16: Ins and outs (small business edition)

TLDR; embrace whimsy and don't work too hard.

Good morning! I hope you all had a restful holiday and are enjoying the new year. This is pretty much how I spent my break:

Today I’m sharing my 2025 ins and outs: ~small business~ edition. I love reading these so I figured I’d make my own.

Before we get to my list, here’s what’s ahead on Small Fry this month:

• A round-up of small clothing brands and a bonus “out”: fast fashion

• My thoughts after spending hours on the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Small Business Data Center (and how I feel like they’re gaslighting me)

---

Ins:

• In-person shopping (and not just around the holidays): People are sick of online shopping. Vend at local events or ask your favorite shop to let you pop up there.

• Whimsy: We should all be having more fun with what we make. Exhibit A.

• Customization: If what you make has the ability to be customized, offer it.

• Newsletters as mini blogs: I want to see what you’re working on, what’s inspiring you, etc. I think both Hotel Ceramics and Golde do a wonderful job of this with their newsletters.

• Pivoting: Just because you’ve been known for something for awhile doesn’t mean you have to do it forever.

Outs:

• TikTok shop: This is the only part of the app I support banning.

• Charging too little: Fair pricing also means fair to you.

• Taking social media too seriously: I can’t believe I found the video that inspired this thought again, but here it is. We’re overthinking everything! Social media isn’t real, post whatever you want.

• Burnout: No job is worth making yourself sick over.

• Tote bags: We have enough <3

---