Hills District Independent August 2020 #62 August 2020 | Page 8

LOCAL LIFE Shop small - help big by Greg Martin Paul Kelly and Kev Carmody were spot on with their inspirational lyrics in the song they penned back in 1991 – From Little Things Big Things Grow. I was humming that tune after chatting to Sarah Richards about her inspirational idea in seeding the amazingly successful Facebook page #ShopSmall movement which in a matter of months as grown from a seedling to a mighty oak. The #ShopSmall movement kicked on March 20 when Sarah initiated the page on Facebook and the response from small business owners, not only in the Hawkesbury, Hills and Blue Mountains but further afield, was mind boggling. Businesses signing up on the page came in thick and fast, a couple of hundred, then a couple of thousand to the stage now where they are now approaching Waxing lyrical over her superb range of Sweet Home Additions candles is proprietor and candlestick-maker extraordinaire, Sheree Mifsud. Photo: courtesy Simone Griffiths. 11,000 members. Sarah, hardworking Hawkesbury City councillor, pondered how to help bolster small business when the COVID-19 pandemic hit the country in early March. “The COVID-19 situation was rapidly evolving, and rules were swiftly changing,” Sarah explained. “In addition, social distancing meant that we were relying heavily on online engagement for support and advice. We also saw chaos in our supermarkets and distress amongst our small business community, especially with regard to restrictions, changes and closures. “It was with this in mind, that I realised I could do more to bring people together, give them a platform, provide a voice to promote their business and share information in real time as it happens.” “#ShopSmall was originally designed to promote small business but it has quickly morphed into more than that and because it is a group rather than a Facebook page, it allows members to contribute to the content. “It also fosters a lovely community spirit, as members continually encourage others, buy and order direct from business posts and talk about their own personal triumphs and tribulations, as we all navigate this unusual time.” I asked Sarah why she gave birth to #ShopSmall and how she finds the time to administer the burgeoning page. “I truly believe in small businesses and mum and dad stores who are prepared to take a risk in small business and do what they love,” Sarah explained. “Small businesses are the backbone of our nation, accounting for 35 per cent of Australia’s gross domestic profit and employing 44 per cent of Australia’s workforce. “I am doing all I can do in my capacity to support them in any way possible. “I have pride in that locals trust me enough to continue to support the group and its members. One trusting – and delighted – small business operator to have joined #ShopSmall is Kurrajong’s Sheree Mifsud whose company, aptly-named Sweet Home Additions, produces a range of gorgeouslyscented candles. Sheree was one of the first small businesses owners to join #ShopSmall. Sweet Home Additions was established in September 2019 and specialises in natural soy wax candles, scented melts and self-care/pamper packs. “#ShopSmall has been a community which I’m very proud to say that I’m part of, thanks to founder, Sarah Richards,” Sheree said. “She has brought together a wonderful community, not just through the pandemic of COVID-19 but through the devastating bushfires over the summer that destroyed many local businesses and properties. “#ShopSmall has not just impacted my business in the best possible way but (L-R): Julie Ryan, Sarah Richardson and Nathalie Kirmaier form the Second Home Café. steered many other businesses to buy local and support the community we have built together through the most difficult times in our lives.” For more information on Sweet Home Additions, go to www.sweethomeadditions. com. Sheree is conducting a stall event at 661 Comleroy Road, Kurrajong, between 10:00am-4:00pm on October 25 which is an ideal time to load up on Christmas presents. Shop small and have a ball! HDI News is partnering up with Shop Small and offering 2 FREE business profiles to be printed in our publications each month. To be eligible all you have to do is go on to Facebook and join #shopsmall and like the Hawkesbury District Independent and The Hills District Independent and send an email with your business details and put Business profile in the subject line to [email protected] NEW LOCATION Unit 3, 8 Anella Avenue CASTLE HILL (formerly on Victoria Avenue) 02 8677 3837 | aaatyrefactory.com.au | [email protected] Ask about a FREE Tyre Health Check “Exceptional service, no waiting, would not hesitate in recommending.” LINDA W ★★★★★ AVAILABLE TO SUPPORT YOU IN YOUR TIME OF NEED Compassionate, Personalised Funeral Services in Sydney Mention this ad & receive 30% OFF MINOR SERVICING^ with any tyre purchase Rely on us to: • Gently guide you through all planning and arrangements • Assist in obtaining all necessary certificates and registering documents • Answer all of your questions • Carry out your requests • Be there to provide support through this emotional time Pre Paid and Pre Arranged Funerals Available Australian Owned & Operated [phone] SERVING ALL SUBURBS ^Terms and Conditions apply. Visit www.aaatyrefactory.com.au for more details. www.familyfuneralservices.com.au 8 ISSUE 62 // AUGUST 2020 www.hdinews.com.au THE HILLS INDEPENDENT