Learn about small businesses + initiatives we are supporting, why we love them, and how you can help them during COVID-19. Have any to add? Email your favorites to serena@claritystaffing.com and we’ll share with our Team!
Small businesses are the life-blood of all of our neighborhoods and we’re doing what we can to keep our favorites afloat during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a small business ourself, we recognize how important it is to support one another, too. Now more than ever, our local communities are realizing how greatly we depend on small businesses for so many of our daily needs. We miss so many restaurants, shops and services that unfortunately are closed right now ー some of whose futures are uncertain. Join us in supporting some of our Team’s favorites, listed below. While you’re at it, we’d love to hear some of yours we can support, too!
From New York City to Long Island to New Jersey to Atlanta (and a few spots in between!), we’ve created a collection of some of our Team’s favorite spots and related initiatives that we are able to support right now ー many of which are supporting COVID-19 relief efforts while providing goods to their communities. Thankfully, they’ve figured out tactics like curb-side pick-up, implementing safe distance strategies, and in some cases have taken products fully to e-commerce to stay in business.
Here’s our list!
Why we love it: A group of clothing and textile manufacturers in NYC + LA have come together to pivot their factory production line to make protective masks, many of which are being donated to Downtown Women’s Center in Los Angeles. Friends of Clarity represent some clothing lines produced in this factory (anyone from Katonah, NY, may have purchased their brands at the boutique -and small business!- Fado!). If you need a mask and want to support a good cause ー or simply donate masks, you can do it all through this site.
How to support: online
Recommended by: Devin
Why we love it: New Jersey based surf-oriented apparel brand created the Rising Tides Initiative to support YOUR local retailers. With retail shops closed all over, proceeds from this special line will be donated to the retail shop of your choosing that is trying to stay afloat. As they say, “rising tides lift all ships”, so if you can, make a purchase!
How to support: online
Recommended by: Courtney K.
Why we love it: Located in Bloomfield and Ridgewood NJ, Cookie Connect was founded by two college students who started baking as a therapeutic release and to make some extra cash. They are rated the best cookies in NJ and are also known for their creative Cereal Ice Cream Bar and other delicious goods. They have been supporting the community by sharing their sweet treats.
How to support: You can order from them on Seamless, GrubHub, DoorDash and Uber Eats.
Recommended by: Courtni C.
Why we love it: Delicious, homemade chicken teriyaki (that’s halal too!). Vegan options available too! This business is a Food truck owned by my cousin & his best friend, and they could really use the extra support. Based in LIC/Astoria. Delivery is now available in NYC 🙂
How to support: order online for delivery
Recommended by: Julia
Why we love it: Not exactly a small business, but this fast-casual chain actually sources all it’s food from local farms, many of which are in fact small businesses. They’re doing some great work right now including donating meals to front-line healthcare workers, delivering meals across NYC and also providing farm boxes of produce and recipes for people to make Dig Inn favorites from home. Lines at peak lunch hour are usually out the door, so this sounds pretty good! Check instagram for recipe posts and more!
How to support: order online for delivery
Recommended by: Keagan
Why we love it: Great place to shop for sustainable, natural skincare products. A fellow woman-owned/founded business started by a friend. Everything is inspired by the beauty of Brazilian beach culture ー great to stock up while quarantining to channel beach vibes!
How to support: shop online
Recommended by: Colleen R.
Why we love it: DUMPLINGS… need we say more? Unfortunately they’re closed right now, but they are actively fueled by donations which are enabling them to feed healthcare workers.
How to support: Submit a donation online to help their efforts.
Recommended by: Courtney H.
Why we love it: Their casual wear is SO cute and comfy. Just what you need while spending extra time at home! On top of that, Denimrush has partnered with Funbotics so that for every sweatsuit set purchased they will be donating a 3D printed mask + 1.5 months supply of mask filters to a healthcare worker in need.
How to support: Order online
Recommended by: Sarah
Why we love it: My favorite workout that emphasizes how important it is to take care of your mind AND body… with a dash of hiphop!
How to support: Take a class online – start with a free trial!
Recommended by: Sarah
Why we love it: Mother’s Day, weddings, housewarmings or even making updates to your OWN home may be top of mind, even if physical plans have been cancelled. This is my go-to gift shop, and they sell an expertly curated selection of ethically produced and local housewares, ceramics, flowers, gifts and natural beauty-products. They’re doors are currently closed but their inventory is up online.
How to support: Shop online or buy a gift card
Recommended by: Serena
Why we love it: Love this small shop for Italian specialty goods and fresh house made pasta (call in advance to request a particular type or to see what they’ve got excess of that day!). Curb-side pickup and delivery options TO BROOKLYN, MANHATTAN + the HAMPTONS!
How to support: Call or order online
Recommended by: Serena
Why we love it: Amazing local hair salon that really feels more like a community in Northern Jersey ー currently they’re offering FaceTime consultations and creating hair color kits your stylist can help you do at home! The owner Eric is great and he really takes the time to develop his employees. His employees though are taking a major hit as a lot of the money they earn is through tips. Besides doing hair, they have created hand sanitizer during this time. They have an awesome promo going on right now for Mother’s Day too!
How to support: Call to schedule a custom FaceTime consultation and arrange a custom hair color kit pick-up
Recommended by: Vanessa
Why we love it: Palmer & Purchase is a woman-owned business that focuses on personal styling and the personal shopping experience. They connect to customers as friends! Perfect spot for Mother’s Day and graduation gifts! With their brick and mortar locations in Larchmont, Rye, Westhampton Beach, New York & Greenwich, CT currently closed, shop on-line to support them. Check them out on Instagram, too: @palmerandpurchase
How to support: Shop online and get 15% off!
Recommended by: Colleen M.
Why we love it: Their botanical candles are handmade in the US, burn for 200 hours and smell amazing! They make a great mother’s day gift :).
How to support: shop online
Recommended by: Moira
Why we love it: One of my childhood friends owns this studio! They are currently doing online classes, selling discounted gift certificates and have a buy one, give one to a healthcare worker program running (and they desperately need to give their bodies and minds a little TLC right now!).
How to support: visit website
Recommended by: Alex
Why we love it: Fried Chicken! Enough said!
How to support: Now is the time for comfort food so get your fix in the East Village via curbside pickup and keep this local gem alive. They’re also selling gift cards.
Recommended by: Casey
Why we love it: For those in the Atlanta area, this is a local favorite of mine located in Canton. While the restaurant remains closed, they are doing take out. Can’t wait to get back in there but until we get through this time, we’ll be ordering and enjoying it at home!
How to support: Pick up take out!
Recommended by: April
Why we love it: Live uptown near the UWS? Then this is your spot to get your Mexican fix (plan a delivery or pickup for Cinco de mayo!). Amazing food and staff and a great neighborhood spot worth supporting.
How to support: Take out and delivery available
Recommended by: Kolt
Why we love it: This small artisan supplier of fine foods works directly with small farmers, so getting delicious cheeses and other produce has never felt better.
How to support: Delivery to NYC, Rockland County, Westchester County, and Long Island
Recommended by: Kolt and Matt (who is a personal friend of the owner!)
Why we love it: Holds personal meaning to me as a go-to for performing arts throughout my childhood in my home town. They’re struggling during the shutdown, and need to support to stay afloat.
How to support: They’re currently selling T-shirts and the proceeds serve as donations to push them through this difficult time.
Recommended by: Kolt
Why we love it: The shop is run by people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. A part of the population that struggles even with a strong economy to find work, this shut down is hitting them particularly hard.
How to support: They ship their coffee and a personalized note is sent with every order. Proceeds help to keep employees working and on the payroll.
Recommended by: Deana
I know both founders personally, and highly recommend this shop. Founded after careers in fashion and finance, and starting families, the two women bonded over their love for affordable, fun fashion. They frequently give back to the community and support a variety of causes as well including breast cancer charities as this cause is extra close to their hearts.
How to support: Shop online – They are currently donating a portion of their sales to COVID relief / food banks, so you can feel good about online shopping here!
Recommended by: Deana
We hope this inspires you to support your communities, wherever you reside. Perhaps it’ll make you think about your community and the businesses you no longer frequent due to shut downs… before getting too upset about it, consider checking them out online, giving them a call, or checking out their instagram accounts for updates. You may be surprised at what you find, and learn about ways you can responsibly obtain their goods or support relief work their involved in. They need your support now more than ever!
