I've been thinking a lot lately about community. Richmond has this incredible energy when it comes to local businesses. There's a real pride in what we create here, and honestly it's infectious.

That's why I'm excited to share a plan I have for this little blog: we're spotlighting the local brands and businesses that make this city special and unique.

Why Local? Why Now?

Did you know that about $68 of every $100 spent at local businesses remains in the local economy?

When you work with small businesses, when you design for them, when you shop with them, you're not dealing with faceless corporations. You're meeting someone who risked everything on a dream. Someone who knows their regulars by name and remembers their usual orders.

As someone who started a small business specifically to help other small businesses find their visual voice, I know how much goes into building something from the ground up. The moment when someone walks in and says, "This is exactly what I needed," makes it all worth it.

What to Expect

We want to know the real stories. How did that logo come to be? What was the dream behind this storefront? What does it feel like to open your doors every morning?

We'll be sharing these features on our blog and social channels throughout the coming months. Some might be businesses you know and love already. Others might become your new favorite spots. Either way, we hope they inspire you the same way they inspire us!

This Is Your Invitation

If you're a local Richmond business owner reading this and thinking, "Hey, I love my brand and I'd love to be featured," reach out. If you know a local brand doing incredible things in the community, tell us about them! And if you're someone who just loves supporting local as much as we do, stick around. We think you'll enjoy what's coming.

Richmonders have always had this wonderful way of lifting each other up. Let's keep up that energy!

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Have a local brand we should know about? Drop us a line at lizmahmoud@gmail.com or DM us on Instagram @monsteradesignco. We'd love to hear from you!