Hunkering down in home sweet home
Every day this week, like so many small business owners, as I digested the news about the growing threat of the Coronavirus, I kept wavering; should I keep the business open or shut up shop?
The nature of our business is literally hands on, the close physical contact with clients unavoidable. I felt a deep responsibility to protect my staff as well as our clients.
So while wearing gloves and using medical grade cleaner to wipe down our shelves and testers, I knew in my heart that the right thing to do was close up. Despite the loss of income, I knew I must protect my staff by limiting their exposure to the public.
I also felt that it was my responsibility to our community to close Supple + show that we were taking matters into our own hands in the absence of guidance from our government. I decided to close at the end of this week and prepared messages to our clients + my staff.
Literally, as I was typing my email, the news broke that 7 counties in the Bay Area were being asked to shelter in place until April 7th at a minimum. I felt my earlier decision had been affirmed, as well as a deep sense of relief. No more ambiguity, no more should or shouldn’t questions. Very quickly we set about doing what we needed to do.
All upcoming Supple appointments have been cancelled through April 7th. You can rebook online when you are ready + we will keep our calendar updated as we know more.
We’re offering curbside pick up on Tuesdays from 4 - 7 and on Thursdays from 12 -3. Email or leave us a message if you need anything. We’ll have your order bagged + ready for you. We’ll wear gloves + masks as we get it ready to pass it through your car window. We can also make doorstep deliveries if requested.
Our online shop, with free shipping will be up + running by the end of the week.
We are having all product deliveries re-routed to my home, because I will be home! Just like all of you, home sweet home is where I am + where I’ll be.
We’ll find new ways to stay connected during this pandemic as we are reminded of our shared humanity + connection.
I’ll be reading The Way We Live Now, an 800 page Anthony Trollope book I have been dying to dive into. I have a big pile of sewing projects I am always trying to find time to work on. I’ve got plenty time now!
I’ll be cooking comforting food for my family + pulling out the Scrabble board.
As I slow down and take a deep breath I will take all the time I need for my self care rituals + remind myself that everything will be O.K.
Each of us will find our way as we navigate this unchartered territory.
Be well + stay well. Be good to each other.
Sending virtual XOXO