CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — A local non-profit hosted a Holiday Market for Small Business Saturday.
The Chattery is a nonprofit that hosts affordable and accessible classes for adults.
In August, the Chattery’s building was set on fire by a 21 year old man who claimed a note inside told him to.
The non-profit’s founders Shawanda Mason and Jennifer Holder says its been an adjustment since their building was burned.
“It’s been it’s been nice to see the community sort of step up and help us when we were trying to find a space to host classes. “
With help from Parkside Hill and the community, the Chattery’s small business Saturday could still go on.
Small Business Saturday encourages people to shop at local businesses in their communities.
“Small businesses are literally the background of our community, and something like this where you’ve got smaller vendors, they could literally pay their bills with what you purchased today ” said Mason and Holder.
The event made holiday shopping extra special according to business owner Christina Sok of Chan Design Co.
” I just think small businesses are cool. I think that’s what makes Chattanooga, like Chattanooga, you know there’s big companies and stuff, but I think the heart and soul of Chattanooga is just everybody doing their own little thing”
The owner of Hello Laura Made, Laura Ross, says the experience is also rewarding.
“having so many people come and support me, either by buying a piece or saying they think something looks nice, or even just saying hi, it’s it’s really touching and encouraging.”
Small Business Saturday allows customers to see how a product is made right in front of them.
Customers and vendors alike participated in the cycle of creating, selling and buying goods from small businesses.
“‘It’s always really nice to remember your money is going directly into the pockets of the other people in town” Said Haley Bartlett, a shopper at the market. “And I personally would rather give my money to someone who I know is serving me or is really kind to me, then you know, a big corporation “
The Chattery is unsure when they are going to be able to open up their doors again, but they say they plan on moving back into their original space.
This post was originally published on here
