07/27/2026
I’m still thinking about the wonderful time I had at Ashley yesterday for their Summer Community Night (actually, all day😁). This was my 2nd year in a row being part of the event, but this year I stayed for most of the day (I did take about an hour break😉).
I was amazed by the turnout and all of the wonderful people I had the chance to chat with. We talked about weddings, family reunions, baby showers, and so many other parties. One of my favorite parts of events like this is getting to meet people in person, letting them try my food, and showing them what Saving Thyme can bring to their special events.
I also want to thank Ashley for doing something that a lot of large corporations don’t, and that’s inviting small businesses to be part of your events. You truly have no idea the impact a gesture like this can have on a small business like Saving Thyme. Everyone I met during setup and throughout the event was incredibly welcoming, helpful, and so much fun to be around. I enjoyed meeting everyone from the sales team and managers to the district manager and even the owner/CEO. Every single person I spoke with made me feel appreciated and valued.
I look at opportunities like this as networking/live advertising, but I also see them as learning experiences. Yesterday, I walked away with so many new ideas and a fresh perspective.
People have asked me why I choose to participate in certain events and not others. In the last four years, I’ve learned a lot, but I still have so much to learn. I love collaborating with businesses that are completely different from mine. Watching how they operate, how they treat their employees and customers, and how they create experiences for people always teaches me something. I ask questions, take notes, and look for little things I can adapt to make my own business even better.
If you own a small business, don’t be afraid to put yourself out there, even when it feels intimidating. My best opportunities have come from saying “yes” to something outside my comfort zone. What’s the worst that can happen? You decide it’s not the right fit? Or maybe you leave with new friends & opportunities you never expected❤️
