LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Holiday shopping is in full swing and many small business owners hope you'll turn to them, all while supporting the local economy at the same time.

After months of preparation for Small Business Saturday, local business owners in the West End showed off their products at Small Business Saturday West Louisville.

Some business owners had Small Business Saturday marked on their calendars. Laverne Rhodes, owner of Just for You, makes pillows, ministry towels and aprons.

"These things you can't find on Amazon," Rhodes said. "This is relaxing for me. I go in my basement, turn on my music, movie and work.

More than 40 small businesses gathered at Norton Healthcare Sports and Learning Center to offer unique gifts around the holidays.

"It was good for people to come in and see what's available in the community and to buy it at a reasonable price; and to see that there are so many black business owners in Louisville," Rhodes said.

Jennifer Rubenstein, executive director of Louisville Independent Business Alliance, said studies show shopping local keeps more money circulating in Kentucky's economy.

"We're always so grateful for them (local businesses), but sometimes we overlook them because we see them every day," Rubenstein said.

Rubenstein said every $100 spent, $55 will stay local as opposed to only $14 at a chain.

"It's a big time of year for spending," Rubenstein said. "So we want folks to think about the impacts that the dollars are going to make, not just with the gift that they're giving to somebody, but also who they purchase it from."

Blak Koffee in Russell neighborhood.JPG

Blak Koffee in Louisville, Ky. on Nov. 25, 2023.

Shopping at neighborhood businesses like Blak Koffee means patrons are supporting local families.

"We are all family so we want everybody when they walk through the door, you're going to hear Mr. Kevin, he's the owner's husband," said Carletta Kilgore, Black Koffee chef. "So when you hear that 'Welcome to Blak Koffee' we want someone else to go say 'go down to Blak Koffee cause his voice, he has that soothing voice that makes you feel like family.'"

Blak Koffee started selling coffee, lattes and all-day breakfast in the Russell neighborhood in April.

"It's the experience you're coming in for," Kilgore said.

Small Business Saturday is a reminder to support local businesses right in our own backyards.

"It gives us an opportunity to meet other people, to see what they do and to network with other businesses," Rhodes said.

For a list of participating Small Business Saturday stores, click here.

You can contact Rhodes to buy 'Just for You' items by emailing lady3slr@yahoo.com.

Ronyale Smith and Kevin Smith own the Blak Koffee. It is located at 1219 West Jefferson Street Louisville, KY 40203 in The Village at West Jefferson.

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