Support Your Local
Support Local: Why It Truly Matters
I’m sure you’ve heard about this movement.
Most likely in the context of food markets, independent clothing brands, or small cafés with a unique atmosphere. It’s a movement created to support smaller enterprises in a world dominated by large corporations.
But what are the real benefits — not only for individuals, but for society as a whole — when we choose local? Let’s talk about the obvious and the less obvious reasons.
Locals Tend to Care More
This may sound like a generalization, and of course it doesn’t apply to everyone. But to a certain extent, it is often true.
When you live somewhere, you naturally want that place to be clean, safe, and welcoming — because it directly affects your life and your community. You think long-term, because it’s your home. A place where your present and future are rooted.
“I’ll pick up this trash today, because tomorrow I’ll be here again. I want this place to be good not only for myself, but for future generations too.”
This mindset creates responsibility. Responsibility creates care. And care creates quality.
Local Means Unique
This is something I truly love about Amsterdam.
The amount of independent cafés, bookstores, flower shops, markets, hotels, and studios is incredible. Every single one adds a layer to the city’s character.
If you walk through the city early in the morning, you’ll see owners cleaning the sidewalks in front of their shops, arranging flowers, opening café doors so the smell of fresh coffee and pastries fills the street. The details matter.
Take a closer look at the old storefronts in the city center. Many feel almost magical — like stepping into another world. It’s one of the reasons Amsterdam feels alive rather than generic.
Local Means Character
Porcelain from Delft.
Canal houses from Amsterdam.
Flowers from the Netherlands.
Moomins from Finland.
Blues from Louisiana.
Some things are so strongly connected to their origin that we recognize them instantly.
Artists are the same.
Some creators develop such a distinct visual language that you don’t need to read their name — you just know. In my opinion, Natalie from Vadelma Tattoo is one of those artists. Among thousands of tattoos, her work stands out through years of focused drawing, consistency, and refinement.
You can explore our artistic approach here:
https://vadelma.eu/
Locals Support the Local Ecosystem
Local businesses pay local taxes. Those taxes support healthcare, infrastructure, education, and public spaces.
Nothing about this system is perfect, but after living in several European countries, the Netherlands stands out. You can actually see where the collective effort goes. Life works well here because people participate in it.
Local earnings are spent locally — supporting other small businesses, artists, suppliers, and services. It creates a cycle of growth that benefits everyone involved.
This topic could fill a book, not just a blog post, but for today, this perspective is enough.
Our Place in This Story
Even though Natalie and I have lived in the Netherlands for only a while, we feel more and more like locals.
Our contribution is art, tattoos, prints, and thoughtful customer service. We aim to give both residents and visitors something meaningful — a beautiful tattoo, a carefully made art print, and warm memories of a friendly, professional studio.
You can see our available tattoo projects here:
https://vadelma.eu/available-projects
Our art prints are available here:
https://vadelmaprints.com/
And if you’d like to get in touch with us directly:
https://vadelma.eu/contact
The more happy faces we create, the more happy faces appear. It really works like that.
Much love,
Simon
“Tattoos that matter – for people who care”
FAQ – Supporting Local Artists & Studios
Why should I support local tattoo artists?
Local artists invest deeply in their craft, community, and long-term quality. Their work is personal and rooted in place.
Is local always better than big studios or chains?
Not always, but local studios often offer more individuality, care, and consistency in artistic vision.
Does choosing local really make a difference?
Yes. Supporting local businesses strengthens cultural identity, community wellbeing, and creative diversity.
Where can I learn more about Vadelma Tattoo?
You can explore our blog here:
https://vadelma.eu/blog
And our FAQ section here:
https://vadelma.eu/faq-vadelma-tattoo/
Support Local: Why It Truly Matters
I’m sure you’ve heard about this movement.
Most likely in the context of food markets, independent clothing brands, or small cafés with a unique atmosphere. It’s a movement created to support smaller enterprises in a world dominated by large corporations.
But what are the real benefits — not only for individuals, but for society as a whole — when we choose local? Let’s talk about the obvious and the less obvious reasons.
Locals Tend to Care More
This may sound like a generalization, and of course it doesn’t apply to everyone. But to a certain extent, it is often true.
When you live somewhere, you naturally want that place to be clean, safe, and welcoming — because it directly affects your life and your community. You think long-term, because it’s your home. A place where your present and future are rooted.
“I’ll pick up this trash today, because tomorrow I’ll be here again. I want this place to be good not only for myself, but for future generations too.”
This mindset creates responsibility. Responsibility creates care. And care creates quality.
Local Means Unique
This is something I truly love about Amsterdam.
The amount of independent cafés, bookstores, flower shops, markets, hotels, and studios is incredible. Every single one adds a layer to the city’s character.
If you walk through the city early in the morning, you’ll see owners cleaning the sidewalks in front of their shops, arranging flowers, opening café doors so the smell of fresh coffee and pastries fills the street. The details matter.
Take a closer look at the old storefronts in the city center. Many feel almost magical — like stepping into another world. It’s one of the reasons Amsterdam feels alive rather than generic.
Local Means Character
Porcelain from Delft.
Canal houses from Amsterdam.
Flowers from the Netherlands.
Moomins from Finland.
Blues from Louisiana.
Some things are so strongly connected to their origin that we recognize them instantly.
Artists are the same.
Some creators develop such a distinct visual language that you don’t need to read their name — you just know. In my opinion, Natalie from Vadelma Tattoo is one of those artists. Among thousands of tattoos, her work stands out through years of focused drawing, consistency, and refinement.
You can explore our artistic approach here:
https://vadelma.eu/
Locals Support the Local Ecosystem
Local businesses pay local taxes. Those taxes support healthcare, infrastructure, education, and public spaces.
Nothing about this system is perfect, but after living in several European countries, the Netherlands stands out. You can actually see where the collective effort goes. Life works well here because people participate in it.
Local earnings are spent locally — supporting other small businesses, artists, suppliers, and services. It creates a cycle of growth that benefits everyone involved.
This topic could fill a book, not just a blog post, but for today, this perspective is enough.
Our Place in This Story
Even though Natalie and I have lived in the Netherlands for only a while, we feel more and more like locals.
Our contribution is art, tattoos, prints, and thoughtful customer service. We aim to give both residents and visitors something meaningful — a beautiful tattoo, a carefully made art print, and warm memories of a friendly, professional studio.
You can see our available tattoo projects here:
https://vadelma.eu/available-projects
Our art prints are available here:
https://vadelmaprints.com/
And if you’d like to get in touch with us directly:
https://vadelma.eu/contact
The more happy faces we create, the more happy faces appear. It really works like that.
Much love,
Simon
“Tattoos that matter – for people who care”
FAQ – Supporting Local Artists & Studios
Why should I support local tattoo artists?
Local artists invest deeply in their craft, community, and long-term quality. Their work is personal and rooted in place.
Is local always better than big studios or chains?
Not always, but local studios often offer more individuality, care, and consistency in artistic vision.
Does choosing local really make a difference?
Yes. Supporting local businesses strengthens cultural identity, community wellbeing, and creative diversity.
Where can I learn more about Vadelma Tattoo?
You can explore our blog here:
https://vadelma.eu/blog
And our FAQ section here:
https://vadelma.eu/faq-vadelma-tattoo/
