06/20/2026
Small Business PSA: Yes, We’re Human
(A reshare from 2025)
Recently, we shared what we thought was a lighthearted meme—a little levity about a heavy topic, with a reminder of the joy in shopping local.
It wasn’t political. (At least, we didn’t think so. But once we realized it offended some, we quickly and publicly apologized.)
To us, it was personal. Supporting local is something we believe in with our whole hearts. We thought others would too.
And most of you did—hundreds responded with kindness, understanding, and shared giggles.
But a louder-than-expected wave didn’t.
We received comments. DMs. Even a few unfollows.
One in particular stuck with us:
“Just stick to slinging fried pies.”
A message small business owners know all too well:
You don’t get to be a person anymore.
You’re expected to smile and serve.
Stay silent. Say nothing that might shake someone’s comfort.
Make the sale—but don’t make a statement.
But here’s what we need you to know:
Business owners are real people. We are human beings.
We, the owners, are Christians who believe in grace, growth, and love—even if we don’t quote scripture here.
Not that this should matter.
We, our friends, and our family are red, white, blue (and yes, probably somewhere in between too).
Straight, q***r, loud, quiet, disabled, blended, neurodivergent, minority, and beautifully made.
Not that this should matter.
And we believe everyone deserves respect and belonging, just like the people we love.
So why share this today?
Because we almost didn’t.
We almost let that comment—and the fear behind it—keep us from making a post today.
We almost stayed silent on Juneteenth, a day that acknowledges freedom and pain and history.
We almost let the little anonymous “laugh” reactions keep us from mentioning that we see, hear, and feel the significance of this day.
June also happens to be Pride Month, and again—that same little fear creeps up for business owners who stand behind the message that everyone deserves to be loved and treated fairly.
(And honestly—why is this even still a question?)
We believe in acknowledging the past and learning from it.
We believe in dignity.
We believe in visibility.
We believe that literally everyone deserves a voice, a place, and the freedom to live authentically.
As small business owners and community leaders, it’s not just okay to say that—it’s right to say that.
We’re not here to appease those who try to dampen voices or weaponize kindness.
We’re here to make space for stories, stand beside our neighbors, and reflect the real, diverse, incredible community that surrounds us.
So no—we’re not just slinging fried pies.
Our humanness is what makes Farm Hippie what it is.
And we’re proud to show up with open hearts and open minds.
June reminds us how far we’ve come—and how far we still have to go.
Our job, as neighbors and community builders, is to hold space for that growth and say clearly and loudly:
You belong here.
And besides—there’s always someone ready to share a fried pie and vote for kindness at Farm Hippie. 😉
Happy Juneteenth.
Happy Pride Month.
Happy all the things.
May we keep showing up for one another in every season.
