The day after Black Friday is known as “Small Business Saturday,” a day created to shift consumers' attention to the stores that are local to them. While one small business owner in Ohio appreciates the impact of Small Business Saturday, she hopes people will continue to support locally-owned businesses throughout the year.

What You Need To Know

  • Small Business Saturday was created to shift consumers attention to stores that are local to them

  • Emily Roggenburk Studios in Cleveland said the day was a success

  • Many stores are still holding sales in-person and online

Emily Roggenburk participated in this annual shopping day and said it was a great success. 

“Small Business Saturday falls right after thanksgiving, so you are already in the holiday mood and the mood to be thankful," Roggenburk, owner of Emily Roggenburk Studios, said. "You start thinking about all of the things in your life that you are thankful for, and almost even more so than thanksgiving itself. I felt myself just feeling really grateful for all of the opportunities I had over the last five years, especially as a small business owner." 

Roggenburk never dreamed she would have a successful clothing brand and she actually started her business selling her photography. 

“I honestly can’t believe it, I really can't believe that we went from a small business that took some photos and started selling those," she said. “Now having people wear our apparel all over town, it is a really really amazing feeling.” 

She and her husband, Kyle, started her company five years ago. 

“A lot of what was offered was the team colors, and the team logos, and I really just wanted something that would match the outfit that I wanted to wear," she explained. "That’s why I wanted to create apparel that is really a little bit understated, subtle, neutral and can go with the things you already have in your wardrobe.” 

She says days like Small Business Saturday help bring customers into her stores in-person or online. 

"Being in Cleveland, I say this a lot, but Cleveland is unique in how much it supports its makers," she said.

She hopes people will continue to shop small throughout the holiday season but keep in mind that many businesses are dealing with supply chain issues that are out of their control. 

"To be honest, we have tried to prepare for that to the best of our ability and have a ton of inventory up front," she explained. "We do still have a ton of things that are available in both stores and online, and we are hoping people continue to shop."

Roggenburk has two stores in the greater Cleveland area, and you can shop online.

The online shop offers apparel featuring several different cities across the country, including Columbus. 

She also has an empowerment line with positive and uplifting phrases.