Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) encourages community to support local businesses
As the holidays are approaching, many people are joining the crowds at malls and big chain stores seeking the right gift for friends and family – or camping out in front of their screens, avoiding the crowds, shopping the biggest online retailers and buying as many of the Best replica handbags they can get away with for all of their loved ones! This season, Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) encourages holiday gift givers to do a little something different and shop local at the many locally owned shops and other local businesses.
“Purchasing gifts from local businesses not only provides loved ones with a unique gift, but also stimulates the local economy,” said Marsha Bailey, WEV founder and CEO. “When you purchase a gift from a small business, you can feel great about your money staying in the community and helping to create more local jobs.”
A study in San Francisco found that for every $1 million in revenue local businesses created 2.14 jobs while chains created only 1.27 jobs.
This year, consider purchasing gifts from these local shops, owned and operating by participants in WEV’s continuum of business training, support and small business loan programs. Gift giving will be made more meaningful with the help of these small business in Ventura County:
Paradise Pantry is a gourmet artisan cheese and wine market featuring shareable bites such as hummus, meats and cheeses as well as hearty salads and sandwiches. The market also features a popular weekly Mac’ n’ cheese special created by Chef Kelly. Past dishes have included a Thanksgiving mac ’n cheese featuring turkey, stuffing and cranberry; a loaded baked potato mac ’n’ cheese; and a chicken enchilada mac’ n’ cheese. During the holidays, Paradise Pantry will also feature sparkling wine flights to find the best bubbly for your Holiday and New Year celebrations. This eatery is a perfect place to find gifts for the foodies in your life – or to treat a friend to a tasty break during holiday shopping on downtown Main Street. Located at: 222 E. Main Street.
Sauna Studio: Help your loved ones relax this holiday season with a gift from Sauna Studio. Sauna Studio offers infrared sauna treatment, hot yoga and massage therapy designed to help you destress and give you a healthy glow. The infrared therapy will also help with weight loss, pain relief, and improve the strength of one’s immune system and cardiovascular health. Located at: 3459 Telegraph Road. A Sauna could be a nice healthy addition to your home, especially if you are looking for that extra place to de-stress. If you don’t feel know a lot about Saunas or feel a little apprehensive about getting one, doing some research and this Vital Health Sauna review might just change your mind.
Scrubs on the Run: is an affordable place for medical professionals to buy scrubs, with styles and sizes to accommodate all body types and personalities. Scrubs are also available for purchase online. Located at: 2542 E. Main Street.
Skincare by Adriana: Give the gift of healthy and radiant skin this season with a facial or waxing from esthetician, Adriana. Skincare by Adriana offers a variety of spa and express facials to help skins glow. Adriana is skilled in treating acne, rosacea and uneven skin tones and can help anyone achieve the results they want to see in their skin. Located at: 35 Oak St. in Ventura.
Spice-Topia: Gifts from Spice-Topia are sure to spice up any occasion or dish. This specialty spice and tea store sells products from over 25 local artisan food chef creations, including specialty ketchups, hot sauces, jams, coffees and much more. Perfect for those on your list who love to cook. Custom gift baskets and pre-made gift baskets are also available. Located at: 576 E. Main St. in Ventura.
Very Ventura Gift Shop and Gallery: offers an array of Ventura-branded merchandise for visitors and natives alike – and serves as a key source of recommendations for out-of-town visitors or residents looking for new ways to entertain their holiday guests. The gift store and website give an insider’s take on local dining, shopping, landmarks and unique excursions within Ventura County, aiming to please a wide range of interests and abilities. Located at: 540 E. Main St.
About Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV)
WEV is dedicated to creating an equitable and just society through the economic empowerment of women. Since 1991, WEV has been providing a continuum of comprehensive services – training, consulting and loans – to help entrepreneurs start grow and thrive in business. WEV’s service area includes Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties, with offices in Santa Barbara, Ventura and Santa Maria. WEV provides start-up and expansion loans of up to $50,000 to pre-bankable microenterprises. For more information, visit WEV’s Web site at http://www.wevonline.org.
