05/12/2026
Why should you shop small?
Five days before my wedding, it was called off.
Not because of cold feet, but because of decisions that had been made and years of putting myself second. With only five days to go, everything was already in place — vendors were paid, guests were flying in, gifts were arriving. Everything was ready for the wedding… except the couple.
So why am I sharing this, and what does it have to do with shopping small?
Four days before the wedding, I had to call .escapes.co and tell her her photography services would no longer be needed. Out of every vendor involved, Emma was the only one who responded with, “Let’s make this about YOU instead.” She offered to turn it into a branding photoshoot when I was ready.
Half a year later, we finally made it happen.
Emma kept her promise the entire time with incredible communication, kindness, and patience. And when the day of the shoot finally came, she helped me find a confidence I didn’t even know I had.
Emma is truly remarkable.
These are the kinds of business owners you support when you shop small. People who genuinely care. People who see you as more than a transaction. People who show up for you in ways you never expected.
And that matters.
