SAN ANGELO, Texas — Like many small businesses around the country, small local businesses have had to adapt to operating during a pandemic.
Gov. Greg Abbott issued a proclamation officially marking May 9-15 Small Business Week in the Lone Star State. The goal is to encourage Texans across the state to celebrate small businesses' unique role as the economy bounces back. Abbott said 99.8% of all Texas businesses are small businesses.
Many locally had to evolve to survive, but business remains strong because it's a staple for West Texas communities.
Clothing boutiques and junk removal service companies are not just small businesses for West Texas community members, but also the heartbeat of the community's economy and beyond.
"I want to give them a place to shop where they're comfortable, and they can be taking care of, and they know they are loved, and they are called by name, and they call us by name. They ask about our kids and grandkids. You know, when you build relationships over the years, that's what makes your business last," Sassy Fox, Inc. owner Barbara Strain said.
Strain's business is in the heart of the historic downtown San Angelo. In business for 50 years, the mother of two and grandmother of six said she serves clients of all ages who come to her shop from all over Texas. Strain said thanks to her loyal customer base; her business made it through these trying times.
"We get a lot of tourists, and people come from everywhere because of Fort Concho and the history in this one block that we're in. We do have a lot of local customers, and they shop with us and people that have shopped with us for 40 years. I mean, I had another tore before this one. We have a lot of loyal customers," Strain said.
Sassy Fox Boutique, Inc. sells an array of items. From ice cream, jewelry and clothes and fashion pieces, owner Strain said they pride themselves on providing pieces customers cannot find anywhere else.
Zach Hull is another budding small business owner. He owns and operates "HOG-it-AWAY" in Abilene.
After leaving his oilfield job, he decided to follow his dream of opening his full-time business.
"I started doing this on the side just started getting enough phone calls where it made sense to come home, and being home with my family and with my little girls is where it's at," Hull said.
The junk removal service hauls away just about anything from couches to Jacuzzis and more.
"We have a 15-yard dump box dump truck. If there is a way we can load it up and haul it away for you and get it out of your hair, we'll do it," Hull said.
Shopping local continues to help small businesses continue to be successful as they continue to work hard and are in it for the long haul for West Texas.
Aspiring and existing small business owners looking to expand and or grow can take advantage of these resources and opportunities.