Why Shopping Local Matters

Hi friends, it’s Britni 👋

Living on an island in Southeast Alaska is a little different than anywhere else. We don’t just “run to Target” when we need something, and Amazon Prime doesn’t exactly show up in two days. Out here, the weather, the tides, and even the barge schedule shape the way we live and that makes shopping local not just a nice idea, but truly a way of life.

When you support local, you’re keeping neighbors employed, kids in activities, and small dreams alive. Every dollar spent at a coffee shop, a craft booth, a fisherman’s stand, or a local store cycles right back into our community. It helps keep the lights on during dark winter days and makes sure there’s a friendly face behind the counter the next time you walk in.

For me, running a small coffee business on Mitkof Island means I see this firsthand. When you buy a bag of beans, a hoodie, or even just stop in for a cup, you’re not just making a purchase, you’re sharing in the bigger story of what it means to live here. You’re helping me support artists who design our merch and allowing me to hire neighbors who put so much love into what they do.

Shopping local also creates connection. On a small island, you know the people behind the counter. You know their kids, their dogs, their stories. That’s something you can’t get from a big box store or an online order. There’s pride in knowing where your goods came from and who made them.

I’m grateful every single day for the way this community shows up for small businesses. Not just mine, but for all of us. Supporting local is what keeps our island thriving, and it’s what makes Southeast Alaska so special.

So next time you grab a cup of coffee, pick up a gift, or choose where to spend your dollars, remember every little bit makes a difference here. And together, we keep this island strong.

With love (and lots of coffee),
Britni