What I've learned from the Coronavirus and Quarantine: Part 1: Supporting Small Businesses

I'm about to begin my fifth week of quarantine, and during this time I've learned quite a few things. As this situation continues, it is crazy to me to see how life has changed for everyone. Every T.V. channel, magazine, and social media post has references to Coronavirus plastered all over it.

This picture was taken on the Allegheny River Boulevard. The Oaks Theater is a music venue, movie theater, and event location in Oakmont, PA. The Oaks is one of many locations in Oakmont and Pittsburgh attempting to provide positivity during this difficult and unknown time.

The Importance of Supporting Small Businesses

One thing I've always felt very passionate about is supporting small businesses. Now more than ever, being a champion for small businesses is of the utmost importance. All over the country local businesses are facing financial difficulties putting the owners in a tough position. Deciding between closing, and losing possible business, or staying open and having to deal with health concerns, small business owners are stuck between a rock and a hard place.

Advocating for and supporting small and local businesses is something that should be done all the time, but I am putting an extreme emphasis on this issue during this unsettling time. Since I believe the promotion of small businesses is critical, I will describe a few ways to complete this task.

1. SHOP!

The easiest and probably most obvious way to support a small or local business is to buy from them! Purchasing goods and products from the business will help decrease the financial stress being put on business owners and their employees. Don't forget, this is an opportunity for you to shop all you want and not feel guilty because you're helping someone else!

2. Buy Gift Cards

If your local business sells gift cards, buy a couple! Buying gift cards allows you to spread support to friends and family that may not have know about the business. During a time like this, buying a gift card allows the business to make money now, helping with the possible financial troubles, and you or the card recipient can use it later!

3. Post and Shoutout Small Businesses

This last way you can show support to small businesses, is completely free! Giving small businesses positive attention is a perfect way to show support. The more you talk or post positively about a local store, the more business the store will get! Posting on social media and tagging the businesses accounts or attaching links to their websites will drum up buzz, in turn helping the business. If you do not have social media, simply speaking affirmatively about the business will help show support.

Two of My Favorite Small Businesses

1.Curbside

Im going to take my own advice, and talk about two of my favorite small businesses. The first business I'm going to advocate for is Curbside Coffeehouse. Curbside is one of my favorite places to go, not only because of the food, but because of the atmosphere. Curbside is located in Blawnox, PA on Freeport Road. My mom and I have been going to Curbside since it opened in 2008, and never once have I been disappointed. When you walk in you're met with beautiful, vibrant yellow walls and greeted by employees with smiles on their faces. I promise you, I have never seen anyone in there without a smile. The owner of Curbside is a wonderful woman named Kylee Witchey. Ky is probably the most positive person I have ever met, it is clear she loves her business, employees, and customers. One of the reasons why I love small businesses is because of the relationships you can build with the owners, employees, and regulars at the store. Strolling into Curbside and hearing Ky and all of the other personnel acknowledge me with a cheerful, "Hi Bethie!" can make the worst days turn into the best. Ky has done a beautiful job creating an enjoyable atmosphere with incredible food. My order has continued to change over the years as Ky and everyone else makes new creations. At the moment my breakfast recommendation would be the Tomato and Egg Avocado Toast or the BLTA (Bacon, lettuce, tomato, avocado) on a rainbow bagel, yes on a rainbow bagel. You can never go wrong with any of the smoothies on the menu or the delicious chocolate chip cookies. Make sure you take a look at Curbsides Instagram and website and show some support! Both have been linked above!

2. Moonbeam Cafe

The next small business I want to tell everyone about is the Moonbeam Cafe. The Moonbeam Cafe is a newer coffee shop that opened up in Oakmont, PA on the Allegheny River Boulevard in 2019. Moonbeam is owned by Nina Komaniak, a hard-working and sweet young lady. As with some other small business owners, Nina upholds the trend of making connections with all of her customers. I love having the chance to chat with Nina while she whips up these incredible coffees and drinks. When you walk into Moonbeam you're immersed into a celestial world with beautiful shades of purple sprinkled throughout the space. The Cafe has a plethora of amazing drinks with some delicious pastries. My personal favorites have been the peppermint mocha, hot chocolate, and linzer cookies. The most unique drink I've ever had at the Cafe would be the Lunar Milk! The milk has a yummy blueberry taste, creating a light lavender color, topped with whipped cream, and my favorite part, star and moon sprinkles! The atmosphere Nina has created at the Cafe is so special. The feeling you get at the Cafe is both homey and welcoming. My mom and I love sitting at the counter conversing with Nina and bringing work to the cafe for a change of scenes. Pop into the Moonbeam Cafe to taste one of Nina's unbelievable drinks or pastries! Also, check out her Instagram! The account is linked above, make sure to show your support!