08/31/2026
A LITTLE FULL TRANSPARENCY FROM THIS SMALL BUSINESS OWNER… ❤️
Yes, Sandhills Trolley uses AI-generated graphics for many of our event thumbnails on our website and social media.
And no, it’s not because I’m lazy. 😂
It’s because I’m a small business owner using the tools available to me to do a job that would otherwise require hiring another person or outsourcing dozens of graphics every single month.
We HAVE invested thousands of dollars into professional branding and design for Sandhills Trolley by a local artist, so I absolutely believe in supporting local artists and businesses whenever we can.
But here’s the reality of running THIS small business…
I have 9 employees to pay. Insurance. Fuel. Maintenance and repairs on multiple trolleys. Booking and service fees that we DO NOT pass along to our customers. And about 47 other expenses that magically appear because apparently trolleys enjoy spending money too. 😑😂
We also do probably 99% of our own marketing.
With the number of different events we offer every month, paying a graphic designer to create an individual thumbnail for every event simply isn’t in our budget.
So I create them.
Just like I create the events, write the descriptions, handle bookings, answer emails, manage social media, coordinate partnerships, plan routes, work with our staff and wear the MANY other crowns that come with owning this company.
Most days, that means 10–12 hours a day, 5–7 days a week.
I’m working on that part. 😉😂
I completely understand the concerns surrounding AI, including the environmental concerns surrounding data centers. Those are valid conversations to have. But technology is also continuing to move forward, and I don’t believe small businesses should be shamed for responsibly using the tools available to help us survive, compete and operate more efficiently.
Heck, even Canva has become heavily AI-driven, and full access to those tools comes with a pretty hefty monthly price tag!
Maybe I look at technology a little differently because I came from the age when Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable were handled on PEG BOARDS and running logs. 🤣
We couldn’t bank online.
Pay bills online.
Shop online.
Advertise online.
Sign contracts online.
Communicate instantly with customers online.
And now I can sit at my kitchen table and create a graphic for a trolley event in 30min (sometimes longer because tech ain’t my thing BUT learning 🤣) that helps someone scrolling through our website immediately recognize the event they’re looking for.
I’m THANKFUL for that technology.
For three years, I’ve tried to be incredibly transparent about this crazy little adventure called Sandhills Trolley, and I wanted to be just as transparent about this.
The amount of hate I see directed toward small businesses for using AI tools honestly blows my mind sometimes.
Most small businesses aren’t giant corporations sitting on unlimited marketing budgets.
We’re people trying to pay employees, pay bills, keep equipment running, support other businesses when we can, serve our communities and hopefully keep the doors open long enough to do it all again tomorrow.
So yes…some of our cute little event thumbnails are created with the help of AI.
But the EVENTS?
The ideas, planning, partnerships, employees, local businesses, memories, laughter, ridiculous games, surprises and experiences behind them?
Those are VERY real. ❤️
And we’ll keep using every reasonable tool available to keep this little trolley company rolling. 🚎
Photo credit: Joseph Hill
