Local businesses promoting community over COVID-19

DELMARVA – While many small business owners rely on social media to promote their own businesses, one group of local entrepreneurs is using it to support each other. They say their mission is to let their communities know they’re still around to support them. “Business owners are really being impacted, but we also want to show the community that through the impact we all need to be responsible and will get through this together,” said Patty Jeans Boutique owner Megan Cosman.

The owners of Magnolia Rifle in Fenwick Island joined forces with more than a dozen other local business owners, making a photo collage to spread their message across social media. Bombshell Boutique owner Gina March tells 47 ABC the group is aiming to keep their communities bonded. “The situation basically opens a huge conversation for things that’ll come ahead for these amazing women boutique owners in this area,” said March.

Bleached Butterfly and Eastern Woodland Home owner Autumn Faber added that the diverse group of businesses represents the communities they serve. “Us all getting together was great representation of all the small key businesses that are over here, that live here year-round, that are just trying to make a difference in a small way,” said Faber.

Cosman tells 47 ABC that before the social media campaign, the group was already helping each other to be successful. “We always send customers and people to each other because we do want everyone to be successful, and we really do lean on each other as a tight knit community of women,” said Cosman.

Heart of Gold Kids owner Emily Vocke says that during normal business seasons, the competition is healthy. She adds that the group of business owners are all dedicated to helping each other. “Even if there’s a little bit of overlap, I think we all agree that we’re better together, you know what I mean? We’re a stronger unity if we all support one another,” said Vocke.

March says while small business owners are navigating uncertain times, they’re focused on the future. She says they can use this experience to grow stronger not only as individual business owners with their own unique twists, but as a community. “You will never look at your business the same way that you looked at it before,” said March.

The business owners also say they’re working hard to come up with new and creative ideas to keep their operations going. Some also say they’re focused on making sure they’re keeping their businesses sanitized while filling online orders. Business owners tell 47 ABC some of them are selling gift cards now that customers aren’t allowed through their doors.  They also say that if you’d like to support any of them, you can help spread the word by sharing their picture