March- the month of social distancing and quarantine. COVID-19 or the Corona Virus hit the US hard, and still continues to do so. Everyday more cases are being reported, the CDC is implementing new regulations, and thousands of Americans are stressing. Finances, health, work, you name it- we’re stressed. Instead of highlighting FIVE of our favorite things this month, we want to each share FIVE local business you can support, like us, in this time. Please let us know any more that may need some extra love! Just because we’re practicing our distancing IRL doesn’t mean we have to virtually.
BRITT’S FIVE
PAIGE POPPE - Paige is an Arizona artist who’s work is now seen throughout the valley from greeting cards to murals. It has been amazing to watch Paige blossom and support all her creative projects like Children’s books, pins and more! Now, she is launching a coloring book! We Stick Together is a printable coloring book featuring amazing sketches you can fill with color manually or digitally. Another added bonus: 50% of the proceeds support a local charity. I purchased a few for our Nursing home and self. You can too, here.
THE MADISON - The Madison Improvement Club is a health and wellness fitness studio, most well known for their Party On A Bike Spin Classes, is doing some innovative stuff during this pandemic. First, everyday they are offering LIVE classes on Instagram. I usually take the weekend yoga flow; check out their page here and turn on notifications. Second, they are renting out stationary bikes to continue your spin classes at home. So smart!
PRICKLY PEAR PAPER - Our friends Mark and Lauren are offering some great deals everyday of the week to support their business. Free pens and stickers, BOGO deals and more- you have to check out their website and stock up now for #PostCorona. We use Prickly Pear Paper for our custom business cards; they are cute, practical and stand out! Everything you want in a card. Visit their site and support today!
CAFE EMPOROS - We have mentioned this coffee before and are still obsessed with it! Pour over and enjoy- its too simple. We met Ruben at Phoenix Flea and after coming on the podcast and sharing his invention we continue to enjoy the Uganda blend at home. I am looking forward to the summer and trying the cold brew. You can purchase and try it out at home here.
LOCAL FIRST- This is a business who is all about supporting business. Their message has been and always will be sustainability, but right now I love that they are offering support for small, local, and independent businesses during these uncertain times. Check out their site. You can also discover thousands of other connections and resources an deals here.
JOSE’S FIVE:
LOCAL FIRST RELIEF FUND- Local First Arizona is our favorite organizations in the community. We are consistently learning new connections and networks from them. LFA is sponsoring mini-grants to help support Arizona’s smallest locally owned enterprises. Click here to learn more.
STATE FORTY-EIGHT - They always find themselves in the front lines supporting as much as they can. During this crisis, they have created a new shirt to support local business and are creating accessible food options. Fifty percent of the shirts’ proceeds will be going to Local First Arizona and Matthew Crossing Food Bank. The shirt is also always cool looking too! Support here.
PUBBLICO ITALIAN EATERY- This announcement is for those you who have love for Sunday Dinners. The incredible staff behind leader Danny will supply you a classic Italian supper. Go check out their latest post to find out how to pre-order today
WASTE NOT AZ- As a previous guest on our podcast, we love promoting their fight against hunger. Waste Not “...is the only nonprofit agency in Arizona collecting prepared foods that would otherwise go to waste and deliver it directly to nonprofit agencies that serve those in need.” They are continuing their fight and always educating others on how to help even virtually through times like today. Check out their website.
OPEN LETTER TO DOUG DUCEY -Behind the scenes, business are working together to make their voices and comments heard. Available on the breadfruit website is a open letter to Arizona Governor Ducey. On the letter is a response and petition to help save small business in the local community. :learn more and even sign the letter here.
Not sure how April will go as I take it hour by hour, day by day. Thankful for so many things and finding the optimism in everything and more for those who can’t. Stay safe, and thank you for supporting us by reading.
XoXo
Britt