SMALL BUSINESS IN A TIME OF COVID 19
On October 19 AAUW welcomes three local businesswomen to discuss the challenges of operating a small business during an international pandemic. Each woman is at a different spot on the business journey and will share her experiences. Nobs, a long-time business owner described her program as Living through a Pandemic by Planning for the Future.
Paula Nobs, with Faye Crane, is the Co-Owner of Presto Print. Presto Print is a well-established business that faced new challenges with the pandemic. At the beginning the doors were locked and contact was by phone; now the business is open with restricted hours.
Nobs, originally from Grand Rapids, attended Central Missouri State University studying Business and Finance while also providing administrative services for the University President. She was a Statistical Analyst for the San Antonio Police Department before returning to Grand Rapids. In 1984, while employed at Rems, she and Crane learned that Presto Print was for sale and decided that this was something they could do and the partnership has flourished. Nobs has been very active in the business community and is Past President of Itasca Development Corp., Past President of Grand Rapids Business and Professional Women, Past State President of MN Federation os Business and Professional Women’s Clubs. She received the Hometown Hero Award from the GR Convention & Visitor’s Bureau.
UnWined Up North, a wine bar and eatery had been open for less than one year when Covid 19 changed everything. As well as regular food and wine service, UnWined had hosted special events like art evenings, trivia challenges, and First Friday guest artists. After being completely shut down, spring brought a return of patio service and now they are able to offer inside seating with limited capacity.
Tia Starks, with her husband Lars, opened UnWined in June 2019. They were long-time wine enthusiasts and decided to focus that interest in a small business, introducing Grand Rapids to the many wineries in Minnesota. The business was a leap into new territory for the Starks since Tina is an early childhood special education teacher, currently for ISD 318, and Lars is a flight paramedic. Tia is able to use the creativity and diversity of teaching while having adult conversations.
Kendra Young is Co-Owner of 1st Ave Salon with Phaedra Nelson. They planned to open their new salon in early Spring after renting chairs at another local salon. They were doing the remodeling of the space when they were caught in the Covid 19 closing requirements. They finally opened June 1 with rotating hours to meet distancing requirements. Young grew up in Grand Rapids and attended beauty school at Pivot Point Academy in Chicago.
The meeting at 6:30, at United Methodist Church, is the second post-Covid 19 meeting for AAUW. The meeting will last only one hour and is program only without any food or beverages. Social distancing is in effect and masks are required. Attendance is by reservation only, call/text (360)333-0228, with a maximum of 30 attendees.
The mission of AAUW is advancing equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, and research. Additional information is available at www.aauw.org or at http:// grandrapidsaauw.blogspot.com. In principle and practice, AAUW values and seeks a diverse membership. Branch membership is open to any individual who has an associate degree or equivalent, bachelor’s or higher degree, or is an undergraduate student enrolled in a two or four year institution. Marj Lavalier may be contacted for information at 218-326-2716 or gloriestoast@gmail.com.
Provided by: Karen Karls, 326-2053
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