SEMINOLE HEIGHTS, Fla. — The holiday season is in full swing and Bay Area businesses are encouraging everyone to shop small.
- Seminole Heights community stronger than ever on Small Business Saturday
- Businesses suffered last year during the Seminole Heights serial killer
- Businesses have bounced back with community support
In the Seminole Heights community, support is stronger than ever.
"I think it's the busiest day where we get to celebrate small businesses so we definitely take it seriously," Roberto Torres, owner of the Blind Tiger Café and Black and Denim Apparel Co. said.
Danielle Ferrari, owner of Valhalla resale, is hoping to get a big boost with her one of a kind retail shop.
"Valhalla is the only store like it in the world where you can rent clothes in a brick and mortar location where you can try them on and experience the clothes before you rent them," Ferrari said.
These business owners are part of a community that’s been through a lot. This time last year, Seminole Heights residents were worried about a serial killer on the streets, causing some businesses to suffer.
"I think this time last year we got beat up a little bit more but then after Thanksgiving and Christmas we rebounded a little bit," Torres said.
Those dark days have made Seminole Heights even stronger.
"We really banded together and supported the businesses that needed it, the families, and it makes me happy to have chosen this to be my home," Ferrari said.
In the last year, even more locally owned businesses have moved to the neighborhood. Owners said one of the biggest keys to success is supporting each other.
"When you shop local you're keeping money in your community and your supporting your community and keeping it prosperous," Ferrari said.
They couldn’t be more proud to live in a community filled with such love and care.