As I was listening to Alanis Morissette’s iconic 90’s hit, “Ironic,” a wave of thoughts crashed over me. You see, I recently started my own business, and the journey has been filled with surprises – many of them ironic in nature.

Despite my business quietly flourishing, the support from my friends and acquaintances has been scarce. Even those who I have wholeheartedly supported in their own ventures seem to be nowhere in sight. And if they do acknowledge my efforts, it’s often masked with backhanded compliments like, “Oh, isn’t this a cute little project!”

We live in a society that has an undeniably strong sentimental attachment to the idea of small businesses and entrepreneurship. Many of us grew up with aspirational stories of small business owners who have built their businesses from scratch, by putting in long hours of hard work and dedication.

We also often hear the sentiment that we should be supporting local businesses because they embody the essence of the community and provide a steady income to local residents. And who doesn’t love that? And while we are consistently reminded that by supporting small businesses, we are ultimately supporting the local economy, culture, and spirit of our community…isn’t it ironic how the same individuals who preach this idea often fail to deliver when it comes to actually supporting these small businesses? Perhaps the most confusing behavior of all is that said individuals tend to spend a lot of money supporting their favorite celebrities, yet can’t be bothered to support someone they know?

Society flocks to stores to purchase limited edition products designed by celebrities, whether it be a new perfume, shoe drop, clothing line, or a mediocre makeup brand. The masses buy concert tickets, merchandise, and even follow them on social media. It’s almost a sickening blind yet fierce loyalty towards celebrities, but not to the small business owners in our own communities.

How did we become a culture that prioritizes superficial endorsements over genuine connections? How did we get here? It’s ironic, really. In a world filled with seemingly endless connections through social media, we often find ourselves feeling isolated and disregarded by those we thought were close.

This fascinating paradox is a break from my usual content, yet truly amuses me as it raises important questions about our societal values, preferences, and priorities.

Are we more interested in buying into mainstream culture than supporting local and independent businesses, or friends? Or is it just a reflection of our desire to elevate ourselves in society by associating ourselves with highly visible or trendy things because we lack a true sense of self?

As we consider these questions, perhaps it’s worth recognizing that we could all collectively do more to prioritize and amplify these efforts to support those right in our immediate radius instead of the reality television star or celebrity that doesn’t even know you exist.

Amidst this irony, I’ve also discovered a fire within myself. A determination to push past this perceived lack of support and prove to myself, and maybe even to them, that I can succeed despite it all. It’s in these moments of irony that I find the strength to keep thriving, to keep growing my business, and to keep believing in my own potential.

So, as I continue on this journey, navigating the ironic twists and turns, I am reminded that society’s values may be misguided, but my commitment to my passion and my own self-worth remains unwavering. And maybe, just maybe, I can inspire others to see the irony in their own lives and embrace something more meaningful.

It’s crucial to remember that every dollar we spend is a vote or a message – a way of communicating our priorities to the businesses we support, as well as the world around us.

How will you vote?