Over the last three years we have seen a lot of great photographers, and very good friends of ours, close their doors and a few weeks ago another one of my closest friends closed hers. About 30 years ago I met Joan in photography school and we became very good friends then and have always stayed close, even when she lived in Key West. She let me know she was closing a couple of weeks ago and asked if I wanted any of her props or backgrounds and to be honest I have so many I didn't know where I would put them. The day before the movers came she called and asked me to come and get some things that she didn't want to have to move and she wasn't able to sell. This is one of the new props we got, along with a background, tub, tricycle, clothing and a few other things. Although she will be greatly missed by us, as well as all of her customers, we will always think of her when we use her props and backgrounds and be grateful for our friendship.
A little something I learned at a meeting last month: When you shop locally owned businesses 62% of what you spend stays in the local economy. When you shop the chain stores 40% stays in the local economy. When you shop on the internet 0% stays in your local economy. Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and your support doesn't go unnoticed. We love our customers! Without you we wouldn't be able to do what we love.