Flint business owner: Congress Must Protect Digital Tools That Help Local Businesses Grow

By La’Asia Johnson
Owner, Elle Jae Essentials

As a Flint native and the owner of Elle Jae Essentials, a handmade skincare and self-care brand based in Flint, I’ve poured my heart into building a business from the ground up. I make every product myself right here in our city and I sell them both in-store and online. What started as a passion project is now a growing company, reaching customers across the country. And I couldn’t have done it without the power of digital tools, especially personalized advertising and artificial intelligence (AI).

That’s why I traveled to Washington, D.C. last month for the Meta Business Leaders Network annual conference, joining small business owners from across the country to learn, share, and, most importantly, advocate. During the trip, I met with Senator Elissa Slotkin’s office to talk about how these tools are helping small businesses like mine not just survive, but grow.

Personalized ads fuel growth for businesses like mine

Like many small business owners, I don’t have a marketing team or a big advertising budget. But platforms like Facebook and Instagram allow me to run affordable, targeted ads that reach people who are most likely to care about my products whether they live in Flint, Grand Rapids, or even Georgia.

Without these personalized ads, I’d be taking a shot in the dark every time I tried to promote a new product or event. Meta’s ad tools help me reach the right people with the right message at the right time, and that directly translates into sales, growth, and sustainability.

And I’m not alone. I traveled to D.C. with two other inspiring Michigan businesswomen: Erica Pietrzyk of Pietrzyk Pierogi in Detroit, and Claresta Williams Ivy of Overstuffed Closet Boutique in Shelby Township. All three of us rely on these tools to reach our customers, and we each emphasized to Senator Slotkin’s office that Congress must protect personalized advertising as they consider new tech regulations.

AI is helping small businesses work smarter and stay competitive

I also shared my experience using AI, and how excited I am about its potential. I’ve started using Meta’s new AI tools to help streamline how I run ads and manage my online presence. These tools help identify trends, offer suggestions, and automate repetitive tasks, giving me back valuable time to focus on creating products and serving my customers.

AI is no longer just for big tech companies. It’s quickly becoming a tool for entrepreneurs like me who wear every hat in our businesses. That’s why I raised concerns about pending legislation that could limit access to AI, because when we talk about regulating AI, we need to make sure we’re not cutting off the lifelines that help small businesses stay afloat.

Flint businesses need support — not roadblocks

Flint is full of talent, creativity, and resilience. But we also face unique challenges ranging from limited access to capital, to fewer local marketing opportunities, to gaps in internet access. Digital tools help level the playing field, allowing Flint entrepreneurs to compete nationally and build brands that reach beyond city limits.

The numbers speak for themselves: in Michigan, Meta’s advertising technologies support 84,000 jobs and contribute more than $13 billion to our economy every year. Among Michigan businesses that use Facebook, 98% are small- and medium-sized.

These tools are not a luxury. They are essential.

Congress must listen to small business voices

I’m grateful that Senator Slotkin’s team was open to hearing from us. And now we need more lawmakers to follow suit, both on the federal and state levels.

As Congress debates new tech and AI regulations, I urge them to listen to the people building businesses on the ground, people like me. Protect the tools that help us grow. Ensure access to personalized ads and AI remains open and affordable. And continue supporting small businesses not just in name, but in action.

Because when Flint’s small businesses succeed, our entire state benefits.

La’Asia Johnson is the founder and owner of Elle Jae Essentials, a handmade skincare brand based in Flint, Michigan. She participated in the 2025 Meta Leaders Network annual conference in Washington D.C.