Lesson learned: Be resourceful and apply for loans and grants.
By Courtney Ferguson
Based in Penn Valley, the business Kellie Swallow had worked so hard to build shut down three times for extended periods. How was she going to keep Me Time Sanctuary going amid the pandemic?
“I needed to be resourceful,” Swallow revealed, “so I applied and qualified for a PPP Loan, an EIDL Loan, a California Relief Grant, plus a NevCo Grant. Fortunately, the combined assistance I received enabled me to keep going.
“Survival led to inspiration, and I revamped both my business space as well as what I had to offer clients.
Since in-person treatments were no longer possible, I created an alternative – a professional-quality, take-home facial kit which I promoted as ‘Beauty-in-a-Box.’ Each kit came with detailed instructions, so clients could achieve excellent results at home. Thanks to my NevCo Grant, I was also able to update my website to book virtual facial consultations.”
I needed to be resourceful, so I applied and qualified for a PPP Loan, an EIDL Loan, a California Relief Grant plus a NevCo Grant. Fortunately, the combined assistance I received enabled me to keep going.
– Kellie Swallow
Most importantly, Swallow could nurture her relationships with clients and cultivate loyalty.
Today, she still gets requests for the kits, sometimes as gifts or for use when illness or injury means staying at home. She also continues to offer both virtual consultations and skincare classes.
For Swallow, pursuing financial-assistance options, being creative, and maintaining a close relationship with clients proved the pathway to surviving and thriving.
17487 Penn Valley Dr., Suite B102
Penn Valley
(530)-278-5560
www.metimesanctuary.com
