The Hub May 2015 | Page 24

It’s important to remember that local jobs are local jobs to just pay the bills, but there are quite a few benefits to running his own business. “It’s nice because you have your own flexibility, you have opportunity to change things whenever you want and the potential to make a wide range of decisions,” says Balla. “As far as community involvement, you’re actually a part of the neighbourhood. Everybody here lives and works in Windsor. A local owner has a different tie to the business than a corporate CEO. You have real ownership in your business and care about your community.” But like the owner of Awesome Fashions, Balla says there are some major struggles that go into owning a small business. Aside from having less pull with the provincial and federal governments to receive funding, there’s a fear of losing it all. “You’re always bound to work so even when you’re on vacation, it’s a concern and unlike a large corporation, where they essentially make billions, you’re always kind of watching the bottom line,” says Balla. “That’s tough to do because you see way more small businesses struggling and opening and closing than you do large corporations. You see people invest their life savings...there’s a real risk involved.” When Balla first opened up his coffee shop he was the first location downtown to introduce specialty coffee beverages. The Tim Hortons was located nearby, but it didn’t have unique drinks like the Coffee Exchange did. Starbucks didn’t come until much later; he had almost 20 years to develop regular customers and prepare for competition. And even independent stores are starting to find a home in local malls. BBranded was established in downtown Windsor 11 years ago and now has a location within Devonshire Mall as well. Just recently owner Ayad Saddy also saw his store recognized by Nike as an online retailer. But Saddy never forgets where he came from and always looks to his marketing and his team of employees as the reasons for his success. “Surviving 11 years is one thing, but obviously as far as customer service goes, we wouldn’t be around if we were lacking 2015 SEASON OF LOST SOULS LOST SUDDENLY SUDDENLY, LAST SUDDENLY, LAST SUMMER Tennessee Tennessee Williams APR 10, 11, 12, 16, 17 & 18 DEVIL BOYS FROM BEYOND BOYS BEYOND Buddy Thomas and Kenneth Elliott Thomas Kenneth Elliott JUL 17, 18, 19, 23, 24 &