The Local St. Augustine owner Leila Bedoian’s Concerns over TikTok Ban and Its Impact on Small Businesses.

Leila Bedoian, owner of The Local St. Augustine, a retro-style motel in Anastasia Island, has expressed her concerns over the potential nationwide TikTok ban signed by President Joe Biden. The hotel is known for its vibrant transformation from rundown to a popular destination that attracts visitors from all over the country.

Bedoian and her team aimed to create a space that people would be excited to share on social media when designing the property. Their efforts paid off as USA Today named their hotel the number one roadside hotel in the country in 2022. TikTok has played a significant role in their success as they use it to showcase their hotel and promote the local St. Augustine community.

Small businesses like Bedoian rely heavily on TikTok to reach new customers and increase brand awareness. The platform’s algorithm and search function have allowed her to consistently connect with a larger audience and drive organic growth for her business. According to research by Oxford Economics, small businesses in Florida generated millions in tax revenue and supported numerous jobs through their use of TikTok in 2021.

If TikTok were banned in the U.S., Bedoian fears that it would have a detrimental impact on her business and others like hers. Finding an alternative platform that provides a similar reach and engagement will be challenging, especially for those with limited marketing budgets. Despite her concerns, Bedoian remains optimistic that lawmakers will take into account the interests of small business owners who rely on platforms like TikTok for their success.

Bedoian explains how crucial TikTok is to their business as they utilize it to showcase their hotel and promote the local St. Augustine community.

When designing The Local St