The Farm Wife Sagas

Have you noticed how many small businesses are struggling lately?

The mom-and-pop shops are cutting back their hours—not because they want to, but because they have to—just to keep their doors open in a world dominated by online shopping.

If you know me personally, you know I am the daughter of a small business owner. My grandparents and now parents own Johnson’s Sporting Goods in Ruffin, NC—our family store since 1997. It’s been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. Honestly, I can’t imagine “home” without it.

But let me tell you… the struggle is real, y’all.

COVID hit us hard—but the aftermath has been even harder. The rise of online shopping, Prime Day steals, big box stores, and constant competition have made surviving as a small business more challenging than ever.

And hey—I get it. I’m the first to check Amazon when I need something quick. Sometimes the deals are just too good to pass up.

But here’s what I also know:

• That big box store won’t sponsor your kid’s little league team.

• They won’t know your name or ask how your family’s doing.

• And when sales drop? They won’t be the ones fighting to stay in your community—they’ll just pack up and leave.

Because here’s the truth:

Small businesses are the community.

They’re the ones showing up for your school fundraisers, donating to your church raffles, hosting community events to bring the community together and support each other, celebrating your wins, and mourning your losses. They’re run by the people you sit next to at football games, the ones who wave at you in the grocery store, and the ones who care whether you walk through the door or not.

Supporting small isn’t always the cheapest or easiest option, but it is the most meaningful. Every time you choose a small business, you’re choosing your neighbors, your community, and your local future.

So, from my family to yours—thank you. And if you haven’t shopped small in a while, consider this your gentle reminder: we’re still here, and we’d love to see you.