Our Storytime series is based on the premise that stories are one of the most powerful ways to learn and so this series explores topics we think matter greatly to the success of small business owners and artists and creatives. One of those topics is showing customers that you appreciate them because there is a vast body of research as well as countless anecdotes of how showing customers you appreciate them directly impacts the degree to which your business will succeed and grow. Below, you’ll find stories of how some very talented entrepreneurs have made their clients feel appreciated.

Ashley Edwards

I believe the best kind of hospitably lies in daily interactions with guests. I believe in the power of using someone’s name, and remembering their kids names and where they go to school, and where they vacation. As a society, we all have so much coming at us every day. We are stressed out and overstimulated, with constant text messages, emails, and increasingly pervasive social media coming at us. Read more>>

Jeremy Spencer

I try to give back to our customers and the community in general. I enjoy offering free writing workshops and creative writing events. We also love to provide Poetry events and live music in our bookstore for patrons to enjoy. Free of charge of course. Read more>>

Radhika Vydianathan

For all my clients I surprise them with unique gifts during the design phase of a project. And during the install day, I style the space for them with a lovely arrangement of fresh cut flowers as well. Read more>>

Tyler Bloomingdale

I had a client when I was working for Avalon Tattoo 2 in San Diego. The woman had come in with a T-shirt on very timid and nervous. She was sitting down for a consultation, which can be unnerving in itself, and she seemed a bit off. I learned very quickly that she had a preexisting tattoo that she was very disappointed in. So much so that she had not gone out in public without the tattoo covered for over 5 years. I was to be the first stranger to see her ink since it was tattooed on her body. Anyhow I sat down with her and assured her that I could create a design to mask and cover the previous tattoo. I spent enough time with her to gain some trust and honestly I think she just wanted to be free from the pain she had gone through for so long. Read more>>

Demetrie King

Within the vending industry our main focus is customer service. Every vendor strives to keep their customers happy. Not only do I strive to get customers their favorite products but this technology is set up for them to win cash too! Our largest cash prize of $50 was given to a student at SMU college (who I am sponsored by). He was so excited to receive the cash. Seeing his reaction to winning some extra money while providing contactless feedback to the vendor, is why I created my app. Read more>>

Amelia O’Dowd

It’s the little things that make me feel appreciated as a customer. When I like a business and I get behind their story, I feel good about giving them my money and am proud to use the product or service they provide. Read more>>

Nikki Teagle

When you have loyal clients that spend their money with you, it’s important to give back! I had a Client Appreciation Dinner for clients that had been coming on a regular basis. I hired a personal Chef and gave out gift bags full of goodies to help keep the clients hair in tact . It was absolutely beautiful and they deserved it! Read more>>

Alicia Matthai

Customer (and Employee) recognition is one of our favorite tasks as a brand marketing team. Finding a gift that is personal to the recipient is a challenge we embrace. No one wants to have a giant logo of someone else’s company in their home. We like to find a gift that will subtly remind the recipient of the gift giver and bring joy! One of my favorites is an eco, bamboo blanket that can be custom woven with a logo in a pattern or in a corner. I also like gifts that create an experience. One of my vendors sent a Speakeasy set. I loved sharing an old fashioned with my newly 21 year son. The gift of time and an activity with a loved one can’t be beat! Read more>>

Merle Wynter

As a bridal makeup artist, I take great pride in showing my brides just how much I appreciate them. One way I express this gratitude is by offering a unique and personalized gift experience through the exquisite Merle Wynter, Beauty Experience gift box. Read more>>

Andrew Dixon

I’m a music producer and mixing engineer that helps artists either create or shape their music to sound how they imagine it to be in their heads. Read more>>

Natalie & Ido Lazarovich

At Lèlior, we believe in going the extra mile to show our customers just how much we appreciate them. One of the ways we’ve done this is by offering free samples, because we understand that choosing the perfect fragrance is a personal and intimate experience. Imagine receiving a beautifully packaged box in the mail, filled with 10 different fragrances curated just for you. It’s like a personalized fragrance journey, designed to captivate your senses and help you discover new favorites. We want our customers to feel valued and cherished and know that their satisfaction is our top priority. By offering these samples as a gift, we hope to convey the depth of our gratitude for choosing Lèlior. Read more>>

Rebeca Medina

I send a goody basket to show appreciation weather is items I know that can be useful to them in each site or coffee and bagels in the morning! Read more>>

TK Kelley

The best thing I’ve ever done to show my clients how much I appreciate them is to PAY ATTENTION! It sounds simple, right? I read each review from my clients and what was being repeated over and over again from my 5-star reviews is the feeling of being heard! Remembering a child’s birthday, the vacation they were headed to, maybe even the funeral they attended. All of these things can be overlooked, misheard or ignored altogether. I am honored and bless to meet each person every day. I think about my client’s day before and after they leave me. I know what I encounter in a day; surely my clients experience some of these same challenges in life and work. My ultimate goal is to shower my clients with the attention and feeling of safety and refuse from the outside world. Even if for an hour. Peace is a very hot commodity :) Read more>>

 JoAnn Elardo

This next time around (after selling my previous Company) I wanted to control the product – make something I am very proud of and a product that uses the best ingredients and helps our community. Wicked Dolphin Distillery was started with these thoughts and I am thankful we stayed on course using Florida agriculture. We are a Fresh from Florida product which means we use 98% Florida Agriculture in our Rums and Vodka’s. Read more>>

 Amanda Barther

Our standard show of appreciation for all our customers is providing them with a S’mores Kit with the biggest marshmallows you’ve ever seen. Along with a “Thank you” bag with additional gifts from us and our sponsors. On top of that, we do try to add individualized touches so no two rentals are alike. Read more>>