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growing up chico magazine
www.growingupchico.com
school and home
Local Business 2020: Getting Creative During Covid By: Emily Lee Hajec
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wning a small business during Covid-19 has been nothing short of challenging. There is not a single organization that has not been impacted either financially or logistically. Whether it is a restaurant, salon, hotel, gym, or retail store (to name a few), local businesses have been hit hard by the mandates set forth to mitigate risk. Nevertheless, in the midst of all the challenges, many local business owners have sought creativity during Covid in order to stay afloat. Here are a handful of familyfriendly organizations that have pivoted and found unique ways to shift their business models in an effort to keep their doors open. We encourage you to support these efforts by visiting their websites below and keep your dollars in the community by shopping local this holiday season. 1. Chico Children’s Museum (CCM) Part of the CCM philosophy encourages families to be present in the moment, unplug from screen time, and interact with the world through play. Staying true to their philosophy throughout the pandemic, CCM has launched monthly themed “Arts & Crafts Kits,” which include a variety of materials children can use to construct a unique object or art piece. Reflecting the child’s own vision and understanding of the world, the kits include brief prompts with intentionally open-ended questions to facilitate self-expression. The kits require zero screen time and the cost for each kit is $35 (to be purchased individually or by subscription). Each month features a new theme, and kits are delivered (contact-free) right to the child’s front door. All kits are assembled at CCM by administration staff. For more information, visit www. chicochildrensmuseum.org/kits. 2. North State Ballet (NSB) & Chico Creek Dance (CCD) Many service-based businesses in Butte County have been forced to close their doors temporarily during the pandemic. Well, sort of. The loophole to the mandated closures for many businesses such as gyms, restaurants, and salons is that they may offer their services outdoors-only. For dance studios like North State Ballet and Chico Creek Dance (two separate studios here in Chico), this proved especially challenging since both studios offer pre-professional and classical training
in various dance genres. The dance teachers quickly realized that virtual classes just were not sufficient for proper training and instruction. So in October 2020, both NSB & CCD unveiled their new outdoor dance studios! Built with specialty flooring suitable for all dance styles, the outdoor spaces at these two Chico-based dance studios will allow young dancers to continue their training in-person and off of Zoom. For more information, visit www.chicocreekdancecentre.com and www.northstateballet.com. 3. Apple Blossom Baby (ABB) For over a decade, Apple Blossom Baby has been the go-to retailer in Chico for quality new and used baby and children’s clothing, shoes, toys, and accessories. When the pandemic hit, many shops in town (like ABB) began offering contactless options such as curbside pickup, phone and online orders, and even home delivery. Once they were cleared to open back up, however, ABB wanted to help other business owners stay afloat. They opened their storefront to several local businesses in a shared effort to highlight organizations in the community. Some of the Chico retailers that now share space at ABB are Chico Chia, Magnolia Gift and Garden, Squishy Bebe, Christy’s Bowtique, and Schulps Pottery & Candle. The goal behind the shared space is this: By carrying other business’ products, ABB creates a one-stop-shop experience for families while increasing local business’ chances for success during these uncertain times. It is a win-win for everyone! For more information, visit www.appleblossombaby.com. 4. Peterson Sisters Pumpkin Patch Pumpkin patches are a seasonal tradition embraced by families across Butte County every fall. One patch, in particular, is going to great lengths to ensure safety, cleanliness, and peace of mind for its visitors this year. The Peterson Sisters Pumpkin Patch has made several modifications to its annual farm and pumpkin picking, including a large outdoor scale for weighing purchased pumpkins, sanitized pumpkin shears, and wagons after each use, and friendly staff throughout the farm to answer questions (all wearing masks, of course). It turns out that
