Kassidy Cluff and her peers co-hosted a garden party for small business owners in Utah County at the Wild Oak event venue on Thursday, Sept. 12, to support their brands and build community.
The common denominator? Every business was owned and run by women.
“As small business owners, we wanted a way for other small businesses to get exposure as well as have it be a free community event,” Cluff, the owner of Kirkoria Jewelry, said.
The vendors and their products included tattoo artists, ear piercings, swimsuit lines, permanent jewelry, hair tassels, skin care, homemade soaps and much more.
“Our hopes for this event is to provide a free night out for women who want that community and love of friendship,” Cluff said.
Those in attendance were encouraged to dress up, whether in an old homecoming dress, cocktail gown or favorite Sunday skirt. While there, attendees could shop, enter giveaways, eat food and make vision boards and/or resin art key chains.
With all the diverse types of business owners present, each of them had a different story.
“I believe in living and expressing yourself to the fullest, especially within a business. You have to be bold and put yourself out there. It took some guts to get out here, but it’s worth it,” London Granata, owner of Nao Rings, said.
Another vendor, Kendall Suljic, owner of The Vibrant Club, shared the story behind her business.
“My daughter passed away in November and I lost my spark,” Suljic said. “Life happens to everyone and I want to help women become their most vibrant selves. It’s everything to me.”
With ambitions that varied from authentic expression to self-help, the small market community in Utah is more supportive than ever before, Granata said.
“The majority of small business owners are women, so I feel pretty included here,” Granata said. “It’s pretty empowering when you get all these women supporting each other. I haven’t seen the trials.”
All women involved saw benefits of being in the small market community, Cluff said.
“Moms get a break from the kids, they get a night out, and end up making new friends,” Cluff said. “There’s something to look forward to for all ages.”
Business owners or those interested in learning more, can follow @kirkoria_ on Instagram to become associated with the small market community in Utah and become involved in the plentiful markets that are hosted all over the state.