Standing the Test of Time
One Tackett’s Mill business, the Bee Store, improved its online presence and offered contactless pickup and home delivery. PROVIDED
Tackett’s Mill businesses had to overcome obstacles
a challenge for many -- especially their senior clients. With classes broadcast on Zoom, clients could feel connected ackett’s Mill shopping center in despite the distance. the Lake Ridge area of Prince Now that things are slowly returning William County has managed to to normal, AIM Human Performance stand the test of time, like the more than wants to keep the momentum going, 400-year-old-mill after which it’s named. offering live-streamed classes on social Over the years, the shopping center media and developing a platform dedievolved from its humble beginnings to cated to on-demand fitness. a thriving community, built by the supOne thing they’ve learned through all port of its residents, with more than 50 of this: “The importance of being flexible merchants rangand adapting to ing from specialty what’s going. [As retailers to service well as] the creativproviders. Earlier ity that comes from this year, the chalbeing experts for lenge of how to our clients,” the reach customers Viggianos said. during the health Edgemoor Art crisis created a Studio, a central new obstacle for part of the commerchants. munity that offers The Bee Store fine arts classes to not only thought students ranging outside the box, its from children to AIM Human Performance owners Chris and owners recreated it. Michelle Viggiano developed online classes for young adults, did their clients during stay-at-home orders. “To make your not allow the crisis PROVIDED products and to shut down its services available to more people online students' creativity. is critical in times like this…making our During the first weeks of the staywebsite more user-friendly was vital,” at-home orders, the dedicated team of said John Klapperich, Owner of The Bee teachers delivered 120 art kits to stuStore. dents’ homes and kept parents engaged Using social media for marketing through email. Using Facebook, the stuand improving its web presence, The dio formed a social group for students to Bee Store moved its in-person classes to keep them connected and sharing ideas, virtual, providing an on-demand interac- even artwork. tive experience for customers looking to A virtual art exhibition using video learn a new skill or hobby while at home. submitted by parents gave students an With the increase in demand for their opportunity to show off their art sculptures, a project started before the shutservices, they invested in local vendors and offered contactless pickup and home down. After safely reopening early this summer, the art studio continues to keep delivery. safety a top priority with cleaning and For AIM Human Performance, virtual sanitizing practices, distance-learning classes were the solution to keeping the stations, and more virtual classes during business and clients healthy. Offering the week. one-on-one training at home, owners “With community, a bit of innovation, Chris and Michelle Viggiano built an engaged community through their online and foresight you can get it done,” said training studio. They focused on improv- Ruth Johnsen, owner and founder of the studio. ing flexibility when being mobile was
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Welcome Back! Our lives have changed over the past several months. As we all try to figure out our new normal, know that OmniRide’s family of services are ready to meet your mobility needs. We saved a seat for you!
Remember to bring your mask
703-730-6664 • OmniRide.com SEPTEMBER 2020 • COMMUNITY GUIDE • 13
