I received an e-mail today that struck me as sad reminder of how this recession is hitting small business owners — particularly those with a niche market. I have been fascinated by Zhen Cosmetics for quite some time. I first saw their products advertised in some Asian American publications back in the mid 90’s, and was intrigued at how a couple of Chinese American sisters (from Minnesota, no less!) started up a business with the premise of making cosmetics for Asian skintones. It makes me sad that “little guys” are getting hit especially hard by the recession. Because if the corner cafe or the quirky boutique goes out of business, it’s taking a little piece of our uniqueness with it.