Once upon a time in a land far, far away…
Okay, the setting was more like late 2021 somewhere in central North Carolina. That’s how @NC_Local was born.
What is @NC_Local?
@NC_Local started as a side project over on Instagram. Things were starting to open up following the pandemic shutdowns of 2020. We were aware of the struggle those shutdowns had been for local businesses, and we were doing what we could to #SupportLocal in our own community. We ordered takeout from local restaurants or ate on their patios when the weather was nice. We sought out food products from local stores and attended outdoor vendor markets.
Michelle realized that helping others learn about some of the stores, products, and makers available around North Carolina was another way to support those local businesses. It wasn’t financially feasible for us to purchase something from every local store or vendor. But we could help make sure others knew what was available right here at home.
So, @NC_Local was born in December 2021 and the #SupportLocal hashtag took root. We started chatting with local store owners and vendors are local markets. We learned some of their story and took some photos of their wares. Then, we shared those things on the @NC_Local Instagram account.
Eventually, Gabriel started using his video and editing skills to make some eye-catching Reels. Then, we started the NC_Local Facebook page to share our finds with those who may not have Instagram.
NC_Local is all about highlighting the things that make North Carolina unique and sharing ways that folks can #SupportLocal wherever they are in the state. You can follow along on Instagram and/or Facebook to see NC Stores, NC Makers, NC Nature, and more.
What’s the Connection to SimplyNCgoods?
SimplyNCgoods became a partner business to @NC_Local in July 2023. We took our passion for supporting local in North Carolina and combined it with the opportunity to share some NC goodness with others, becoming the owners of SimplyNCgoods.
@NC_Local allows us to share parts of North Carolina with our followers over the internet.
SimplyNCgoods allows us to tangibly share some of the unique things made in North Carolina with folks. We get to connect with artisans from around the state, some that we’ve met as we’ve traveled for @NC_Local and others that are new to us. We’re able to learn the story of how folks combined talent and vision to create a product. Then, we get to share those products with those who purchase one (or more) SimplyNCgoods subscription box.
Every box is filled with unique products made in North Carolina. Every purchase supports the dreams of multiple small businesses who call NC home.
SimplyNCgoods continues the vision of @NC_Local to support local businesses and share the things that make North Carolina special with others.
Ideas to Help You #SupportLocal
Are you looking for ways that you can #SupportLocal?
Here are a few ideas:
- follow @NC_Local (Facebook / Instagram) and @SimplyNCgoods (Facebook / Instagram) to stay connected with what we share
- find your favorite local businesses and creators online, give them a follow, and interact with their posts – those “likes”, “shares”, and “comments” go a long way in helping their content be seen by others
- shop local when possible
- eat local when possible
- purchase a subscription to SimplyNCgoods for yourself or as a gift to support multiple small businesses at once
How are you going to #SupportLocal this week?
SimplyNCgoods is a quarterly subscription box service that brings unique products made by NC-based artisans directly to your door. Learn more at www.SimplyNCgoods.com and be sure to follow along on Facebook and Instagram.