Editor’s Note: This post is part of our series celebrating our Guiding Stars, the Local Guides who went above and beyond to make a difference in 2021, on Google Maps and off. Read more here.
Some of the changes that 2020 brought about remained with us in 2021. Many small businesses had to adjust their operations to accommodate evolving protocols and ensure the safety of their clients. These ten Local Guides, featured in our Local Business Champion category, were quick to react to these changes by keeping information on Google Maps updated and adding contributions that helped both businesses and visitors.
To celebrate their passion, we wanted to highlight the businesses they loved supporting this year — and always — and some of the ways they did so.
Showcasing the best locally
Putri ( @putrisetyo ) specializes in coffee libraries: places to enjoy a cup in the company of a good book. She found the perfect spot in her area in Indonesia, Libreria Eatery, and made sure to include all the details a fellow book lover would be interested in in her review.
Meanwhile, Kristin ( @TheRealKristin ) explores the United Kingdom, compiling lists like this one of The Best of Manchester. Her favorite local place is FarGo Village, an area in Coventry that was built for small businesses, offering everything from homemade jam to used books.
Celeste ( @NexusKC ) calls herself a “die-hard Kansas City fan,” so it’s no surprise that one of the stores she frequented in 2021 was Made in KC. Their platform offers local entrepreneurs a place to sell their goods, something that Celeste says “is in line with what I try to do as a Local Guide.”
Promoting Mexican culture on Connect and Google Maps is a mission that Bere ( @Bere_Marichi ) takes to heart. In addition to introducing local traditions as part of #TeamTacos, she’s also been reviewing tortillerias in Mexico City. She’s so impressed with the changes they’ve made to adapt that she can’t pick just one favorite!
Focusing on the details that matter
For David C. ( @davidrobertclarke ), 2021 was another year of uncovering new independent businesses. His love for the craft coffee at Dark Horse Espresso Bar and the artisan cheeses at the Cheese Cavern is evident in his incredibly thoughtful reviews that bring awareness to the small and local.
A strong advocate for Black history preservation, April ( @MissAprilNola ) contributes to landmarks and museums that tell the story of African Americans. They also help black-owned and women-owned businesses like Meals From the Heart Cafe gain more visibility by sharing reviews and photos on Google Maps.
As a telecommunications professional, Sebas ( @SebaasC ) understands the importance of sharing timely and relevant information. He’s been updating business details wherever he goes, and his contributions focus on safety protocols, like in his review of Gimme Shelter House.
Bringing diverse tastes to the map
Having moved from India to the Philippines, Alwy ( @Dr_AlwyPaul ) discovered that her new city is home to a vibrant food scene. She embarked on a journey to sample different tastes, including Turkish shawarma and falafel at Shawarma Rolls, all the while sharing her experiences on Google Maps to connect businesses with potential customers.
From creating lists of places that serve biryani to starting a Connect series about Indian food trucks, Jay ( @jayasimha78 ) puts Indian cuisine on the map of the San Francisco Bay Area. The idea for a series came to him because he found it impossible to showcase only one of the trucks — so he’s on a quest to explore them all.
As a Venezuelan in Canada, it’s important for Luis Miguel ( @LuisMGonzalez ) to find those stores and restaurants where he can enjoy the authentic Latino taste. Whether it’s a traditional Venezuelan breakfast at Cachitos or a delicious arepa at Bocadillo Bistro, he makes sure to help keep the “multicultural experience alive” through his contributions.
Join us in congratulating our Local Business Champions in the comments below!
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