After tens of thousands of conversations with business owners, we’ve concluded that one of the key determinants between thriving and struggling businesses is how appreciated customers feel. While that insight might seem fairly commonplace, what’s rare is discussion on how business owners go about making their customers feel appreciated. So, we reached out to some of the most loved and admired entrepreneurs and small business owners in the community and asked them to open up about how they show appreciation to their customers.

Emily Bobb

The best thing I’ve ever done for my clients is consistently going above and beyond to show them that my work is about more than just business, it’s about building real, lasting relationships. I always want my clients to feel seen, valued, and appreciated because at the end of the day, they could have chosen anyone else, but they chose to trust me to represent them. Whether it’s in the sale of their home or the purchase of a new one. That’s something I never take lightly. Read more>>

Chandra Maharaj

My customers are the reason I create, and I try to make sure that my appreciation for them is always at the forefront of my brand. I am a big believer in celebration and appreciation and I try to show that in every way I can. Some of my customers have become friends, and some even family. Our transactions go further than a purchase, for some it is emotional, for some even spiritual. For a long time I operated as an online store and did not have the physical interaction with my customers, but now with the opening of my boutique I get to share experiences with them in an even more in depth way. The more love and support that is poured into me, the more I am able to pour back into them, and I find that dynamic beautiful. Read more>>

Jeremiah Pierce

One of the best ways I’ve shown a customer how much I appreciated them wasn’t through a big gesture—it was through consistent, hands-on support from day one to move-in. This particular family was building their first custom home, and they were overwhelmed by the amount of decisions involved—selections, layout changes, budgeting. So I made it my mission to walk alongside them the entire way. I simplified the process, gave them honest feedback when they were unsure, and helped them feel confident in their decisions. Read more>>

Alexa West

Every morning, with my first cup of coffee, I visit my Instagram or my inbox and read messages from women all over the world. Some of them are asking for advice. Some just want to be seen. Some are scared, standing at the edge of their first solo trip, wondering if they’re strong enough to go through with it. Read more>>

Jeff Edwards

My first agent was Don Gerrard. He became my mentor, my friend, my gateway into the film industry, and one of my favorite humans. We met through a sort of odd confluence of events. He gave an interview in which he mentioned that he’d been contracted by one of the scientists from the Biosphere 2 project to develop a thriller novel involving the Biosphere. I’d just finished a novel that had required significant research into Biosphere 2 and thought I might be a good match. Read more>>

Brandi Brandi

I’ve been running my photography business for 13 years, and for most of that time, I’ve managed my own social media. In the beginning, it was really important to me to build a personal connection with my audience — clients wanted to see me, my style, my voice, and get a behind-the-scenes look at my shoots. That personal touch helped build trust and authenticity, which are so important in this industry. Read more>>

Zharia Alexander

I currently manage all of the social media for Z’s Spicy Bowlss myself. I made this choice mainly because I understand my brand’s voice, personality, and target audience better than anyone else right now. Social media plays a huge role in how people connect with Z’s Spicy Bowlss, and I wanted to make sure that every post, caption, and interaction felt authentic and personal. Read more>>