Control What We Can and Let Go of the Rest by Linda Sechrist
W
ith the COVID-19 pandemic still affecting us all, Natural Awakenings turned to local small business owners to learn about what they have been doing to handle the crisis, as well as the future they might hope for.
For Goodness Sake, Bonita Springs
For Bruce Ford, owner of For Goodness Sake, a nosedive in the store’s daily sales posed a dilemma—perishable produce and a deli with uneaten soups and sandwiches. “I couldn’t understand why Publix, which is not locally owned, had lines of customers and not one customer took me, a local business owner, up on my offer to open the store any time for a private shopping experience,” says Ford. He reduced his staff and turned to an organic food delivery service for frozen and fresh whole meals, soups and salads. “While we carry pressure-sealed packages of frozen, grass-fed bison from Three Sons Ranch, in Punta Gorda, we are trying to be as vegan as possible,” advises Ford. Along with reasonably priced, pressure-sealed, healthy takeout meals for $13.99, Ford’s other longer-term strategy includes his newly created coffeehouse ambiance. Locals are enjoying sipping coffee, kava and kratom, as well as kombucha, while relaxing and kibitzing.
Beautiful Health, Naples
Caroline Thonon, owner of Beautiful Health, was hoping for three outcomes from the crisis. “I hope people will consider becoming more responsible for their health and turning to natural immunity boosting activities such as more time outdoors, as well as using more organic and natural products for their health. Whether it’s 24
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food, skincare or supplements, I hope people will question the impact that toxins have on overall health, which is what Beautiful Health is about and what we teach. “I also hope the global impact leaves people feeling more connected and in service to others in need, which creates a sense of community and oneness. I’d also like to see commercial and residential landlords working with tenants to offer reduced rents, as well as banks and credit card companies providing relief with reduced interest rates and fees. If these things are part of a new normal, we can all be better together,” she says. As stores and restaurants reopen, Thonon counts on people understanding that supporting the local economy is a necessity not only for small businesses, but also for the social relationships created via face-to-face shopping. “Let’s get back to the days when we knew the first names of our local patrons and talked together about our families and lives,” she says.
Tree of Light Whole Body Rejuvenation, Naples
Dona Parker, Tree of Light owner, is also hopeful that the crisis will shift people toward prevention and wellness, as well as the new technologies and modalities that enhance health. “I stayed busy because customers who come here understand the importance of detoxifying the body with the infrared sauna and how my AARC pod, which provides photobiomodulation therapy with near-infrared, red and green light, helps to strengthen the immune system,” notes Parker.
AHA! Holistic Approach Center for Health & Wellness, Fort Myers
Cindy Carfore’s AHA! A Holistic Approach Center for Health & Wellness remained open to allow Dorothy Rodwell, a clinical psychologist, to handle mental health emergencies and Robert Murdoch, an acupuncture physician, to handle medical emergencies. In the absence of other health practitioners, Carfore covered the front desk. Recently reopened for classes, only two of the center’s yoga teachers chose to return. Restructuring proved to be easier than anticipated, as the Fort Myers Beach Yoga & Wellness Project was looking for a new home. “Renee Heil, the owner, has practiced yoga for more than 20 years and has a master's degree in exercise
