Business Note

“I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears, and sweat” from a speech by Winston Churchill in 1940, warning the British people of the hardships to come in fighting WWII.

Photo by Mirtography

BY BRETT CAFFERTY

DID YOU KNOW that small businesses (fewer than 500 employees) make up 99% of all businesses and create 64% of the new jobs in the U.S.?

It has been another challenging year for our small business community. As we have gotten to know our advertiser partners better this past year, we are increasingly impressed and humbled by the amount of time and energy they put into their businesses. Running a business is already more than a full-time job, and when the adversity of the past 20 months is added, it reminds me of Churchill’s phrase above and the name of that great band of the ’60s and ’70s, Blood, Sweat, & Tears.

Recent conversations with business owners in a variety of industries have increased my awareness of the new challenges ahead, as the uncertainty and gaps in the supply chain are expected to continue. Shortages of raw materials, reduced manufacturing capacity, constraints in the transportation of goods, labor shortages (where did everyone go?), and the resulting price increases may be around for a while.

In the midst of this holiday season and beyond, we should extend an extra measure of grace to our local small business community. While most are optimistic and see brighter days ahead, there are significant challenges to deal with.

Almost every business is short staffed and trying to find solutions to alleviate overworked employees - from retail clerks putting in longer hours, to the wait staff pulling a double-shift when there is no one else to step in, to service providers with far more demand than supply capacity. While these front-line issues require creativity and daily attention, business owners are also working to source goods, keep an inventory, and maintain cash flow while wages and cost of goods rise. It’s a juggling act not for the faint of heart!

On our part, this “extra measure” could include patience, understanding, and flexibility when what you need is out of stock or on backorder, an encouraging word to a frazzled employee, and a conscious effort to support and spend dollars with the local, small businesses that make up our community.

Everything Knoxville is thankful for our small businesses and local area organizations for the good work they continue to do and strive to do, and we wish you all a joyous holiday season and healthy New Year.

Holiday FARMERS'

MARKETS

MARKET SQUARE DOWNTOWN

December 4-18 Saturdays 10 am - 2 pm

2022 Market begins January 8 Saturdays 10 am - 2 pm RAIN OR SHINE!

Get Your Glow Back

MATTHEW B. DOPPELT D.O., F.A.O.C.D., F.A.A.D.

Board Certified Dermatologist

SUN EXPOSURE WITHOUT proper protection, such as sunscreen and protective clothing, can cause brown spots and skin irregularities. Most hyperpigmentation is triggered by unprotected sun exposure, while some hyperpigmentation, such as melanoma, is induced by hormones. Melasma, more commonly seen in females, is usually triggered by UV exposure or even induced by heat. It may appear during pregnancy or after starting birth control and typically appears as a symmetric hyperpigmented patch on some exposed areas of the face, neck, or chest.

While using sunscreen is still key to preventing skin cancers and signs of premature aging, it doesn’t erase the damage already done. Most skin irregularities require a treatment, such as laser, IPL, chemical peels, or fractional resurfacing, to reverse the damage already visible. What works for one person may not work for everyone. At Southeastern Dermatology, we offer a wide range of treatment options from any skin condition, such as hyperpigmentation. One popular treatment for hyperpigmentation is Clear + Brilliant treatments.

Clear + Brilliant is a gentle treatment that uses fractional laser technology to address and prevent the early signs of aging skin. Clear + Brilliant is based on fractional laser resurfacing, a technology that has been proven in clinical trials to successfully address several common concerns that occur as the skin ages. The treatment works by creating millions of microscopic treatment zones in the upper layers of the skin, which replaces damaged skin with healthy tissue and yields younger looking skin.

The Clear + Brilliant system has two options. In overall skin texture, the original handpiece helps improve fine lines and the appearance of pores, which unfortunately tend to enlarge with aging skin. The Permea handpiece is slightly milder and may be more effective for pigmentary changes and helps to give a more uniform, even skin tone. It is called Permea because the mild injury of the laser is designed to temporarily make the skin more permeable to skin care products, such as Vitamin A and C.

A typical Clear + Brilliant treatment requires 30 minutes or less for a complete session. Application of topical numbing cream is an option to provide additional comfort during treatment. The laser handpiece is then gently guided across the targeted areas and actively treats the skin in 15 minutes or less. Immediately post treatment, it is common to experience some redness and swelling up to 12 hours with little or no downtime. Clear + Brilliant’s smart-tip technology and advanced precision energy system ensures excellent results with little to no social interruption. More than 85% of Clear + Brilliant patients claimed their skin looked younger and felt smoother, and they saw a noticeable glow after a series of three treatments.

It is important that patients team with a doctor and a practice that they know and trust, as well as one with proper credentials and qualifications. Board-certified dermatologist, Matthew B. Doppelt, and his team can help you develop a personalized treatment plan and see if Clear + Brilliant is the best treatment for you. Visit www.DrDoppelt.com for more information, or call 865-474-8800 to schedule an appointment.