A Sense of Community

When all this started over a month ago, I must admit I had no idea how hard it would be. One day the store was operating business as usual and then the next, it was anything but usual. The last normal day of operations was the day that Bellacara celebrated it’s 20th anniversary. It was an incredibly special day. Aside from the sense of accomplishment (20 years in retail is not easy), the sense of community and of friendship was heartwarming.I have said it before, my customers are not just customers, they are my friends. What has been so amazing about the last month though is how people have rallied to help. People (even some who for one reason or another haven’t shopped with me in a while) have called and said, “You can’t go out of business. You cannot. What do I need? What can I buy? Your store is an institution and I need you to stay.” It makes me tear up as I write this. It means the world to me. Every single person who has shopped with me through this is a person who I will forever be grateful to. People who have called from their vacation homes and had things shipped to far away addresses; people who have called up and ordered something without even really needing anything; people who have told their friends to call and order something; people who have sent gifts to many of their friends; people who found us on Instagram and wanted to be supportive; all of these people have shown me what community really means.  Surprisingly, community has not meant geographic proximity. I have personally delivered packages to Alexandria, Arlington, and McLean. I have shipped packages to Florida, Maryland, Boston, Connecticut, Texas, and even Germany (Hi, Meredith!). I have felt community from all these people. Many of whom were customers when they lived near and want to be supportive now even though they have moved away. Some have never shopped with me before but decided they would rather support small business than order online. I want you all to know, I know all your names. They are implanted in my brain. I want you to know how much I appreciate you. I want you to know how much your support has meant to me. Every single purchase from the hair ties to the hairdryer have meant the world to me. The waves through the window when I drop off a package; the nice chats curbside when you pick up your order; the lovely emails and text message exchanges…this has shown me what community means and I am so grateful for it. I could not be happier to own Bellacara because it has brought you all into my life.I look forward to when it is “business as usual” again, but until then…Thank you.