Running a small business in the time of CoVid-19
Times are tough in the time of CoVid-19, there is no denying this. Instead of focusing on everything that has been taken away, I wanted to share how I’m learning to adapt to the current situation, and what keeps me motivated in a time of uncertainty.
Keeping busy has always been a big help to my mental state, I feel motivated when I have lots to do, so it can be hard if you are losing work, or adapting to a new life working from home. Here are a few new things I’m working on to keep spirits high:
ONLINE WORKSHOPS
Fliming online workshops is my biggest goal for this time. It’s an exciting and scary task for me, but I can’t wait to have it ready. I’m starting out with my tried and true Natural Dyeing course, and approaching this by using materials most people can get easy access to in their home already, or at the supermarket. It’s kitchen dyeing for beginners, with all-natural and safe ingredients so you don’t have to worry about have new equipment during this time.
I had plans to move a few workshops online, since some people either can’t make a physical workshop work in their calendar, or might want to take more time, testing, playing back, and doing more tests. I hope this can reach those at home who are looking for ways to keep developing their skills, or who just want to relax with a new project.
I’m also drawing up a plan for a few freebie workshops held on Instagram/ posted to youtube that people will be able to make either with materials you have or from my kits online!
This has been a great exercise to carefully analyze what I teach, the words and techniques I use, and how to gather all of the questions from past experiences to ensure I cover as much as possible!
MORE WEBSHOP PRODUCTS
In a time where it feels everything has become digital, I am actually indulging in my own making and creative projects! I’ve had ideas for products sitting in my head for ages, and now with some more time, I can finally act on them. A few things I’ve been busy making are floral styling kits, textile styling kits, and ribbon sets. I find myself looking around in my studio at excess material, and dreaming of new things to make, or finding new ways to look at the material I do have. Next on my list is ready-to-dye kits for those learning about natural dyeing and some DIY flower crown kits for kids and adults!
I hope these styling kits help to inspire photographers looking to be creative with things at home and provide them with more playful options, and I hope the DIY kits will help entice people to try something new and use this time for something creative!
DIGITAL COMMUNITY
I started Aeipathy to create a sense of community for all kinds of creatives, no matter their background, age or if they even consider themselves traditionally creative. CoVid-19 may have taken away our opportunity to gather physically, but it has not changed our need for community. I’ve been using social media heavily these past few weeks and connecting on a deeper level with so many people I otherwise would not have connected with and it feels wonderful.
I’m hosting a digital meet-up on Zoom, to continue this sense of community, in hopes people around the world can pop in to meet others, and I have a feeling it will make the world seem just a little smaller once we start sharing our experiences.
Aside from this, I have been overwhelmed with the support between small businesses! Sharing profiles, making orders and connecting with each other to check-in. Within just my neighbourhood block, I have sold 35 dried flower bouquets to people that two weeks ago didn’t know my name, or that I had this business. People are eagerly supporting small businesses right now to try to keep them afloat. I am so grateful for this and hope to pay it forward when we can all gather again.
FLEXIBILITY
The timeline for us all is currently unknown. This is especially concerning for my couples who have spent months (maybe even years) planning their dream wedding. My goal is to be as flexible as possible with clients, opening my calendar wherever possible, or finding alternative solutions for them. I’m also offering free consultation calls to ANY couple that is seeking advice or a place to vent, whether or not they want my services. I hope I can lend some tips and ideas to ease the transition of moving their wedding date.
With all of the ideas and projects and communication going on, I’m left feeling busier than I was before the outbreak. It may be without a great income, however, I can feel that I am growing my business with a solid foundation of adaptability that will help me in years to come. If you are also out there and struggling with a small business, keep your head up, and do what you can with limited resources. A little positive thinking can stretch further than we know.
Stay safe and stay home.
Caitlyn