From minimum wage in Alabama to unemployment insurance in Wyoming, I've learned more about the issues important to small business across the country than I ever thought I would, all because of my position here at Hammock. Working with NFIB, I feel like I have a front-row seat to watch what small business owners go through fighting for and against the issues that affect their lives every day. And it has changed the way I shop.

So when a new small business comes to town, I feel like it is my personal and professional duty to give them my business. I have my hair done at a locally owned salon. I buy books and magazines from the independent bookseller downtown. And I now get my cupcakes from Sugar Mama's on South 1st Street. They opened about a month ago, and as clichéd as it sounds, it was love at first bite!

Aside from the great cupcakes, they're blogging, engaging their customers in name-that-cupcake contests, and developing a special treat for our four-legged friends where the proceeds will benefit the Austin Humane Society.

The next time you're in South Austin, stop by for a delicious snack. You'll be supporting small business, and the cupcake you eat will be one less I'm tempted by.