HARRISBURG — Almost 90 vendors will take part in Small Business Saturday HBG, an opportunity for the public to small business owners, from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday at Italian Lake in Harrisburg.

Shoppers will be able to find everything from jewelry, clothing, skin care and beauty products to a wide array of food vendors and urban music. The vendors also will offer unique and personalized creations. Small Business Saturday HBG also embraces adolescent entrepreneurs and minority business owners. Some of the businesses that will be featured includes Lovely Lady Vikki/ Paparazzi, Body by Ty, and SkyRose Essentials.

Event creator and host Ashley Smith, started her first event with 20 vendors in attendance around August of 2020. Smith said it was her 14-year-old daughter who sparked the idea of shining a light on small businesses in Harrisburg.

“Last year during the pandemic my daughter started a small business. She decided to create masks for people. I would post them on Facebook, and over time it became popular with people wanting to purchase them. I said if I can get a few other businesses involved, maybe we can get the community to come out and patronize multiple businesses instead of just one,” said Smith.

Although the COVID-19 pandemic caused thousands of mom-and-pop businesses across the United States to close, it motivated others to become entrepreneurs while staying at home. India Thomas, the owner/creator of “Jewelry by India”, said it was the pandemic that helped kick off her business.

“I am a person that likes to stay busy and do things. I figured why not start a business for myself and my kids to show them that you can’t let your downfalls hold you back?” said Thomas.

Thomas also included what Small Business Saturday HBG means and how it is crucial not just for vendors but the community of Harrisburg as well.

“Small Business Saturday means growth and unity for the community and business owners as well,” said Thomas.

The slogan of Small Business Saturday HBG: “Spend your money where your heart is,” empowers residents to support small businesses in their own communities. Ashley stressed the importance of giving back.

“If your heart is in Harrisburg then you need to spend your money in Harrisburg. I think it’s good that we’re trying to keep these dollars in our community from a confidence and networking perspective to help businesses continue growing,” said Smith.

Smith continued. “From a networking perspective I think that’s why Small Business Saturday is important. I have met so many different people who has helped me run small business Saturday as a result of this. I believe it is good for the community because residents can come out and see what local people have to offer instead of just going to your big box stores. I think it is great for collaboration as well. You get out and meet likeminded individuals who are trying to grow their business every day,” said Smith.

Small Business Saturday takes place once a month at Italian Lake. The next event is set to be held on July 17, 2021. The one-year anniversary of Small Business Saturday HBG is also set to take place on Aug. 21, 2021. Visit https://www.sbshbg.com/ to get additional information on upcoming dates for the rest of the year and registration links.

Small Business Saturday in Harrisburg: ‘Spend your money where your heart is’ – PennLive