The Future Business Leaders of America Milford Chapter wanted to bring the community together somehow with this year's project. They partnered with the school's Family, Career and Community Leaders of America chapter to make that project happen with the most impact.
That's how Fa La La Shop Milford came to be. Milford FBLA co-vice presidents Abby Houk and Kaitlyn Klug said it was a community-focused idea to promote local businesses and entrepreneurs.
“We just wanted to focus on a project that brought the community together and really highlighted the entrepreneurs in our community,” Houk said. “So this idea kind of took off. We got it going from that. We just wanted to be able to create a time that allowed all the different entrepreneurs to come together and promote their own businesses.”
They saw how fears related to the coronavirus and directed health measures hurt small businesses in the area. They thought this campaign could be a way to help. About 15 businesses joined the effort, which starts Nov. 12 from 4-8 p.m. at Anchor Meadow Farm (2297 A St.) and goes each Thursday until Christmas Eve (except Thanksgiving). Some businesses will have a mobile shop out there while others will participate from their pre-existing locations.
Milford FBLA and FCCLA instructor Mallory Gregory said hosting the event outdoors and not at the school freed them from some logistical hurdles.
While promoting local businesses, the students discovered businesses they didn't know about.
“It's really cool to see how these people are kind of in the shadows,” Houk said.
Students saw the excitement from businesses owners when they distributed flyers. They hope community members mirror that excitement in turnout.
“It's nice to have that sense of community because our community has been so divided due to COVID,” Klug said. “It brings everyone together, gets them involved in the community.”
The FBLA and FCCLA partnership will also do a Santa's Workshop and Reindeer Prance to get kids involved. They're making kids' kits with fun activities as well.
The idea for creating those activities goes beyond promoting local businesses.
“It will give them a little bit of normalcy for Christmas,” Klug said.
They're all excited about the project and Gregory said the school's lucky to have leaders in both FBLA and FCCLA.
