Support Small Businesses During COVID-19
Friends! I asked…and you answered!
I recently asked my community to share their favorite small businesses offering virtual or online options in their products or services to keep their businesses operating safely during the pandemic. All of these business owners have found ways to support their clients during a time when “business as usual” has had to take a backseat.
I am so impressed with how tenacious, dedicated and hard-working small business owners have become to keep the businesses that they have worked so hard for afloat and purposeful during this crisis.
I hope you will consider supporting one or more of these small businesses!
xoxo
Truve
Type of Service: Fitness
Web: www.truvefit.com
Truvefit is an awesome woman-owned fitness and personal training center. They focus on community and are currently offering online classes, membership and personal training, as well as equipment rental to keep you in shape while sheltering in place. Be sure to click their “About” page to learn a fun fact about where the inspiration came for their business name!
Thanks for sharing this business with us, Shannon A.!
Feliz Dubois Skin Care
Type of Service: Skin care salon and product sales
One thing is clear…Feliz is an expert at skin, and she will have yours looking clean and clear in no time! We’ve been each others clients for years and I love how knowledgeable Feliz is about my skincare needs. When her relaxing salon doors had to close due to COVID-19, Feliz took action and revamped her website to continue providing service to her clients. Feliz is currently offering virtual skin care consultations, E-cards, and skin care products for sale. Curbside pick up and home deliveries are also available for the locals!
Being the smart business owner she is, Feliz is already educating her clients upon safety protocols that will be in place when her business can open up again. In Feliz’s words: I will be following strict OSHA guidelines and using EPA registered disinfectants upon returning to work.
Contact Feliz Dubois at 510-282-9486 or visit her website to learn more.
Vintagejoyshop
Type of Service: A virtual vintage store on Instagram
Web: https://www.instagram.com/vintagejoyshop/
One peek at Marielle’s online shop and you will be smitten and reaching for Venmo. I love the bright pieces that she has curated in her vintage shop and am currently inquiring about an adorable springtime dress that, according to my daughter, looks like something I can wear in Paris, to which I say…oui oui!
Shop from the comfort and safety of home while you bring some joy into your wardrobe. Prices include shipping! Thanks to my friend, Dagmar for sharing this business with us.
Dove Dinners
Type of Service: Dinners for Four
Web: https://dove-dinners-75xf.squarespace.com/
This is another great referral that has me wondering, WHY DID I NOT KNOW ABOUT THIS SOONER?! One glance at their website and my mouth is watering.
Here’s what my friend/client Shannon has to say about Dove Dinners: Amazing food. Delivered by Carrie Dove Catering staff, finished in your oven, remarkable value, a family favorite every time!
This is a local (Oakland) business that is woman-owned and has community in mind. I see they offer gift certificates, which would make a great gift for teachers…or any parent currently surviving #quarantinelife who needs a break from cooking.
PrecisionPoint Pilates
Type of Service: Virtual Pilates Classes
Contact: Bonnie Machuca / Bonnie.machuca@gmail.com
Bonnie is a client of mine and did a brand photo session with me to update her website imagery. Before the shoot, I took one of Bonnie’s pilates classes to help me experience how she works with clients. This ended up being a fantastic idea, as it not only helped me tell her story come time for the photo session, but it brought some relief to my chronically aching back! Bonnie is a fantastic instructor and I immediately noticed how mindful and attentive she was to the needs of each client, making sure proper form was being held. Right now, she is offering multi-level 45-minute community Pilates stretch and strengthening classes online M, W, F at 12noon PST. These are being offered on a donation-basis $0-$20 and all proceeds go to her business overhead to keep it operating through these times. Email Bonnie directly for the link and to learn more.
In Bonnie’s words: I teach a really fun class! I’ve been known to crack a joke or 2! Lots of teens are doing it as well. :)
Ellen Shershow Photography
Type of Service: PUZZLES
I heard that puzzle purchases since shelter in place began went up 127%. Ok, I completely made that stat up, but I do know for a fact that LOTS of people have been buying puzzles as a way to keep busy and connected with family during quarantine. Instead of buying one from a big box store, consider purchasing one of three designs from a small biz whose usual work of photographing pets has been put on hold by the pandemic. As a pet photographer, Ellen has a way with animals when they are in front of her camera. You won’t be able to help but smile as you put together one of these fun and fabulous dog puzzles.
In Ellen’s words: Odd as it may sound, puzzling reminds me to appreciate the small details, while constantly taking stock of the big picture. Persevere when I feel overwhelmed. Stop and listen to the sounds of my backyard. Spend time being silent. Check in on a friend just because. Remember that all I need for a perfect night are a glass of wine, a cookie, my dog and a puzzle.
To learn more about Ellen’s pet portraits or get in touch, contact Ellen Shershow at 415-690-0278 ellen@jadorelechien.com
MoJo Design
Type of Service: Branding & Design Services
Web: https://designwithmojo.com/
I know Mo, and she knows branding! Monique is a graphic designer, but really, she is a branding expert. She works with small businesses to help them with their graphic identity and brand clarity. What I love about her process is how she gets to know you as a small business owner and works with you to create a clear message as well as graphic assets that support your brand and messaging. With so many businesses having to pivot or re-acclimate, Monique is offering a fantastic package to help businesses through these challenging times.
In Monique’s words: The Mini Session is a one-day long virtual session for established businesses that need a brand boost or help in their marketing channels. Together we decide on a goal for the day, prioritize the work and get it done.
Here are a few sample project ideas that are perfect for the Mini:
• Mood board to clarify your brand
• Logo clean-up
• Updates to your Squarespace website
• Social media templates or small collateral
Or anything else you dream up!
To learn more, visit https://designwithmojo.com/services
Project WonderFULL
Type of Service: Travel Photography / Virtual photo shows / prints and puzzles
Web: www.projectwonderFULL.com
Sarah is a social impact photographer whose mission is to travel the globe telling stories and finding non-profit organizations to partner with in providing photography and consulting services. With travel being predominantly halted during this uncertain time, Sarah has come up with an engaging way of staying connected with clients and followers as she shares parts of her past travels.
In Sarah’s words: During this pandemic, I've been doing a weekly Zoom call to highlight various places I've traveled to all over the world to give people an escape from being stuck indoors. This includes penguins of Argentina, monkeys around the world, a safari in Kenya, butterflies of the Americas and more! Recordings are available on my You Tube channel and are perfect for children! All photos highlighted are available for purchase and for a limited time, I am offering a free custom photo puzzle with a print purchase.
Be sure to subscribe to Sarah’s newsletter and get a free penguin photo notecard!
I.R. Guitar
Type of Service: Guitar lessons
Web: https://www.irguitarlessons.com/
I was immediately impressed with I. R. Guitar when I recently visited their website and saw an announcement bar at the top saying, “We’re in this together,” followed by a link to info about online classes. I just love this because I, too, believe we are in this together, and this is a business who has their guitar clients in mind as they offer lessons in a safe, socially distant way.
Admittedly, I’ve never played guitar in my life, but after visiting their site, I kind of want CC to pick up that guitar and talk to me (please tell me you are getting the 90’s hair band lyric reference). They offer lessons for adults and kids, group classes or private lessons. Gift certificates are available!
My friend/client Susan has this to say about them: Awesome business! We’ve been a client for over year. The teachers are especially great with kids. We recently switched to virtual lessons and it’s worked out really well!
The Bird Commission
Type of Service: Online Training
Web: https://training.thebirdcommission.com
When the main way in which we are connecting becomes a screen, it’s important to make a strong impression and step up your image on video.
Now that everyone's on Zoom, you've seen how people are presenting themselves! Time to step up your game and project the professional image you want.
My friend/client Jenn is offering 4 classes about video etiquette for: online meetings, online job interviews, telehealth professionals, and recruiters and managers on how to critique job candidates on video interviews.
Jenn also has some other timely resources, including couples communication classes as well as The Work From Home Essentials Bundle that gives tips on staying sane and productive while working from home.
If you find yourself taking or conducting video calls regularly these days, check out The Bird Commission. Click the link above to see their collection of videos. For more information, email Jenn here.
Lori Fuller Photography
Type of Service: Virtual photo sessions
Virtual photo sessions…say whaaaa?! That’s right. You + me + a couple of screens + a camera = a whole lot of shelter in place fun!
Virtual photo sessions hold an ability to tell the story of this completely crazy time in this perfectly imperfect format. The idea that I can be in CA and photograph a person or a family from anywhere in the world is truly exciting!
We will connect via FaceTime or Zoom. Using a combination of screen captures and taking photos with my digital camera, I’ll take photos of you in and around your home. I’ll guide you through the entire process of finding the best natural light, how to pose and what to do. We will create, connect and have fun through this unique experience!
Click here to learn more about virtual photo sessions, as well as some of the other sessions I’ll be offering from a safe (and masked) distance once shelter in place has been lifted.