Shopping Small at Saturday Summer Garage Sales

Susan and I often visit local #garagesales on summer weekends. This past Saturday, we came across two young #entrepreneurs selling their beaded bracelets. Of course, we purchased a few. The two fishing ones pair nicely with my #keepfishingneverstop wristband. I love supporting small businesses, especially the smallest and growing ones. By the way, I learned from the artist herself that FLB stands for Fish. Lake. Beach. #shopsmall #localartist #buylocal #fish #lake #beach

Duke's 2022 Blues n BBQ Fest Preview

Duke Seward of Duke’s Blues n BBQ previews the 2022 blues fest, June 10-11, East Dundee, Illinois.

Duke's Blues n BBQ at the Fox River Valley Library

Duke Seward from Duke’s Blues n BBQ

It was with great joy that Susan and I attended and helped record a #BBQ demonstration by Duke's Blues N BBQ last month at the Fox River Valley Public Library District in East Dundee. I admire and have learned so much from Duke Seward’s passion for food, art, family, and his community. So glad we got to be a part of this evening. Check out the video links below to learn more about Duke’s approach to BBQ, smoking, connecting with people through food, why simple is always the best, and much more.

Duke's BBQ at the Dundee Library, December 9, 2021

Duke's Blues n BBQ: Connecting with People through Food

Duke's Blues n BBQ: Simple is Always the Best

What Business Would You Start Today?

If money and time were no object, what business would you start today?

I’ve always wanted to own and operate a bookstore. Nothing practical about this, especially today. But if money and time weren’t an issue, it’s a passion project I’d pursue. I’d like to think I could make it something unique. There would be no other bookstore like MIke’s bookstore. I’d have a small performance and exhibit space for local musicians and artists. Maybe a creators’ studio for podcasters and musicians. And of course, a comfortable place to test-read a book and enjoy a cup of tea. And that’s just for starters as I build out my dream bookstore.

I may be 50 years late on this idea. Bookstores were a fading concern even before the pandemic. But if I had no limits, I’d give it my best effort to see if I could create a post-pandemic third place that would serve and thrive in my community.

And that’s only one of my no-limits business ideas. I keep a little orange notebook where I’ve written down dozens of others. Some have come to life in small ways. Others are waiting to be hatched. All help inspire my writing, projects, and even other ideas. That’s the great thing about the idea stage of starting your own business — money and time are no object.

How about you? What’s your “no limits” business idea? Dolphin petting zoo? Mobile ramen shop? Exotic pet sitting service? What would you stop everything to do right now, if time and money were no object?

Farewell, and Thank You, Craft Donuts

Craft Donuts and Coffee has closed after four years in business. It’s another one of the small-business casualties of this COVID-19 year. Craft was more than a donut shop. It was a place to gather with family and friends, a place to escape the daily grind, a place to experience new tastes. It was a source for vegan donuts, gluten-free donuts, and custom-crafted coffee drinks. Our walks through town and across the river to Craft became a joyful ritual for Susan and me.

The owners were wonderful neighbors and community partners. They kept going throughout the past 12 months, serving carryout and catering. But this pandemic is relentless and finally, despite loyal customers and innovative offerings, Craft Donut succumbed.

Reports vary, but it’s estimated that up to 800 small businesses a day close due to COVID-19. I’m betting that there are hundreds more that are on the brink, like Craft, until they finally closed.

Small businesses like Craft are the beating heart and soul of our small town and nation. I’ll keep shopping small, ordering take out and doing what I can to help our town’s remaining small businesses stay afloat. And I’ll hope and pray for some light at the end of this long pandemic tunnel.

Craft Donuts and Coffee closed its three locations this week, including our donut destination in West Dundee, Illinois. (Susan and Mike Barzacchini photos)