Valley Businesses Adapt to Pandemic Challenges
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio — As we Rally Around Small Business, we surveyed area business owners to see who is back to “normal” as day-to-day life starts to open back up.
The results are a mixed bag. Over the next few weeks, we’ll spotlight these snapshots on our website, email newsletters and social media platforms.
What follows is a selection of businesses and their responses.
Curiosity Shop Awaits Customers’ Return
Submitted by Diane Laudo, owner/operator, The Curiosity Shop
Is your business back to normal?
No, not yet. We are currently operating at 40% of our pre-pandemic figures.
What is your “new normal?”
Our “new normal” is not normal. I would hate to accept these levels as normal. With personally working more hours/days, and using my employees less, the sales just don’t warrant the payroll.
How do you Rally Around Small Business and support the business community?
As our clients and the county receives the vaccine, I am hoping for more comfort and confidence in returning to shopping local small businesses. We have all been working long and hard, and, not paying ourselves
The Bee Man Supports Local Businesses
Submitted by Travis Watson, owner, The Bee Man
Is your business back to normal?
From a sales standpoint, yes. Business picked up during the pandemic due to people being home more often. We had to adjust to COVID protocols by wearing masks and distancing since we interact with so many people.
What is your “new normal?”
We have to wear masks and distance around customers now since we interact with so many people. We used to start every job with a handshake which we can’t do anymore. Otherwise it’s much the same. We always went to peoples’ houses so we never had to worry about closing physical locations.
How do you Rally Around Small Business and support the business community?
Personally, I’ve been getting a lot of takeout from local restaurants to try and support them while they struggle. When we get a pest control job that is out of our area of expertise we also refer it to other local pest control companies to try and keep the business local.
Insight Counseling Adapted Quickly
Submitted by Jessica Oates, owner, Insight Clinical Counseling and Wellness
Is your business back to normal?
I opened Insight Clinical Counseling and Wellness, LLC on March 2, 2020 – 7 days before the entire world shut down. This year has been challenging with a switch to telehealth, but business has been growing and I have since opened two other office locations. People are craving quality mental health and wellness services. We are open for in person and telehealth services at all three locations: East Liverpool, Salem and Canfield. This has been a very challenging year for all of us, but we are collaborating with the community and finding new and innovative ways to keep people well.
What is your “new normal?”
Our “new normal” definitely involves new ways of treating clients through telehealth. Not only does telehealth reduce the risk of getting sick, it also allows clients from across the state to access our services and specialties. We have seen an increase in treatment compliance once obstacles such as transportation and childcare barriers have been eliminated.
How do you Rally Around Small Business and support the business community?
We collaborate with small business wherever we can, including our billing, marketing and advertising firms.
Copyright 2024 The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.
