09/04/2026
I’ve been seeing a lot of posts lately about Downtown Adel and conversations about why small businesses come and go, and I think there’s something that needs to be said.
Small businesses cannot thrive in a community where everybody feels like they have to compete with the business next door.
There is a difference between healthy competition and constantly watching what another business is doing, what they’re selling, what they’re posting, and then turning around and trying to do the same thing. Especially when you’re already an established business that has been in this community for years and another business is simply trying to get its feet underneath it.
There is enough money in this town for ALL OF US to eat. There are enough customers for ALL OF US to succeed. Somebody supporting another small business does not take anything away from yours. ❤️
And as a newer business owner in Downtown Adel, I can tell you firsthand that it isn’t always easy. There are days I sit in my storefront and not ONE person walks through my door. Every single order I receive that day may come through Facebook, my website, or from customers outside of Adel. But I still unlock those doors. I still show up. I still advertise. I still create. I still pray over my business. And I continue pushing toward what I envisioned INKspiration Prints by Lorraine to be from the beginning, regardless of whether somebody else sees what I’m doing and decides to offer something similar.
I also think we have to be honest about something else. Sometimes people are quicker to support a business that has been here for years simply because they know the owners, grew up with them, or because they’re “from here.” Meanwhile, a new business or somebody who wasn’t born and raised here is working just as hard to become part of this community and earn your support.
If we genuinely want Downtown Adel to grow, we have to stop looking at every new business as competition and start looking at every new business as another reason for people to COME DOWNTOWN.
Support the businesses that have been here for years. Support the businesses that opened yesterday. Share their posts. Walk through their doors. Recommend them. And as business owners, encourage one another instead of constantly trying to outdo one another.
Somebody else succeeding does NOT mean you are failing.
The moment we all realize there is enough room for everybody to make money and thrive is the moment we can start building a downtown where small businesses don’t just open they actually SURVIVE AND FLOURISH. 🙌🏼❤️
And with that being said, if you would like to support ME and help me continue having a storefront right here in Adel, one of the biggest things you can do is simply SPREAD THE WORD!
A lot of people still don’t realize that INKspiration Prints by Lorraine is an actual STOREFRONT BUSINESS located right here in Downtown Adel!
We make and sell DTF transfers IN STORE. So whether you’re a T-shirt maker who only needs to purchase the print itself so you can press and make your own shirts, OR you want me to make the finished product for you, I can do both!
We offer custom T-shirts, sweatshirts, hoodies, and other apparel and clothing-material items that can be customized. We also make custom hats and patches, and we have a small in-house boutique along with items from other vendors. ❤️
And please remember, supporting a small business doesn’t always mean spending money.
SHARE my posts.
TAG my business when somebody is looking for DTF transfers or custom apparel.
TELL your friends and family about me.
SEND another T-shirt maker my way when they need transfers.
INVITE somebody to come check out the store.
Those things cost absolutely nothing, but they can make a HUGE difference for a small business trying to keep its doors open.
📍 INKspiration Prints by Lorraine is located in Downtown Adel on the corner, connected to the building that Rico’s Tacos was located in, facing the red light.
I want to continue growing this business, expanding what I offer, supporting other small vendors, and serving this community for YEARS to come. But small businesses can only stay when people know we’re here and choose to support us.
So please help me spread the word. ❤️
There is room for ALL OF US. There is enough business for ALL OF US. And I truly believe Downtown Adel can flourish when we start supporting each other instead of competing with each other. 🙏🏼
