employees with the respect they deserve. We pay our fair share of taxes and treat our customers right, too — not just with gourmet donuts but with fair business practices.
Good for Bottom Line
I’m not alone in this. San Diego is packed with small business owners who take their role in the community seriously. But it’s not always easy to spot who’s who by checking out the window display. This Small Business Saturday, let’s look for shops that offer more than holiday gift discounts. Let’s fill our shopping carts at small businesses that work to create happy, healthy workplaces while continually leveling the playing field against large corporations.
At Main Street Alliance, member businesses like mine know that what’s good for the community is also good for the bottom line. When we pay a true living wage, we empower our employees to put more of their money back into the community. When we offer paid sick time off we keep our families strong and healthy and make San Diego’s workforce increasingly productive. When we hold our local government leaders accountable for investing in our communities we encourage an even playing field for local businesses and, as a result, local families. We surpass the legal minimum because we love San Diego and San Diego loves us. You are our customers, our neighbors, our employees and our friends and family. We are your economy, your quality of life and your culture.
Even Playing Field
Consider the story of my friend Flossie Hall, a Navy spouse and entrepreneur who built her business, Healthy Momma, around flexible schedules to maximize job opportunities for military spouses. Flossie believes that employers can be more creative in how they support military families facing challenges — including the high cost of living when stationed in San Diego.
Next meet Mikey Knab, who helps run Ponce’s and Rocio’s with the Meza Family Restaurant Group. In an industry infamous for low wages, Mikey pays a fair, living wage and provides ample paid sick time off. In between serving some of the best margaritas in town, he speaks up for policies that give community-benefitting businesses like ours an even playing field.
If you’re sick of that guilty shopper feeling, there’s a solution. This Small Business Saturday, do more than “shop small.” Shop in accordance with your values by supporting businesses that promote healthy communities and the development of socially responsible business leaders. You’ll add unique gifts to your shopping cart — and more importantly, you’ll help make life better for San Diego’s employees, families and neighborhoods.
Brad Keiller is owner of Nomad Donuts in North Park.
