Many local small businesses reached out to others during the devastating Coronavirus outbreak. Now, more than ever, it’s important to return the favor and support area businesses. This month we spotlight some of our local businessmen and women who recently went above and beyond to serve their customers and community.
Primrose School NE Flower Mound and Primrose School Old Orchard
Primrose School NE Flower Mound and Primrose School Old Orchard remained open during the Coronavirus outbreak to provide childcare for essential workers. In addition, the Primrose team created a pop-up pantry and invited teachers to take food and household items at no cost to them. Parents and community members generously donated items for the pop-up pantry to show their appreciation.
Natasha DeHart
Co-owner, Bendt Distilling Co.
When Bendt Distilling Co. co-owner Natasha DeHart heard news of the Coronavirus outbreak, her company immediately began making hand sanitizer with a byproduct of its whiskey distillation process.
“Overnight, we were receiving hundreds of calls from local first-responder units and hospitals that were running completely out,” she says. Bendt offered free bulk and individually bottled hand sanitizer to any local first responder unit and hospitals that requested them. The company also gave about 1,000 bottles of hand sanitizer to Meals on Wheels for volunteers in the Dallas/Fort Worth areas.
As of press time, Bendt had donated more than 15,000 bottles of sanitizer with more donations being prepared.
Ryan Enos
Realtor & Founder of FM-Area Coronavirus | Small Business Community Support Group
Ryan Enos, real estate agent and owner of the Enos Group in Parker Square, decided to reach out to fellow small businesses in a big way during the Coronavirus outbreak. He began the “FM-Area Coronavirus|Small Business Community Support” Facebook group on March 18, and in its first week, the group grew to more than 4,000 members.
Ryan created the group to connect local businesses with area residents, giving residents the opportunity to tout local businesses and giving businesses the opportunity to reach out to customers.
He says he believes it is of utmost importance to support local businesses now more than ever. “I think they are the lifeblood of our community in many ways,” he says. “Not only are they providing us with their goods and services, they are employing tens to hundreds of employees, and that impacts the community.”
Les Nasche
Owner and Chief Motivational Officer, Highland Village Fit Body Boot Camp
During the Coronavirus outbreak, Les Nasche’s clients were unable to attend regular sessions at Highland Village Fit Body Boot Camp, but they still maintained their workouts and a vital sense of community.
Through the VirtualHero Challenge, VIP members were able to participate in online workouts and a fun “Sweaty Selfie” competition. The winners of the challenge were awarded an Amazon gift card and a roll of toilet paper.
“This online program has been so popular that our members wanted their family and friends to be able to join too!” Les says. The Highland Village gym partnered with Fit Body Corporate to offer a 21-Day Stronger Together Challenge for all Fit Body Boot Campers. The program included a daily workout, motivational videos and guidance from registered dieticians to keep participants on track and optimistic while stuck at home.
Haley Popp
Owner, Hive Bakery
Hive Bakery has been serving up treats to the community for years, but the bakery went above and beyond to serve the community during the recent Coronavirus outbreak.
“We simply posted on social media a lending hand, offering meals to those kiddos who may be missing out on free breakfasts and lunches, considering schools (were) closed,” she says. “I have three kids, and the thought of them going without food for even one day is heartbreaking. We live in the most prosperous country in the world. No one should go hungry. Help when help is needed.”
Haley said the community joined in Hive’s efforts to help others. “So many Flo Mo residents stepped up and donated to make our small gesture even bigger,” she says. “We bought over $2,000 worth of food and gave away almost 100 boxes to families in need. If that’s not the definition of community, I don’t know what is.”
Ann Wolf
Owner, Brightside Boutique
Ann Wolf’s Brightside Boutique has been a bright spot in The Shops at Highland Village for several years. When the Coronavirus hit the area, Ann quickly called all of her customers to offer reassurance.
Brightside took orders over the phone, via text, email or through the store’s website and offered pick-up or delivery to customers.
“Our heart is to help meet the needs of our loyal customers,” she says. “I want to encourage all in my community to keep shopping local. We all need each other, and we want to return to normal just as soon as possible.”
How can you help our local businesses?
1. Buy gift cards! Consider buying gift cards from local businesses to give as gifts or use at a later date.
2. Be an influencer! Tout local businesses on social media regularly. Not only does this draw attention to businesses, it helps friends stay in the know.
3. Shop locally online! Check out area businesses’ sites before heading to other big-box sites. You’d be surprised how many local businesses have websites and online order capabilities.
4. Tip generously! If you are able to tip a greater amount, now’s the time to do so.
5. Support local farmers! Support local CSAs and farmers’ markets as much as possible. Eating locally grown food helps community farmers, offers greater health benefits and reduces environmental impact.
