When it comes to shopping, dining out, enjoying entertainment and such, you always hear the phrase “Support Local.” It’s a great sentiment to be more conscious of who you’re supporting and knowing where your money is going.
But what does “Support Local” actually mean to local businesses and those who run them?
Everyday Akron sat down with four Akron-area entrepreneurs to find out.
Watch the interviews with Akron Coffee Roasters, India Ink Tattoo Co., The Gardener of Bath and 24 Karat Posse to discover what they offer to the community and how Akron’s support inspires them.
Akron Coffee Roasters
“We can’t take one person for granted.”
Albert Macso never intended to get into coffee. But now as the owner/operator of both Akron Coffee Roasters (Akron) and Asterisk Coffee Bar (Cuyahoga Falls), he puts his heart and soul into every cup of coffee–along with the partnerships he’s made with local artists, businesses and fellow entrepreneurs.
Watch the video to learn more about Albert and Akron Coffee Roasters, and find out why supporting small businesses can have a ripple effect to other local businesses and creators.
Visit in person:
📍 Akron Coffee Roasters, 30 N High St, Akron, OH 44308
📍 Asterisk Coffee Bar, 2101 Front St, Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221
📲 Follow on Instagram at @akroncoffeeroasters and @asteriskcoffeebar.
India Ink Tattoo Co.
“It has been beautiful… and I am grateful.”
India Rush owns and operates India Ink Tattoo, Akron’s only Black female owned tattoo shop. Her creative talents also spill into woodworking, playing guitar, and singing.
India Ink Tattoo Co. specializes in realistic portraits, black and grey realism, and color realism tattoos. Located in Northside Marketplace, India has created an effortlessly cool space to get tattooed by some seriously talented folks.
Watch the video to learn more about India and India Ink Tattoo Co., and find out why supporting small businesses like this one are so important.
📍 Visit in person at Northside Marketplace, 21 Furnace street Akron, Ohio 44308
📲 Follow on Instagram at @indiainkakron.
The Gardener of Bath
“The one thing that they have in common is how much thought is put into each product.”
Heather Girves runs The Gardener of Bath, a gift shop in Akron, Ohio, that offers a unique selection of products for friends and family–and even yourself. Every item and brand brought in is selected with incredible intentionality.
Heather and her husband also opened Henry’s Creamery, an artisanal ice cream shop run out of a camper trailer that travels to events throughout Northeast Ohio.
Watch the video to discover easy, free ways to support The Gardener of Bath and other small businesses, along with the importance of building community in person and online.
📍 Shop in person at The Gardener of Bath, 2368 N. Cleveland-Massillon Rd., Akron, OH 44333
📲 Follow on Instagram at @gardenerofbath and @henryscreamery.
24 Karat Posse
“Community is what makes a brand, honestly.”
The lifestyle brand 24 Karat Posse sprouted from the lifelong friendship of co-owners Larry Spear and Kaylon Alexander. Even though the brand’s products are mainly sold online, they host frequent pop-up shops to bring their fans together and to continue to build a strong community.
Watch the video to learn more about 24 Karat Posse’s relationship with their customers, how they “never lose sight of the vision,” and why they represent Akron.
📍 Shop 24 Karat Posse online, and watch for a pop-up event near you.
📲 Follow on Instagram at @24karatposse.
How Will You Support Local and Explore More in 2024?
At Everyday Akron, we’re passionate about supporting local entrepreneurs, makers, artists and others who strive to bring the community unique products and services. Supporting local is one of the many ways we can create a more vibrant community.
So, tell us who your favorite small businesses are and how you support them on social media! Include #ExploreMore2024AK in your captions across platforms and tag @everydayakron in your posts.
Looking for more ways to explore Akron in 2024? Check out the Explore More in 2024 page for updates.
All videos by Oberster Media for Everyday Akron.
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