On Saturday, August 10, Humble Coffee Co. celebrated its 10th anniversary with a party and street fair at its Nob Hill store. The party was not just a celebration for Humble, but a celebration for all local businesses in Albuquerque. The area around the coffee shop was teeming with local artists, handmade jewelry, circus performers, taxidermists, tarot card readers and food trucks.

Event organizer and owner of Heck Yeah Vintage, Virginia Hilliard, said events like the Humble Birthday Bash are, among other things, about bringing people together and giving small artisans a place to display their wares.

“Instead of going to a store to buy one thing, come to an event to see everyone, discover different things and celebrate together,” Hilliard said.

The original vision for the cafe was a small, almost secret place – hence the name “Humble” – that, according to owner Mark Baker, would offer a high-quality alternative to chain coffee shops.

As business flourished, Humble began hosting two major annual events – the birthday party in the summer and a Christmas market on the Saturday before Christmas – to support not only himself but other small businesses as well.

“It’s really about building a community. It’s not just about the coffee and serving quality coffee, it’s about bringing people together and supporting the creative culture in Albuquerque… It’s about local things because I’m a big advocate for the growth of Albuquerque,” Baker said.

Humble sells local pastries – like those from Bristol Doughnut Co. – and uses beans from Trifecta Coffee Co., which, according to its website.

“Local businesses are especially important in Albuquerque because we’re a mid-sized city, not a big city. If you support chains in this city, a lot of the money you spend will go to businesses outside the city,” Baker said.

Baker referred in particular to a Study on the economic impact on small businesses in 2022 It found that “more than two-thirds ($0.68) of what is spent at a local business stays in the local community, supporting families, causes and other local businesses.”

Small businesses keep money in the community, which Baker says leads to a healthier economy, which in turn can help improve other aspects of life in New Mexico, such as education.

Hilliard also spoke about how strong small businesses impact communities large and small. Local businesses are an alternative to big supermarkets and overconsumption, she said.

“I think it is important to support small businesses because it is the butcher, the baker and the