When I was 16 years old, I started applying for my first job and after many applications I found myself applying to a small business a town over from the one I grew up in. When I went to pick up an application, the manager there shook my hand and had a full conversation with me.

Every other business I applied to only gave me a piece of paper to fill out or a card with a link and I was on my way. Sure enough, this small business, known as Sarah’s Creamery in Dover, PA, hired me a few days after I applied.

Working for a small business had a huge influence on who I am today and has given me a greater appreciation for all of the other small business out there.

When you work for a small business, your coworkers and customers become your family. There are some customers that come in at the same time every week and I already have their order ready—some come in as often as every day. I even have a group that I call my “Sunday night customers.”

This bond gives you the opportunity to connect with people and gain communication skills that you might otherwise be lacking. I enjoy asking about my customers’ families and how they are doing. There are some customers I find myself sitting down with to talk to or friending on Facebook.

Since Sarah’s is a small business, the staff is extremely close. Each and every one of my coworkers has supported me through everything for the past three years. And I know that when the day comes (a couple years from now hopefully) when I have to say goodbye, these people will remain a part of my life. I wouldn’t trade that sense of family for anything.

Working at Sarah’s Creamery, rather than a larger chain restaurant, allowed me to build on my responsibility a lot faster. I learned side by side with the owner as she taught me how to handle tasks with a greater maturity level. I am beyond grateful to have been able to take on this job and the skills it has taught me.

However, working at a small business isn’t the only good thing about them — shopping at Sarah's is just as beneficial.

As I have said, customers are like family to those who work at a small business. When you decide to shop small, you are cared for on a much more personal level. It isn’t about making a sale, it is about what is best for you as a customer.

Small businesses are disappearing as I write this article and it is a shame to see so many places filled with passion drift away. Those who start these businesses truly treasure what they do and what they’ve created. It is not just a job, it is pure enthusiasm for a certain thing that owners are trying to share with the world.

I know it is difficult to resist stores like Target and Walmart, and I’m not saying that you should. I am saying that when it comes down to a choice, shopping, working, and eating at a small business has its advantages.

With the communities support, these businesses can flourish rather than the love and passion disappearing from the town.