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New DeSoto business incubator prepares for Small Business Saturday

Grow DeSoto Marketplace is a city-sponsored public-private partnership that is helping a variety of new businesses get started.

DESOTO, Texas — As many eager consumers prepare for Black Friday shopping deals and the start of the 2019 holiday shopping season, some new entrepreneurs in southern Dallas are excited about traffic visiting their start-ups this weekend.

Saturday, Nov. 24 is Small Business Saturday. It’s a time when consumers are encouraged to visit and support small local shops and businesses. "Everything here is one of a kind,” said Jo Ashley Wilson as she checked inventory at her boutique Seven 1 Seven in the new Grow DeSoto Marketplace. She and her neighbors are getting their shops all set for Small business Saturday.

”I’m so excited,” Wilson said. “When you support a small business, you are supporting a dream.”

Grow DeSoto Marketplace is a city-sponsored public-private partnership that is helping a variety of new businesses get started. Many of the business owners say they have been relying on social media and word of mouth to spread the word about their shops and products.

”I’m real excited,” said Virginia Montgomery of Tigerhouse Hat Shop and Accessories. “I’ve been on internet, on Instagram, on Facebook, Pinterest.”

Shoppers said there are some great benefits to shopping small and local. “You can get unique items. One of a kind. Something that they can not find anywhere else, and that makes it more personal," Tiffany Edmonds explained.

At Grow DeSoto Marketplace, shoppers can find jewelry, an art gallery, fragrances, bath and body products. There is a full-service fitness center, salon and beauty school.

Alwyn Dowell has a skin, scalp, and hair care line. "Small business is the key to this economy,” Dowell explained.

There are a variety of boutiques with clothing, gifts, and accessories for men and women. The owners of the Brown Girl Shop say they are eagerly tackling the challenges of a start-up.

”We’re trying to get the traffic to flow, and people just to know your name and what you sell, and your product," Kristine East said.

New restaurateurs in the incubator say they are also looking to benefit from the holiday shopping season. "We all have the same dream,” explained Keyla Cooks of Crazii Potatoez. “We want to grow as a small business, and so it’s so important for the consumers to support us.”

Consultants say many new businesses only get one shot. So, this Small Business Saturday could mean volumes for the eager entrepreneurs.

Grow DeSoto Marketplace will have special events for children with Santa on Saturday, Nov. 24 and Sunday, Nov. 25. The staff says there will also be additional pop up vendors on site for your shopping needs. Grow DeSoto Marketplace is located at 324 E. Belt Line Road, DeSoto, TX 75104.

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