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. 

Erin Barnard

The couple’s positive experience is my main objective with wedding photography. Over the years, I have added elements of surprise and delight for my clients. From hand written letters, thoughtful gifts, and now, curated and exclusive events! This specific relationship between a vendor and a client is so intimate when you are being trusted to capture their love and create images that tell their story. Read More>>

Jody Pilgrim

One of the most meaningful ways I’ve shown appreciation to customers was through the free services to veterans at Joe’s Palette. As a veteran myself, I understand how important it is to have a safe space to decompress, connect, and simply feel seen. What started as a small gesture of gratitude turned into something much bigger than I expected. Read More>>

Brian Ocasio

Honestly, the best thing I see from my customers is their smile when I give them their custom shoes and how much excitement they show and how they express it to me. I also give away free custom shoes to random followers and just the joy it brings them to know they won a free custom shoe makes me feel like I’ve done something amazing. Read More>>

Brette Ulrich

One of the biggest risks we recently took was launching the first-ever UpliftUS Collective Mental Wellness Showcase for our DMV chapter. On paper, it may have looked like just another community event. But behind the scenes, it represented a leap of faith. Leading up to the showcase, both of us were navigating significant health challenges. Read More>>