FORT THOMAS, Ky. — Just after Thanksgiving is Small Business Saturday, a day meant to honor local businesses in the community.

“All your neighbors come out and show the love and support you, just like they do the rest of the year, but everyone’s in a much happier mood,” said Shannon Motzer.

Motzer is an entrepreneur. She owns the Lavender Trail Boutique and Gifts in Fort Thomas. The shop sells many clothing items and more. Beside her shop is Fort Thomas Coffee which besides java offers cocktails and copy services. Owner Christine Smalley said local businesses have faced a number of challenges lately.

“It’s been really incredibly challenging and especially in public-facing businesses and retail businesses. A lot of us have been running hard and we’ve never stopped,” Smalley said.

For Smalley, running a business is all about the feel of community. For her, two words make a big difference: Thank You.

“That means more than anything. Way more than you’re doing a great job. It just means a lot when people say we see you and we see what you’ve done to stick with us, and serve us, and support us. So yeah, thank you means a lot,” she said.

Motzer said supporting locally owned businesses is one of the most important things you can do because it goes a long way.

“You’re not just supporting a business, you’re supporting a family, you’re supporting an extended family, maybe a college education,” she said.