National Small Business Week 2023 may be over, but we're still riding the waves of gratitude. As a female-owned small business in Chicago, our hair salon has a unique story to tell. We've worked hard to build our brand and provide high-quality services to you, our customers, all while facing the inevitable challenges that come with being a small business in a big city.
As we move into another year of Sogna di Vita Salon, we wanted to take a moment to celebrate and recognize the contributions of female-owned small businesses that have braved the ebb and flow with us. Here are just a few reasons why these businesses are so important to us and our communities.
They create jobs and boost the local economy.
Small businesses are a major contributor to job creation and economic growth. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, small businesses create nearly two-thirds of net new private sector jobs and employ nearly half of all private sector employees. By supporting female-owned small businesses like ours, you're helping to create jobs and support the local economy.
They provide personalized service and unique experiences.
One of the things that sets small businesses apart from larger corporations is the personalized service and unique experiences they provide. As a small, boutique Chicago-based hair salon, we've had the opportunity to build strong relationships with both our local community and our customers, providing a level of service that larger salons simply can’t match. Like our annual Galentine's Anniversary event. Local small businesses come together to create a truly magical day of treats, sips, collaboration and celebrating each other. From custom beauty services to jewelry makers to stylists, we come together in pursuit of one goal - lifting each other up.
They help build community.
Small businesses are often deeply rooted in their local communities. Ukrainian Village, voted best neighborhood in America 2016, has been our beloved home for 8 years. By supporting female-owned small businesses like ours, you're helping to build strong, vibrant communities that support one another. This is especially important in a city like Chicago, where community is such a deeply engrained part of our identity. As such, Ukrainian Village is unsurprisingly a source of deep inspiration for Sogna di Vita founder, Crystal Trower.
"The reason I chose the charming neighborhood of Ukrainian Village for the salon is because I loved that it was in a more residential area where it felt like a hidden gem, tucked in between Wicker Park and West Town. I am inspired by Europe and their beautiful storefronts displaying awnings and flowers. Everything is warm and welcoming. My grandmother is Italian, hence the name 'Sogna Di Vita' meaning Life's Dream. The salons vibe is quaint and fits perfectly in the cultured neighborhood." - Crystal Trower
They inspire and empower other women.
Female-owned small businesses serve as role models and sources of inspiration for other women who are considering starting their own businesses. The passion and ingenuity that walk through our doors is a daily inspiration. Upcoming creators, artists and entrepreneurs bring new life and remind those of us who have been at it a while why we started.
By owning and running a successful hair salon, we're showing other women - and girls - that they can achieve their dreams and succeed in the business world.
We’re proud to support our fellow Ukrainian Village businesses, and we encourage everyone to do the same. By supporting small business, we’re paving the way for a better future for all of us.
This years Galentine's Day included some seriously amazing local businesses.
We could not appreciate or recommend them more:
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