My fellow boutique photographer friends and I started an initiative nationwide last Spring when we were all sheltering in place.  We called it "#giftcardmonday" and its purpose was to support our favorite small businesses locally by buying gift cards from those businesses. Additionally, we highlighted a certain business each week to spread the word about what fantastic products and services they provide to our communities. 

Once businesses began opening again, I decided to expand the project to include musicians, artists, entrepreneurs, and creatives, as well as nonprofits. It has been a joy to me, introducing these amazing individuals and sharing with others their artwork, songs, products, and experiences they provide to make our communities better places. 

What began as an initiative to buy gift cards in support of local businesses is now synonymous with supporting the people around you who enhance our communities through their work, talent, products, and services. 

Every Monday, I go live on my business Facebook (FB) page to interview these fine individuals. Join us each Monday at 11 AM on FB @meredithembryphotography to meet a new person and learn how our community benefits from what this individual offers. 

If you can purchase a gift card great! If you are suffering yourself, your help sharing on social media is just as important. Getting the word out about your favorite local small businesses is a good way to support them during this difficult time. Be sure to promote that business on your social media with #giftcardmonday

Tag your friends and small businesses on either my FB or Instagram pages (@meredithembryphotography) to let us know that you are participating in this nationwide initiative. 

Note: if you want to participate, contact me at 214.417.6003 or hello@meredithembryphotography.com