The Importance of Shopping Local

Contributed

This holiday season, the Sisters of St. Joseph Neighborhood Network (SSJNN) is encouraging Erieites to shop small, specifically within the SSJNN footprint – highlighting three businesses including Serafin's Market, Verity Herbs and Wellness, and Kayla's Sweet Treats.

The holidays are right around the corner, and this year, the Sisters of St. Joseph Neighborhood Network (SSJNN) has introduced a new way for people to get out into the community and support local businesses.

The Shop Local initiative runs from Nov. 22 to 29, offering a "passport" that shoppers can fill out by visiting at least four participating local businesses. By showing the passport, customers will receive a stamp and be entered to win unique prizes provided by the businesses themselves. QR codes will also be made available for those wishing to participate digitally.

For over 160 years, the Sisters of St. Joseph have been following their mission of helping our community through the foundation of schools, hospitals, adult and youth ministries, and more. Twenty-five years ago, the Neighborhood Network was formed to continue their mission through leadership, advocacy, and partnerships to further "develop opportunities for both personal growth and neighborhood revitalization."

Patrice Swick is SSJNN's Neighborhood Engagement Specialist and part of the 40 Under 40 Class of 2025. After years of working in faith-based social justice and community development, joining the SSJNN felt like a "natural" next step.

She shares: "Our work has grown from meeting immediate neighborhood needs to strengthening long-term community leadership. We've expanded our focus on economic empowerment, small business support, and inclusive spaces where everyone feels they belong."

In an age where it is more convenient to shop online and have things delivered to your front door, the SSJNN emphasizes the importance of shopping local this upcoming Small Business Saturday. "It's a celebration of the people behind the storefronts — the dreamers, doers, and risk-takers who give our neighborhoods character," Swick continues. "It's also a reminder that our spending choices directly shape the local economy and the sense of place we all share."

Swick highlighted several such businesses within the network that stood out to her, including Kayla's Sweet Treats, Verity Herbs and Wellness, and Serafin's Market.

Kayla's Sweet Treats is a small bakery located within Urbaniak Brothers Quality Meats. Inside the market, shoppers are met with the mouthwatering scents of smoked meats across the building, and upon reaching the bakery, a display case full of delicious, homemade baked goods. Oftentimes, when the store is less busy, customers can even watch as the dough is rolled out right in front of them.

The owner, Kayla Gelletta, used to work at Urbaniak's when she was a teenager and grew up in the neighborhood. She dreamed that she would own a bakery one day – and when the opportunity arose earlier this year, she jumped in and secured her place in the former Herb and Honey location.

To Gelletta, Small Business Saturday is a chance for others to familiarize themselves with the businesses around them. "When you come in here, our products are as fresh as they can be. We have nothing from a box or tin and no preservatives," she said. "Our doughs, our fillings, everything is made from scratch." For those tasked with bringing dessert to their family's Thanksgiving feast this year, consider Kayla's pastries over the boxed and processed options.

Another business highlighted within the SSJNN, Verity Herbs and Wellness offers a retail shop along with various workshops, tastings, and other services to the community. Located next door to Grasshopper on Peach Street, occupying the former Chicory Hill Herb shop, owner Kristy Baird is one of few clinical herbalists in the area.

"At a time when people are really dissatisfied with our modern healthcare system, I wanted to make it my mission to spread awareness of the benefits of herbal medicine in Erie," Baird said.

In addition to seeing her clients once a week, Baird provides many other services to the community and frequently collaborates with other businesses. From April to September, she offers medicinal plant walks in Asbury Woods and the Erie Bluffs State Park. On the second Thursday of each month, she hosts herbalist nights to "get plants on people's minds" and have them try different teas. She also offers workshops such as incense-making and mushroom identification classes. Her retail apothecary shop "offers over 150 organic, ethically sourced bulk herbs, tea, handcrafted wellness blends, and locally made artisan goods."

Baird is committed to sustainability, ethical sourcing, and is passionate about accessibility within herbalism. "Plants have evolved with us," she said.

Serafin's Market is Erie's oldest food market, located at 601 E. 24th St. For almost 100 years, Serafin's has provided our city with high-quality groceries and other various services, including catering, money orders, bill-paying, and a coin laundromat next door.

Throughout the year, owner Daniel Serafin and his team work tirelessly to host food drives, home health supply drives, and family-oriented events around the holidays. Their social media expresses pride in their employees and to loyal customers alike, often giving shoutouts to returning friendly faces.

When asked why Swick chose to showcase these businesses specifically, she commented, "Each one brings something unique – creativity, culture, and heart. These business owners care deeply about their customers and neighborhoods. Their spaces tell stories of resilience, pride, and community spirit."

The holiday season reminds us of the importance of community, which we can then practice throughout the rest of the year. To Swick, "It is about belonging and mutual care. It's neighbors knowing each other's names, showing up for one another, and believing that when one of us succeeds, we all do."

By supporting smaller businesses, we are further establishing that sense of unity and togetherness in spite of our differences. We are able to form meaningful connections with those who run the places we frequent, consume healthier and fresher foods, buy higher-quality products and become a part of something much bigger.

"Erie's small businesses are the heartbeat of our neighborhoods," Swick said. "When we shop local, we're not just buying a product – we're investing in people and strengthening the spirit of the community that makes our city home."

For more information on the SSJNN Shop Local Passport, visit ssjnn.org or email info@ssjnn.org

Cassandra Gripp is a freelance writer and editor. She can be reached at cassie.gripp@gmail.com.