In rural Utah, charming small businesses are experiencing an unprecedented surge in popularity thanks to robust social media followings. These niche shops and boutiques have become destinations in their own right, drawing visitors who are equally interested in the local charm as they are in the natural beauty of sparkling lakes, powdery slopes, and majestic red rock formations.
Beljar Home, located in Midway, offers a curated experience in furnishings and fashion. Owners Desiree and James Bastian invite followers on their adventures as they discover antiques in picturesque locales like Provence and the Cotswolds. Their social media showcases not only just-arrived merchandise but also insights into ongoing building projects. “You can come into the store and outfit an entire home, custom-order a sofa or find those perfect vintage light fixtures,” Desiree explains. Visitors enjoy the unique opportunity to collect items that tell their personal stories, whether it’s an heirloom pillow or a cozy throw. This combination of aesthetic appeal and personal connection has helped grow their following to an impressive 83.4k.
Also capitalizing on the quaint community feel of Ogden Valley is Emie James. Opened by Lisa Pack and her daughter Marne Grange, this home decor and gift shop serves as a community hub where locals and newcomers alike can gather. Lisa notes the need for a warm and friendly space for people to connect and feel at home. Their social media presence significantly outstrips foot traffic, enticing visitors from afar who want to engage with the inviting atmosphere. With workshops ranging from flower arranging to sourdough baking, Emie James offers experiences that draw in influencers and visitors, contributing to a following of 24.6k.
Across town in Beaver lies The Creamery, a dairy shop turned full-service eatery that retains deep-rooted connections to the community. Under the direction of Matt Robinson, who also serves as Beaver City’s mayor, The Creamery has transformed into a must-visit spot for travelers. The store’s emphasis on farm-to-table experiences and collaborations with local farmers resonated well with patrons. Featured items like creamy strawberry ice cream and jalapeno mac and cheese have become favorites. Matt emphasizes that the true draw of The Creamery lies in the small-town feel that resonates with visitors. With 7.8k followers, The Creamery successfully uses social media to promote their local heritage and delicious offerings.
In St. George, one unlikely small business is making waves. Cosy House, owned by Nancy Van Matre, provides a stylish selection of home decor and gifts, filling an apparent void in the local market. Upon returning to Utah from Southern California, Nancy identified a need for an aesthetically pleasing store where residents could purchase unique gifts or home items instead of heading to big box stores. Today, her shop not only hosts a loyal local following but also connects with social media enthusiasts who appreciate her laid-back aesthetic. With a current following of 18.2k, Cosy House is gaining traction as the comforting, approachable shop it aims to be.
Snuck Farms represents a unique blend of modern farming practices and interaction with the community. Located in Pleasant Grove, Page Westover operates this innovative farm and storefront that promotes sustainable living. With a focus on hydroponics, she grows fresh greens year-round while sharing her farming journey online. The intimacy of the family business resonates with her audience, as she captures the scenic beauty and labor-intensive lifestyle of farming. People find themselves drawn to her authenticity, resulting in 16.2k followers, which signifies the desire for a deeper connection to agriculture and land.
Meanwhile, Bolt Ranch Store in Kamas embodies the essence of rural Utah’s western lifestyle. Owned by mother-daughter duo Jenny and Abby Watts, the store caters to both tourists and locals who are drawn to the area’s rodeos and ranching culture. They offer not only ranch apparel but also lifestyle products that appeal to a broad audience. With an impressive mix of marketing strategies, including collaborations with social media influencers, they continue to grow their 20.2k online fan base. The store’s picturesque ranching backdrop contributes to its consistent online content, keeping customers engaged and interested in both the lifestyle and merchandise.
These small businesses in rural Utah are thriving not just through in-store sales, but by building connections with a diverse online audience. Each shop offers a distinct flavor of local charm, capitalizing on social media’s reach to create vibrant communities that extend beyond physical borders.
As social media continues to shape how we discover and interact with businesses, these rural shops exemplify how traditional values can align with modern marketing techniques. By fostering community and storytelling through their platforms, they are carving out a niche that adds to the rich tapestry of Utah’s entrepreneurial spirit.
image source from：saltlakemagazine
