CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas —
Today was Small Business Saturday and people all around the country spent their day supporting their favorite locally owned businesses.
Owner of Made in Corpus Christi, Nikki Riojas says that Small Business Saturday landing in the middle of holiday season is a good way to remind people of the locally owned businesses in the Coastal Bend.
"It's imperative that people support small businesses all year long, but especially now, because a lot of us really plan our entire years around the holiday season and having that influx of customers," Riojas said. “It's a day to really focus on what small businesses really do for our community. So, it's not just supporting ourselves and our families. It's really talking about the tax revenue generation that comes back into our communities and stays in our communities."
Nathan Kolenovsky is the owner of Boarri Craft Meats and Goods near Downtown Corpus Christi. After working 30 years for a large company and now operating his meat market for over two years, he has come to realize just how important small businesses are for the community.
"We believe that there's a lot of opportunity in this area, that's why we invest our time and our efforts in this area. It actually came together with the location and something we're passionate about, and something that we can help build and nurture the community and area that is often overlooked here in Corpus Christi,” Kolenovsky said.
Wholesale manager, Jordan Medina took over the ownership of Driftwood Coffee Company with his wife four years ago. Driftwood started as a roastery 10 years ago out of the original owner's home. Now, Medina said the community's continued support of their business has allowed them to succeed with a store front with a cafe.
"Small businesses are really the heart of what a city is and what a town can be. I think when you support locally and small businesses, you start to feel the heart of Corpus. You start to feel the love we have for this place," Medina said.
Medina said the connections he and his team get to make with the community is what makes owning a small business in Corpus Christi worth it.
"We really want to make an impact in the community that we're in. Knowing them, getting to know them, knowing their story and just being a part of their daily routine, I think is such an amazing thing that we get to do as small businesses," he said.