Every year, Amazon Prime Day rolls around and this year it's arriving a little earlier than usual — and honestly, it got me thinking.
Not about competing. Not about discounts or deals or trying to out-Amazon Amazon. But about why we do what we do, and the people who make it possible.
I wouldn't say I'm "anti-Amazon" — in this day and age, it's hard to survive without the creature comforts of Amazon Prime (not to mention Prime Video — how else will Olive and I find out what happens next in The Summer I Turned Pretty? LOL!) And I did try to "give up" Amazon Prime for a year, only to realize I still needed to ship our poly mailers and tissue paper from Amazon.
But I will say — I am a supporter of small business, and that stance isn't “anti” anything. It's more pro-small business. I ventured out as a small business entrepreneur over 25 years ago, and Allison Izu wasn't the first company I started. I went from creating a bespoke wedding dress company, to a surf brand, to a vintage clothing company — until I finally had the experience and the bravery to start my dream label: Allison Izu.
Through all of those brands, it’s always been the customers who made it their purpose to support small businesses that allowed me to succeed. From countless craft fairs where only a handful of people would stop by, to eventually doing enough of them that people started to notice and seek me out. I can't describe the feeling of accomplishment when that started to happen. It still catches me off guard — in the best way — when someone recognizes me at the market or the mall and tells me how much they love the clothing.
It's because of people like you, who choose to support small, that I'm able to dream the big dream. Saying "thank you" kinda pales in comparison to everything you've given to brands like mine — but it still needs to be said. THANK YOU. When I think about my journey, it's your faces that bring me the most joy and the deepest sense of gratitude. Whether you've been here from the very beginning or just found us yesterday — the appreciation runs deep.
So, as a small business navigating Prime Deals week, I just want to say: thank you for choosing to support small — whether that's shopping with Allison Izu, supporting your local bookstore or picking up fruit at the farmers market. I know it takes time out of your busy day, and sometimes a little extra money, to shop small. But I can honestly say the owners and the people behind these businesses feel it. Every single time. Wholeheartedly.
With love + light,
Allison
PS: we're celebrating the season with our Summer Savings event, dropping soon. New markdowns, a little extra off, and a chance to shop in a way that feels good. We hope it does.
