18 Aug Why Supporting A Small Business Matters.
Why Supporting a Small Business Matters. You Can Make A Bigger Difference Than You Think
Why supporting a small business matters.
When I took this photograph, my hallway was almost completely taken over by boxes. In the middle of them stood Daisy, my beautiful cocker spaniel and constant shadow.
These boxes represented a new customer order—and, for me, a huge achievement.
They were more than packages waiting to be processed. They represented every idea, email, difficult decision and moment of self-belief that had brought Neon Army to this point. They also represented all the “no” responses, the “not right now” replies and the periods when I questioned whether the worry and stress of running a small business were worth it.
The Story Behind Neon Army
Neon Army was born in 2022, inspired by my love of colour, individuality, angel number 222 and the law of attraction.
From the beginning, I wanted Neon Army to be about more than products. The brand is an extension of who I am and what I believe. Every design carries a sense of positivity, confidence, individuality and meaning.
I want that strong mindset and self-belief to reach the people who discover and wear Neon Army. Whether it is an empowering affirmation, an evil eye, a Hamsa, a colourful heart or angel number 222, every detail is intended to tell a story.
My hope is that each piece encourages its wearer to express themselves, protect their energy and believe in what is possible.
The Reality Behind a Small Business
Running a small business can look exciting from the outside, but behind every success is a great deal of unseen work.
Neon Army is a one-woman business. Every part of it is managed by me—from developing ideas and communicating with customers to handling emails, finding new opportunities, creating content and making decisions about what needs my attention most urgently.
Something will inevitably receive less attention when one person is responsible for everything. For me, that is sometimes social media. I regularly have to make executive decisions about what is most manageable and important at that moment.
Should I spend the next hour posting content, or should I work on the emails that could bring new business into Neon Army?
Both matter, but there are only so many hours in a day.
The challenge is even greater because I am also a full-time mum. Hosting a pop-up shop, attending an event or taking a meeting often needs to happen during school hours or when a family member is available to help.
It is a constant balancing act between motherhood, business and everyday life.
Continuing When Things Do Not Go to Plan
There are always quiet periods in business. There are times when opportunities fall through, responses do not arrive and circumstances outside your control affect your plans.
My business activity in Dubai has had to pause amid ongoing regional unrest. Situations like this are a reminder that even when you work hard and plan carefully, the path is not always straightforward.
During those periods, it is natural to question whether you should continue.
However, something always seems to keep me moving forward.
As a huge believer in angel number 222 and the law of attraction, I often feel that the universe sends me the signs I need at exactly the right moment. Those reminders help me trust the journey, refocus my thoughts and take the next step—even when I cannot see the whole path ahead.
Then an order like the one in this photograph arrives, and it becomes a physical reminder of how far Neon Army has come.
Why Every Purchase Matters
When you purchase from a small business, you are doing far more than completing a transaction.
Every Neon Army purchase takes me one step closer to supporting my family, creating new designs and growing the business. It allows me to keep developing ideas and producing distinctive pieces that customers will not find everywhere else.
Small businesses can also offer something deeply personal.
Neon Army customers can expect one-to-one customer support, genuine communication, limited designs and something created with individuality and care. You are not simply an order number being processed by a huge organisation. Your purchase is noticed, valued and genuinely celebrated.
That is why seeing all these boxes together felt so emotional. Each one represented trust in Neon Army and another reason to keep believing in the future of the brand.
Daisy, My Small-Business Companion
Of course, no behind-the-scenes story would be complete without Daisy.
Daisy is my shadow. Wherever I am in the house, she is usually within a metre of me. If I am surrounded by boxes, answering emails or trying to manage several jobs at once, she will be nearby.
On the days when everything feels too much, a cuddle with her can be the best medicine. She also forces me to go for a walk every day, which is so important for my mindset.
I must admit that I am sometimes still working on my phone while we walk. Some days, every second counts, and multitasking becomes unavoidable. But Daisy still makes sure I step outside, breathe and briefly change my surroundings.
Supporting a Small Business Without Spending Money
Purchasing is not the only way to support a small business. There are many completely free actions that can make an enormous difference:
- Follow the business on social media.
- Like, comment on, save or share its content.
- Save its Pins to your Pinterest boards.
- Recommend the business to friends and family.
- Leave a review after purchasing.
- Tag the brand when wearing or using its products.
- Join its mailing list.
- Visit or share details about its pop-up events.
- Engage with new launches, even if you are not ready to buy.
- Tell someone about the brand through word of mouth.
Every like, follow, comment and share helps more people discover an independent business. These small actions may only take a few seconds, but they can have a meaningful impact.
Anything Is Possible
Building Neon Army has taught me that progress is rarely a straight line.
There will be setbacks, uncertainty and moments when you question yourself. But there will also be boxes filling your hallway, customers choosing your designs and unexpected reminders that you are moving in the right direction.
Anything is possible when you put your mind to it, believe in your vision and continue taking action.
Thank you to everyone who has purchased from Neon Army, followed the journey, shared a post, saved a Pin, visited a pop-up or offered a few words of encouragement.
You are not simply supporting a product. You are supporting a working mum, a creative vision, a family and a dream that continues to grow. That’s why Supporting A Small Business Matters.
Follow the Neon Army journey and discover colourful, meaningful designs created to celebrate confidence, individuality and self-belief.
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