In the midst of the Coronavirus pandemic, local businesses around the world have had to learn to pivot more than ever. We sat down with five local entrepreneurs to learn how they have shifted their businesses to survive and thrive and how you can support local during these uncharted times. Our panel included:
- Timothy Doe, Owner of No Grease Barbershop
- Sara Middleton, Main Course/The Grand on Main/LTC Health Solutions
- Naida Rutherford, Owner of Styled by Naida
- Angie Sellers, Owner of Fit Columbia
- John Sherrer, Director of Cultural Resources, Historic Columbia
- Ryan Coleman, Director of Economic Development City of Columbia
Here are some of the highlights from this virtual discussion. For the full video, you can watch the recap here.
How Business Operations Have Changed
Many businesses have been able to pivot to a virtual business model, but some simply couldn’t. Though physical businesses are able to open now, you couldn’t get a haircut over the internet or visit a museum two months ago. For those that have been able to shift virtually, we believe a hybrid (virtual & in person) business model is here to stay. It is evident that every consumer has their own comfort level with the pandemic, and businesses are having to operate entirely different to fit those needs.
How to Know What Businesses are Open in Columbia
The City of Columbia has created a website choosecolumbiasc.com with an interactive map of businesses that are open during Covid-19. Businesses can be added by selecting “Add a Business” on the top right corner of the map. Business owners can update their hours and information as things change as well. This is an incredible way for locals and those traveling in to see what businesses are open during these times.
How You Can Support Local
- Leave reviews on Google, Yelp, Facebook, etc. for businesses you love
- Purchase gift cards
- Attend virtual classes or events
- Order take-out or delivery from local restaurants
- Dine locally when you’re ready
- Donate to local clothing and food drives if you can
- Follow businesses on social media
- Engage, tag, and share photos of local happenings on social media
- Volunteer and give back if you can
Quotes to Remember
“Things are different, but if you can have a different vision, you can win that way as well.” – Timothy Doe, No Grease Barbershop
“I’ve seen our community come together in ways I never thought were possible. We’re creating partnerships with groups, we had never thought to do before. We are branching out and building ourselves together, which is incredible for the city.” – Sara Middleton, Main Course/The Grand on Main/LTC Health Solutions
“This virus has created negotiators out of all of us. It’s made me a much better business person and I’m looking forward to keep doing what I love.” – Angie Sellers, Fit Columbia
“We have a lot of gardens, and we have opened those up for the community so people can get out and enjoy them and socially distance. We have roughly 12 acres to be enjoyed.” – John Sherrer, Historic Columbia
“One of my philosophies in life, not just in business, is to pivot and adjust accordingly always.” – Naida Rutherford, Styled by Naida
