An honest update from a small business owner
*let’s all take a deep breath*
I needed to breathe before starting to write this, even my watch said so. This week I’ve been busy helping my clients, family, and small-biz friends navigate this uncertain time. I wrote statements announcing temporary closings that would ultimately lay off employees, I helped make hard decisions for postponed events, and reassured brides as we came up with alternative plans. Together we’ve navigated uncharted waters, all just trying to stay afloat.
I guess you could say this is my statement now. And I promise I won’t talk about government recommendations or the CDC, but I will give you an honest update about my small business and how we’re doing.
At the beginning of the week, I sobbed for hours. On Tuesday I found Jesus, and by Wednesday, I took action. At this point today, I’ve checked off all urgent matters on my to do list, and I feel like I can maybe breathe again.
I realized that I have unknowingly been practicing social distancing for the last year of my life, because not much in my day-to-day has changed. But at the same time, many things have drastically changed. The sense of financial security I worked soooo hard to build over the last year: gone. Events could be postponed or even canceled, my digital media clients could cut costs and my service be the first to go -- honestly, who knows. Constantly on my mind is my small but mighty team. I want so badly to be able to support them and not see them suffer through this season.
So, in my spare time, I have consumed as much education as possible. Trying to figure out what I can DO right now, because I’m a do-er to my core, and not a wait around and see-er.
I am strong in my faith, and I am optimistic, but I’d be a liar if I said there isn’t a part of me at my core that is damn scared. If you feel called to help small businesses in this time (God bless you), and you’d like to help mine — spoiler alert, some of these things cost you $0 — here is how you can:
** many can be applied to other small businesses as well **
You can share this post or any of my posts on Facebook!
Leave me a review on Facebook or Google! This also costs you nothing but a minute of your time.
Tell your engaged friends that I’m booking weddings for 2021! Those deposits may save us (and all other wedding vendors) in this time!
Already booked couples, you can go on a payment plan and make payments in advance! THANK YOU to those who have! Just email me if you’d like to.
If you’re planning on booking a photo session when everything goes back to normal, you can buy a digital gift card now! No human contact necessary.
Small business friends -- if you have down time, let’s start on those branding, web design, or social media projects that you’ve been putting off!
And last but not least, past clients, BUY PRINTS in your gallery! You shouldn’t let your photos live only online anyways. Plus, there’s a nice little discount code in your gallery waiting for you!
We can get through this, and without a doubt, we’ll all come out on the other side changed. Stronger. If there are small businesses in your community that you love, ask them how you can help! Buy gift cards from your hairdresser, local coffee shop, favorite restaurant! Leave them all kind reviews. When this is all said and done, the Walmarts of the world will still be here. But the fate of your favorite small business is not as certain. Take action and help in your community when and where you can!
Thank you all from the bottom of my heart for supporting me in this season. Stay safe, healthy, and happy.
With love,
Julia