Small Businesses Survive During Covid

Nearly one-third of small businesses have closed since the start of the pandemic. About 40,000 of those businesses are in California. However, two small businesses in the San Joaquin Valley are able to say they are survivors. 

Ariel Mora is the owner and creator of Ariel’s Party Designs. Before the pandemic, Mora found herself decorating for special events such as birthdays, baby showers, and graduations. After the new COVID-19 protocol, she had to find creative ways to keep booking events. 

“My mindset during the pandemic was just trying to find new ways and new things to put out there, because parties were something that was so big for us,” said Mora. 

She began to offer drive-by party backdrops, balloon mosaics, arrangements, and garlands just to name a few. Making her business blow up. 

Another owner, who had to pivot from the original business plan, is Johnny Johnson, owner of Elite Athletic Transformation. 

Johnson trains athletes from the youngest age of five to professional athletes. The closure of gyms quickly put his training to a halt. However, Johnson was determined to keep his business going. 

“I have to do,” said Johnson. “In order to be able to do, as crazy and as simple as it sounds, you have to figure it out.”

Johnson began holding workouts at stadiums, parks, and even in his backyard. He even added new features to his training, putting more focus on his athletes’ mental health.

With all of the odds against them, these entrepreneurs managed to make their businesses stronger. Making this year one of their best.