Finding Strength in Small Businesses

Today marks 14 months since I was laid off from my corporate job. That day is still very painful for me and the way in which it was handled disgusts me to this day. All of my friends were forced to ignore me all day, until 4PM when my supervisor, appeared on a Zoom call with HR. It felt like the corporate version of a Soprano's scene, when you suddenly find out that you're about to get "whacked".

A blue graphic that says "Support Local Business" with a red and green border.

The Holidays are Officially Here!

As we move past Thanksgiving and into the holiday season, it’s a time for reflection and gratitude. But this year, it’s also a time of difficulty. The holidays, which once felt warm and abundant, now come with the added weight of financial stress. Even something as simple as grocery shopping has turned into a very stressful and careful budgeting exercise instead of the enjoyable, shared experience it used to be.

And yet, amidst the challenges, there is still so much to be grateful for—family, perseverance, and the small victories that keep us moving forward. This journey has reinforced the value of empathy and the need for meaningful connections, lessons I’ve touched on in previous blog posts.

Starting Over After 40: Lessons from Industry Giants

Recently, my wife shared a Instagram post that stuck with me. She reminded me of how Christian Dior founded Dior at 41, Adolf Dassler launched Adidas at 48, and Bernard Marcus was 49 when he started Home Depot. Their stories are a testament to the idea that it’s never too late to build something extraordinary.

But inspiration alone doesn’t make the path any easier. Starting over in your 40s is a monumental challenge, especially without the emotional support of those you once counted on. This time in my life has been an uphill battle, but it’s also taught me resilience and the value of true friendships—the kind that show up when times are hard.

I’ve poured these lessons into Falcon Design Studios, a business I’ve built not only for financial survival but to create something meaningful for others. It’s become a reflection of my journey, offering creative solutions that foster connection and community.

The Real Value of Shopping with a Small Business

Shopping small has a tangible impact. When you support a local business, it's usually about 30–40% of your purchase that goes directly into the hands of the owner, helping them cover essentials like groceries, sporting activities, or their mortgage. It’s not just about the transaction; it’s about supporting someone’s dream and sustaining their family.

In our home, we’ve always embraced small businesses. Whether it’s a unique Etsy shop like Frog and Toad's Workshop, a small online shop owned by our cousins Mike and Amy, or local services like On Point Mobile Grooming, we believe in spending where it matters. It could even be something that seems almost effortless, like listening to your favorite local artists (Shout out to one of my best friends, Jeiris Cook!) Even when we shop at big box stores—which are almost impossible to avoid—we balance that with mindful purchases that uplift real people, not shareholders.

This commitment to small businesses ties back to the empathy I wrote about before. Shopping small is a way to say, “I see you, I value you, and I want to support what you’re building.” It’s a form of connection in a world that often feels disconnected.

Falcon Design Studios: Built to Support Community

At Falcon Design Studios, I’ve built these values into the very core of what we do. Our partnerships with nonprofits create opportunities to give back while fostering creativity and connection. From designing tributes to honor loved ones to supporting hurricane relief efforts and creating custom fan merchandise for towns like Jefferson and Summit, every project is about more than just business. It’s about empathy, connection, and making a difference.

These efforts are rooted in the belief that business should do more than turn a profit—it should bring people together and support the communities we’re part of.

Keep Marching Forward

The holidays can feel heavy, especially when life isn’t as stable as it once was. But the challenges of the past 14 months have deepened my gratitude for the moments of connection that still shine through. I look forward to the days when we can comfortable grocery shop, or just order dinner, like we used to, but those simple things have now become to aspire to.

Supporting small businesses is one way we can all show empathy and help one another. When you shop small, you’re not just making a purchase—you’re helping someone take another step forward on their journey. You’re saying, “I believe in what you’re doing.”

Let’s carry that spirit forward, through the holiday season and beyond. One small act of support can make all the difference, and together, we can keep marching forward.