Living an Indie way of life

It’s easy to find great indie companies online.  Etsy is a handy springboard for buying everything from cosmetics to clothing to cupcakes.  But the internet doesn’t have to be the first place to turn when thinking about indie companies.  Look around your local area, and you’re sure to find a veritable wealth of small, independent, locally owned businesses worth your interest.

My favorite part of indie shopping is knowing that my money is going towards the keeping of a local family, and not lining the pockets of a CEO who has profit and not people on the brain.  This becomes more readily apparent when eyes are turned away from the computer screen to look down Main Street.  What do you see?  Charming little shops, cafes, and boutiques?  Or a Wal-mart?  Which one do you want to see?

Shopping small indie businesses in your area is good for your local economy.  It is estimated that $0.68 of every dollar spent locally stays within the community.  More money locally means more small businesses- boutiques where you can buy local soaps and lotions, mother-and-daughter-run candy stores, small coffee shops and bookstores.  In my village, we even have a shop that sells chocolate-covered and candied apples.  We have a local independent pet store where the proprietor knows the village pets by name and everyone gets free treats and a hug (the owners, too, if they need it!).  There is more charm, more personality in these little indie shops than can ever be found in big-box stores.  They might be priced a little higher, but personalized service is worth the added expense.

When talking about indie shopping, don’t forget your local farms!  Buying food straight from the source is more nutritious and definitely more fresh.  Check out farmer’s markets for produce, meats, honey, eggs, cheese, seeds, crafts, and all manner of things.

Once a person takes the time to notice, there is indie everywhere, and it takes very little inconvenience to begin shopping exclusively from indie businesses.  Indie products have enriched my life so much that I can’t imagine going back to big-box stores.  Most of us are familiar with indie cosmetics, but take a look around and see what else you can enjoy from an independent company.  If you can imagine it, you can find an indie version.

What’s your favorite local indie company?