 | Meet Athens Macaroni Kid's Junior Reporter, Eleanora (age 6). She interviewed Monira, owner of local store reBlossom. |
Q: Tell me a couple examples of what has changed in your everyday life since the pandemic.
A: So much has changed since COVID began, let's see where to begin! First off, as a mother of two daughters, ages 8 & 10 I'm always trying to balance being a business owner and being a mom. Since March my girls have either been home with me and at the shop doing virtual learning. They have become really good at something we call "Supermarket Sweep," when we race to fulfill online orders by finding them in the shop. They also have become the BEST at answering the telephone. I know I will really miss them when they go back to school next year.
Q: What about changes at the store? Do you offer alternatives to in store shopping?
A: The shop was completely closed to the public for 6.5 months. During that time we built a brand new website from the ground up because we never had an online shop before. We hurriedly learned a completely new point of sales system which would allow for us to receive online orders, prepare packages for shipping and print labels. The hardest thing for me is that I feel like I have three businesses now, before we only had a shop and a community center. Now, I feel like there is a shop, community center AND an online shop. The most difficult change is that because we carry unique resale items from children's clothing and shoes to baby equipment items and maternity, we have to photograph every item individually to be able to try to sell them online.
On December 1 we will celebrate our 10-year anniversary and we're going to have to be very creative for how to celebrate and continue to be safe! |
Q: What safety measures have you put in place?
A: At the beginning of the pandemic we were wearing gloves and sanitizing every little thing. Now, we have learned that the virus is spread through the air and we all wear masks while in the building and wash our hands A LOT! We are now open by appointment and customers can call to schedule or sign up on our website. We are allowing only one family at a time (wearing masks) and are trying to keep children out of the building, or in their parent's arms or in a stroller or car seat carrier. Sadly, our playgroups & classes for children have not been able to meet. We have however resumed music classes online, mama-baby yoga, prenatal yoga, new mamas support, maternal mental health support, and birthing & breastfeeding classes/support virtually.
Q: Tell me something that has made you have a good feeling lately.
A: Our community has been very generous and several individuals have donated items to our shop or items to other parents who might be struggling during COVID. I know I should have kept track, but we have given away dozens of equipment items and bags and bags of clothes. We are also a drop-off spot for the Athens Area Diaper Bank, and have collected thousands of diapers for them since the pandemic began. We put out baby formula, bottles and other items in our Little Free Pantry weekly as well.
Q: What can the community do to support ReBlossom?
A: Our community can keep supporting us! If they haven't yet made a purchase on our website, check it out! www.reBlossomAthens.com Every dime TRULY makes a difference and helps us to pay our rent and payroll for my dear employees. I have dreams of fencing in the front yard so we can bring more programming outdoors without worrying about children walking out onto Milledge Ave. I'd also love to make our building ADA compliant with a ramp to the front door. If anyone has the expertise for those two projects and would like to help us in make our dreams a reality feel free to email Monira@reBlossomAthens.com.
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About reBlossom: reBlossom offers gently loved, new, and handmade items for infants, children, and even adults! reBlossom was born out of a new mama's desire to provide a high-quality shopping experience for parents buying second-hand baby and maternity clothing, equipment, and toys. Since children grow out of sizes, stages, and needs so quickly, it just makes sense to reduce, reuse, and recycle as much as possible. In 2015 reBlossom made the exciting move to add a selection of new items to the inventory. Why? As parents and grandparents, they are proud to carry new product lines that are truly worth investing in -- items that make our heart beat fast because they are especially purposeful, eco-conscious, socially-conscious, safe for your little loved one and unique, preferably designed or made in the USA. They absolutely adore supporting these brands and introducing them to the Athens community! reBlossom has always supported local artists, especially ones who happen to be parents or grandparents! If you are looking for something unique and handmade with love, they have what you are looking for. |
