Shop Local: Memphis Launches Women-Owned Passport Initiative to Boost Community Support

Shop Local: Memphis Kicks Off Women-Owned Passport Initiative

Memphis, get ready to show your support for local businesses! This October, the Women-Owned Passport initiative is back, and it’s better than ever. Designed to encourage residents to shop at local and women-owned businesses, this initiative not only helps boost the local economy but also fosters a strong sense of community.

A Dream Born Over Drinks

It all started about a year ago when a group of local women business owners gathered at a lounge for an evening of camaraderie and conversation about their experiences in the business world. As they talked shop and shared stories, the idea for the Women-Owned Passport blossomed. After a successful pilot program last holiday season, they decided to bring it back, this time with a broader range of participating businesses.

How It Works

Starting October 1, Memphians can pick up their very own Women-Owned Passport at participating shops across the city. The initiative runs from November 1 to December 31, just in time for the holiday shopping season. Participating businesses include a delightful mix of shops such as Avenue Wrapping, Blue Suede Vintage, Boshi Botanicals, and many more. In total, over 15 local businesses are ready to welcome shoppers and support this empowering initiative.

To get your passport stamped, all you need to do is make a purchase at a participating shop, post about the business on social media while tagging them, or write a Google review for a shop you love. Simple, right? Many of these businesses will even offer special discounts and free gifts to make shopping even sweeter!

A Growing Impact

In 2023 alone, a whopping 3,400 passports were handed out during the initiative, demonstrating how much this campaign has resonated with the community. For those who collect stamps from all participating shops, there’s a chance to enter a grand prize drawing—a little extra motivation to get out and explore.

Testimonials from Local Business Owners

The excitement is palpable among local shop owners. Vanessa West from Avenue Wrapping notes, “Being a part of a women-owned initiative was a highlight of our year last year. We can’t wait to share this again with our customers and fellow business owners. Last year, I remember a fierce group of women making a day out of visiting all the shops, and when they arrived at my shop in the afternoon, tears filled my eyes because of their support.”

Why Shop Local? A Sense of Community

Shopping local not only helps sustain the livelihood of women entrepreneurs but also enriches the community by fostering connections between residents. With the holiday season approaching, the timing couldn’t be better for Memphians to unite and support the hardworking women who add vibrancy to the local economy.

The Women-Owned Passport initiative is not just about shopping; it’s about celebrating the strength of women in business and creating lasting relationships around the wonderful shops Memphis has to offer. So gather your friends, pick up your passport on October 1, and let’s make this holiday shopping season one for the books by supporting our local women-owned businesses!