Local Business: Getting Creative

Local Business 2020: Getting Creative During Covid By: Emily Lee Hajec

Owning 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

Covid restrictions do not have to keep you from safely enjoying your family’s seasonal pumpkin patch tradition! For more information, visit www.pspumpkinpatch.com.

5. CARD Youth Sports Institute

Chico Area Recreation and Parks District (CARD) has played a pivotal role in the Chico community and is known for its fun and exciting sports programs. While Butte County has remained on the Covid-19 State Watch List, however, CARD has found creative ways to make a few adjustments to their youth sports, ensuring children still have an opportunity to participate in organized athletic activities. The CARD Sports Institute offers outdoor baseball, basketball, flag football, soccer, and volleyball, focusing on developing individual skills. They focus on the progression of fundamentals, footwork, and technique. Sessions contain a structured breakdown and development curriculum for each participant based on their selected sport. The CARD Sports Institute follows guidelines set forth by the CA Department of Public Health. For more information, visit chicorec.com/card-sports-institute-csi.

6. Thistle & Stitch

Before the pandemic hit, Jamie Kalanquin was a small business owner with a unique local shop known for making beautiful plaid scarves, machine embroidered gifts, and custom made items. The livelihood of her store relied heavily on seasonal events and in-person shopping. When state-mandated closures and event cancellations began in March due to Covid19, Thistle & Stitch pivoted their product line. Kalanquin took creativity to a whole new level, swapping her scarf sewing skills for handmade mask making. Over the last seven months, Thistle & Stitch has made more than 3,000 masks and sold more than 10,000 yards of elastic to mask-makers when there was an elastic shortage across the U.S. Since March, they have shipped masks and elastic to all 50 states and across the world to 15 different countries. By creating muchneeded masks, their shop was deemed “essential” and remained open by providing masks and mask supplies locally. Additionally, Thistle & Stitch has also donated fabric, elastic, and thread when shortages occurred in March and early April. For more information, visit www.thistleandstitch.com.

Raising Boys In A

Era

By Sumiti Mehta “Teaching respect in a #MeToo era starts with parents”

My husband Sudeep and I have two boys, Atiksh, 8, and Akshaj, 14, and we want to raise them to be good human beings who are happy, kind, and respectful of everyone.

There was a time when I thought good parenting is about teaching kids to be courteous and empathetic, and to make their beds, be hygienic and help around the house. Instead, I find myself talking to them about gun control, mental health, inclusivity, sexism, all-gender bathrooms, etc.

Just the mere thought of either of my children being harassed or harassing another child is enough to keep me awake all night. I am sure any parent has the same worry.

Raising boys in the #MeToo era has many significant questions. One is: How can we successfully raise sons to understand the need for mutual respect, inclusivity across genders, and empathy for all? We all agree that girls can do anything, including playing with cars and being good at maths and science. But what can boys do? Boys are still at risk of being mocked when they cry, play with dollhouses or kitchen sets, or wear pink. Pre-teens and teen boys are under great pressure to “act like a man,” which often means fitting into a stereotype that makes them shut down their feelings, which results in anxiety and depression.

We need to let our sons express their weak moments and emotions and make a constant effort to listen to them and understand them. If they feel empowered, they will listen, react, and embrace everyone, including their parents. We told both our boys that it is OK to nurture and be nurtured. This will, in turn, make them better human beings.

Until a few years ago, it was a struggle for me to break these stereotypes in my own house. I grew up in the 1980s and ’90s in India, where boys and girls are traditionally divided. consciously breaking gender stereotypes in our daily lives. My sons Akshaj and Atiksh do not see traditional gender roles in our house; Sudeep and I swap our chores and work as a team. Sudeep is in consulting, so he travels, but whenever he is home, the boys have seen him prepare breakfast and dinner and help with cleaning and laundry. This has made our boys understand that there are no genderspecific chores. The boys help every day with dishes, cooking, and dusting.

I hope this will make them grow up caring and understanding boyfriends, husbands, and fathers. Akshaj has a nurturing quality that is setting a good example for his younger brother. He even cooks and helps with Atiksh’s homework when I am out at meetings.

Sudeep and I do feel fortunate that we can talk openly to boys to make them understand the terms “sexism” and “gender inclusivity,” but as parents, we are still learning every day. Believe me, parenting has no short cuts, and it does not come with hacks.