Please do not leave this page until complete. This can take a few moments.
I oftentimes talk about my struggle as an employer, and when news hit Massachusetts was in a state of emergency due to COVID-19, the feelings of pressure and stress again hit me like a ton of bricks.
The impact the economy and local businesses have endured is intense and scary when the future is unknown. I dreaded the message I had to send out to my employees, saying if things progress in our state and we are forced to close, hours would be cut and I would not be able to pay them. I had to mention it may be best to only spend their paycheck on necessities for the time being, even though it was not my place to do so. When you employ people, you cannot help but care about their lives. I have employees who do not have enough savings to survive, who have families at home, who live paycheck to paycheck.
The pandemic of COVID-19 has been consuming with the impact reaching far and wide. In my group chats with other business owners, we were almost at a loss for words but tried to come up with solutions together. We all vowed to continue shopping at each other’s places of business and support each on social media. But it reaches so much further than our businesses. The single parents on one income, cashiers at grocery stores bombarded by hours of lines, bus drivers not able to drive children to school, salons losing clients, the new businesses in our neighborhood who are just getting started.
But all the while, when the world seems to be engulfed in chaos, I have seen so much goodness. Every business I have seen has posted the same message: We need all of you right now. And without having to seem desperate, people have come through and brought me to tears multiple times with their generosity and support. For example, we work very closely with Simon Says Give, Worcester Chapter. Each month, we donate two cakes for the birthday parties the nonprofit throws for children who would not otherwise have one. Jim Eber, whose son Simon came up with the idea, emailed us and told us he will pay for the next six cakes without a donation. A couple who is getting married in September bought a $300 gift card they will use towards their wedding, just so we would have the cash now. David Callahan of Westborough law firm Callahan, Barraco, Inman & Bonzagni, PC wanted to place a large order and pay in full for us to donate to our local communities in need while paying us to do so. Just with that purchase alone, we will be able to make 226 chocolate chip cookies and 14 dozen cupcakes for our community.
Customers have purchased multiple gift cards to use later or give to others, just to support us. I met with Heather Dumais, my loan officer at Cornerstone Bank, and I confided in her my fears of what was to come if I had to close the shop. She reassured me the bank would do everything they could to help me, and I was not alone in my feelings. I had other banking friends reach out to me, as well as Cheryl Miller from the Clark University’s Small Business Development Center to let me know the U.S. Small Business Administration was planning a disaster relief fund for small businesses impacted by the coronavirus. I luckily could pass this along to my fellow business owner friends.
I have seen the memes online, and while I have laughed and tried to find humor in the situation, I have seen an abundance of posts and stories with people complaining about those who have raided grocery stores for toilet paper, clearing out the shelves as if we will be locked in our homes for weeks on end. And while I agree these situations bring out the worst in people, like the holidays, I know I need to stay positive and strong for those around me. Instead of worrying about what inevitable negative behavior will be shown by others, I can focus on the kindness of those who bring out the best in themselves and their inner circle. Kindness, in my opinion, takes precedence over chaos.
Renee Diaz is the owner of The Queen's Cups bakery in Worcester, whose business is facing new challenges in the coronavirus pandemic.
In 2017, Renee Diaz moved her upstart cupcake business The Queen's Cups from Millbury into a larger space in Worcester's Canal District. With a year of lessons learned, she now writes the monthly advice column The Struggle is Real to help entrepreneurs and business owners navigate their own trials and tribulations.
Read the other The Struggle is Real columns:
Entrepreneurship isn't wonderful all the time
A beauty queen and a BBQ king saved my soul
Being a baker is not my dream job
Guacamole, pink cookies and why I provide extra paid maternity leave
Why I know all of my staff's birthdays
The Christmas party I always wanted
Want vegan cupcakes or fondant wedding cake? Check out my competition
The man who gave me hives doesn't get enough credit
Your hurtful reviews have human consequences
Stop micromanaging your life. I mean it.
What comes after success? I don't know.
Construction, WooSox & regulation are killing Canal District dreams
I put the world on my shoulders, and it broke me
Being the good guy & bad guy to employees
I lost my entrepreneurial drive. Therapy helps me get it back.
Speaking my mind & standing my ground: My evolution as a boss
Stay connected! Every business day, WBJ Daily Report will be delivered to your inbox by noon. It provides a daily update of the area’s most important business news.
Sign upWorcester Business Journal provides the top coverage of news, trends, data, politics and personalities of the Central Mass business community. Get the news and information you need from the award-winning writers at WBJ. Don’t miss out - subscribe today.
SubscribeWorcester Business Journal presents a special commemorative edition celebrating the 300th anniversary of the city of Worcester. This landmark publication covers the city and region’s rich history of growth and innovation.
See Digital EditionStay connected! Every business day, WBJ Daily Report will be delivered to your inbox by noon. It provides a daily update of the area’s most important business news.
Worcester Business Journal provides the top coverage of news, trends, data, politics and personalities of the Central Mass business community. Get the news and information you need from the award-winning writers at WBJ. Don’t miss out - subscribe today.
Worcester Business Journal presents a special commemorative edition celebrating the 300th anniversary of the city of Worcester. This landmark publication covers the city and region’s rich history of growth and innovation.
In order to use this feature, we need some information from you. You can also login or register for a free account.
By clicking submit you are agreeing to our cookie usage and Privacy Policy
Already have an account? Login
Already have an account? Login
Want to create an account? Register
In order to use this feature, we need some information from you. You can also login or register for a free account.
By clicking submit you are agreeing to our cookie usage and Privacy Policy
Already have an account? Login
Already have an account? Login
Want to create an account? Register
This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Our privacy policy
To ensure the best experience on our website, articles cannot be read without allowing cookies. Please allow cookies to continue reading. Our privacy policy
0 Comments