Where do I begin? Or a better question – how can I help in a time like this? Together, we’ve built a truly unique community of people that shares a very particular mindset. So let’s stick to what we’re good at and put it to some use.
For the past decade here at MessyNessyChic, we’ve been trying to share stories about the little guy – whether that be our Mom & Pop shops, small arts & culture initiatives without a big enough voice, independent artisans, creatives, underdogs; all the things that aren’t considered “essential” in times like these. We’re thinking of that corner book, coffee, or barbershop. Of the little button store ’round the corner, or independent farm. It is these small businesses that will also need our love and support right now, and I have a few ideas that I’d like to share with you…
How MessyNessyChic can help:
We are looking for ways to help small and local businesses survive in the midst of the restrictions on restaurants, theatres, non-essential stores and events. Drop us a line if that’s you, or if you know of a vulnerable business or cause that you believe MessyNessyChic can really help.
Through our various online channels, we pledge to spend the foreseeable weeks sharing our platform with them and doing what we can to see them re-open when the dust settles.
As always, we’ll continue to be a place to inspire and armchair travel, to daydream and reflect on stories of strength and beauty from yesterday and today.
Ways in which we might all help:
- Use this time to write some positive, long-overdue online reviews on Yelp, Google or Amazon for your favourite small business and independent creators.
- Give vulnerable businesses a follow or a share on their social media accounts. Sign up to their newsletters for updates. Make sure you are connected to them even at a distance so they stay on your radar.
- Instead of being glued to the bad headlines, use the internet to check up on the places most precious to you. Maybe your local theatre has set up a live streaming service. Maybe they’ve put something new in place so you can support them from afar.
- If you had tickets to a live event, rather than pursuing a refund, consider donating your ticket to help preserve the local performing arts & culture community.
- Buy a gift card for your favourite boutique.
- Order-in if you can. Restaurants will try to stay afloat through take-away orders. Food ordering apps like Deliveroo and Seamless are now offering drop-off (no contact) delivery options.
- If you’re a whizz online and have the extra time on your hands, why not help a small Mom & Pop shop set up an online presence with an Instagram account or Facebook page.
We want you to know that you can reach out to us at contact@messynessychic.com, Instagram, and Facebook. We’re waiting by the inbox. The ways in which we live through this will change every day, but one thing will stay the same: we’re all in this together.
With love and a big digital hug, Nessy
