Small businesses are an essential part of a community because they drive economic growth, create jobs, and spark innovation. In an area growing with franchises, it is important to remember to support the local economy and businesses that fall in our local sphere. Cheri Kayhan, owner of Olympus Gym in Purcellville states, “I personally think that as a small community we need to have small businesses and we need to support our small businesses.” As a small town, Purcellville continues to grow and add franchise after franchise. While these new additions are welcome, they take away opportunities from smaller companies often run by Purcellville families. Hefty business expenses are a result of competition with large corporate chains. Kayhan continues, “When we have multiple corporations of the same nature is when it becomes a little bit more difficult. I believe that the community expects that a small business like us will act in the same way that a larger company like L.A. Fitness. They’re a multi-million dollar company and we’re just a small business.”
Small town dynamics can create a greater sense of community and better service for those looking for a personal touch to their shopping or in this instance, exercise. Olympus, as a family-owned small town gym, brings more than just weights to Purcellville. Senior Jack Hall adds, “I believe Olympus Gym has a very positive effect on Purcellville, it’s a place where everyone can physically and mentally improve themselves.” Sharing Hall’s sentiment, senior Dylan Boyko explains, “Olympus Gym has a positive effect on the town of Purcellville and surrounding areas by giving its residents a chance to support a smaller business compared to more corporate gyms.” Dozens of students from Woodgrove and Loudoun Valley choose Olympus over other options in Leesburg or Ashburn. The business has so much gratification for the students and tries to maintain its small town dynamic. Olympus plays into the small town rivalry in Purcellville with the Loudoun Valley and Woodgrove squat racks in the gym. The school’s mascots are depicted on the racks, which creates even more healthy competition between the schools. Boyko explains, “Olympus is focused on the people of this community and not just opening up branches left and right to bring in more cash.”
In addition to gyms, small businesses in the food industry appeal to small town consumers and compete with corporations. Jackson Wilson, an employee at Grutos Soft Serve, states, “we’re at the will of what’s going on around us.” Community outreach and awareness prove to be focal points in the success of small businesses. Wilson continues, “Young people love small businesses, we are a family-owned, black owned, military-owned small business and that attracts people.”
Both Grutos and Olympus work to create a personal connection with their customers and have been doing so as family run companies for years. Although the pressure on small businesses is growing, assisting local companies around Woodgrove is still possible by choosing to shop small and maintain personal connections with neighboring businesses owners.
