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Small Business

My Economy

How an Instagram joke turned into a matchmaking business

by Andie Corban
Apr 22, 2022
Olivia Atwood's venture was inspired by a Netflix reality show. Now it serves about 2,000 people and has led to several yearslong relationships.
Olivia Atwood at a startup conference in Arizona last year, where her business won the Rookie of the Year award.
Courtesy Olivia Atwood
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For this Michigan stationery company, it's time to look beyond greeting cards

by Sean McHenry
Apr 20, 2022
Rebranding can be risky, but Annie Lang Hartman, owner of Compass Paper thinks it's "definitely going to be worth it."
"We are currently working on relaunching our business," said Annie Lang Hartman. "And because of that we are trying to flip our entire inventory." Above, clearance sale mugs at Compass Paper Co.
Courtesy Annie Lang Hartman
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From chocolate to real estate, small businesses are trying to create inflation game plans

by Sean McHenry
Apr 12, 2022
Raise prices? Order more inventory, or less? Business owners describe how they're dealing with dramatic changes in market conditions.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
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For small businesses, optimism about the future continues to wane

by Justin Ho
Apr 12, 2022
Small business owners are to grappling with staffing shortages, supply chain issues and higher costs.
"We’re as concerned now as we were a year ago of our ability to survive this," said one small business owner.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
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For a Ukrainian gift shop in Chicago, Russia’s war means changes big and small

by Rose Conlon
Apr 6, 2022
Myroslav Serhijchuk, owner of the Delta gift shop in Chicago's Ukrainian Village, says he's "trying to do everything possible" to support Ukraine.
Myroslav Serhijchuk, owner of the Delta gift shop in Chicago's Ukrainian Village, says he's "trying to do everything possible" to support Ukraine.
Scott Olson/Getty Images
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Inflation expectations are causing this toy store owner to stock up

by Sean McHenry
Apr 1, 2022
Irene Kesselman, owner of Ali Cat Toys, said her store's inventory is high leading up to Easter — partly because she wants to avoid future inflation.
"We have everything from plush Easter bunnies to Easter chocolate," said toy store owner Irene Kesselman. "As well as other things that are non-Easter that will go into a basket, like bath bombs and pencils and that kind of thing."
Andy Lyons/Getty Images
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My Economy

This banker-turned-dog-groomer travels nationwide to help pet parents

by Anais Amin
Mar 28, 2022
Brian Taylor wants to travel to all 50 states and groom more than 10,000 dogs.
"My ultimate goal is to do all 50 states and groom over 10,000 dogs," said Brian Taylor. Above, he holds a Maltese.
Courtesy Taylor
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My Economy

The hard work — and perks — of running an Alaskan sled dog kennel

by Anais Amin
Mar 25, 2022
David Monson, owner of a sled dog kennel, says racing in Alaska’s wilderness is “a magical experience.”
David Monson, owner of Trail Breaker Kennel, doesn't think of his job as work. "I look at it as the opportunity to experience what a lot of people don’t.”
Photo courtesy Tekla Monson
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Econ Extra Credit with David Brancaccio

LA's Donut Princess on the "bittersweet" decision to sell the family business

by David Brancaccio and Rose Conlon
Mar 24, 2022
Mayly Tao's story is one familiar to many children of immigrants who see opportunity beyond their parents' storefronts.
Last year Mayly Tao's family sold DK's Donuts & Bakery in Santa Monica, California after 40 years.
Courtesy Mayly Tao
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People are clothes shopping in person again, and small businesses want to be ready

by Stephanie Hughes
Mar 14, 2022
In-store purchases of clothes and accessories rose 21.9% from last year. Small businesses stand to benefit if they can attract once-cautious shoppers.
Jill Lindsey said she received two federal loans totaling $86,000 to keep her eponymous Brooklyn boutique open during the pandemic.
Stephanie Hughes/Marketplace
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