The pandemic may have broken many things, but it did not break the resolve of our people. We have been blown away by the countless stories of small business owners, artists, creatives and folks in every profession. The resilience and the ability to pivot to survive has been beyond inspiring and below we’ve shared stories of how folks have adapted their business models and ways of operating.

Aurora Vilchis

Covid-19 definitely hit all of our small businesses. In the beginning clients backed out, cancelled contracts, choose not to re-new, etc. as the unknown affected us all. However, as time went on, I actually found an increase in inquiries thus generating more revenue due to the nature of my business. Read more>> 

Victoria Leyva

At the beginning, I thought my business was going to be affected a lot by COVID. However, it gave me the opportunity to expand my services virtually helping clients organizing their spaces through assignments or Facetime calls. Read more>> 

Rachele Petosa

When Covid first hit I was very nervous about my business; with businesses closing down I was in a slight state of panic. Once, I had my official freak out I changed my thinking into how can I change my business model to benefit my business and my clients. Read more>>

Yoni Baker

During the pandemic, I was able to hold virtual sessions! Until that point, there were not that many reliable online meeting places/meetups . Zoom came along and helped soften the blow of my loss of income. Read more>>

Tequia Lester

With over 15 years as CEO of “Its All About You Birthdays & Events” a full service event planning company, we were brought to a halt along with most of the world when Covid unexpectedly hit. We were on lockdown and only essential workers were called out to work. Read more>>

Zohar Cohen

I love to bake! I believe that everyone can bake beautiful desserts without previous experience. I am a professional Pastry Chef since 2009 and have been passing on my knowledge to many kids, adults, and company employees over the years with baking classes and workshops. Read more>>

John Roberts

With Covid making such a drastic change to our schedule, and limitations of offering studio space and equipment, we were able to stay focused to our mission: To provide the Atlanta community with premier, accessible arts education, especially to the underserved, while promoting enjoyment of the arts at the historic and inspiring Callanwolde estate. Read more>>

David Wiesley

Due to Covid I no longer had the option to take portraits and headshots in-studio. Instead, I adapted by learning how to artfully combine natural and artificial light outdoors to create a new style of portrait photography for my clients. Read more>>

Jillian Livingston

In March of 2020 I felt as though I had arrived. I was holding charity events in penthouse suite apartments. I was putting on events for businesses with standing room only. Read more>>

Teanna Woods Okojie

So much of what a photographer does is based on in-person interaction. When COVID-19 hit, myself and my artist community were hit extremely hard. I remember hearing the lock down news in mid-March 2020 and not fully comprehending what would come next. I, like many other artists and small business-owners, were faced with unthinkable challenges, and quickly needed an immediate plan to save our businesses financially. Read more>>