The rising artisan movement
As more business becomes automated and manufacturing has become the American way, many Americans are pausing to consider where their products come from, who made them, and more importantly, will they last for more than a year? In a down economy, it may be a surprise, but we are seeing more and more consumers focus on the high quality local artisans, not only as a way to keep money in the local economy, but to improve their own lives and surroundings.
In a new video series produced by Red Method, Inc., the stories of local businesses’ success are highlighted not only to inspire others to focus on the artisan movement, but to showcase what the artisan movement is really all about – it’s more than making a pretty pillow or tasty bacon, it is about consumers being well informed about the process it takes for a high quality product to be made, and about consumers seeking the unique, the rare, the hand made, the perfect item that is not in every single person’s home or driveway already.
“Art became separated from artisans and mass manufacturing turned individuals from creators to consumers.” -Neil Gershenfield
Do you remember in grade school the pride you took in making something with your hands? Some people still have that same pride, and have turned it into their career, which has resulted in amazing niche businesses that thrive in a way that mass production simply cannot.
So it appears that the small fish underdog is actually in a position to have the competitive advantage, especially in cities like Austin where residents are seeking ways to keep money in the local economy and to support local businesses, particularly because such a high percentage of the population is entrepreneurial.
The American Made movement:
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Lani is the COO and News Director at The American Genius, has co-authored a book, co-founded BASHH, Austin Digital Jobs, Remote Digital Jobs, and is a seasoned business writer and editorialist with a penchant for the irreverent.