Kasie Clifford
Founder, Owner, Local PHL
Philadelphia, PA
“I have always dreamt of working for myself and being creative. For a while I wasn’t quite sure where that would take me. But when I started working on our online presence and bringing people together it all felt so obvious.”
As regulations increase and we approach the holiday seasons, we can’t help but think about our small business friends and how they will be fairing this year. Small businesses have needed to get creative in the past few months, and have been relying on the loyal support of the community to help them survive through any circumstances.
Kasie Clifford, owner of Local PHL, recognized this at the beginning of the pandemic, and began doing everything she could to bring attention to small businesses who were doing cool things to during quarantine. She had a desire to support local businesses, and with that, came the unexpected, organic birth of Local PHL.
“The whole thing actually started a passion project; a way to highlight creators or businesses in Philly that were open or doing something neat in Philly during quarantine. We would post on our Instagram anything we found.”
From there, she and her boyfriend launched a website linking together small businesses they wanted to support, and shortly after, the idea of opening a store just made sense.
“I started working on our online presence and bringing people together it all felt so obvious.”
Philly has always been home to Kasie, and like many of us, she knows there is a talent and passion you can only find in Philly.
“Philly’s art and makers scene is a HUGE reason why I do what I do. The people are talented, kind and impactful, and I love being a part of it and doing my part to bring their work to a broader light. I would be nothing without these creators--I believe in each one of them and their products. Selling them is the easy part!"
Kasie didn’t always see herself owning a shop, but has always anticipated working for herself and being creative. Before Local PHL took form as a store, Kasie was working in finance, – her heart wasn’t in it – and in order to make the store succeed and create the greatest impact, she needed to give Local PHL Market her full attention.
“We were embraced so well in the community and people were so glad to be able to find ways to help the people and businesses we loved. It’s always stemmed from a place of giving back and bringing together the small businesses of Philly and Philadelphians, when they need it the most."
A small business owner herself, Kasie understands the importance of shopping local this holiday season. Looking for a way to support other local brands? Check out the creators at Local PHL.