Businesses Impact

Meanwhile small businesses and people who are

Meanwhile small businesses and people who are self-employed are feeling the impact of the pandemic.

And they're relying on loyal customers to help them stay afloat.

Our cash matlock talks to area entrepreneurs about how they hope to overcome it.

"last monday, we did $7.99 in sales."

Local business owner marc anthony says the effects of social distancing have crippled his business.

"we had quite a few orders cancelled after the university closed, and we were trying to come up with a way to cash- flow the store because business has died in starkville with the university down."

Looking for a way to boost sales, anthony got creative.

The phrase starkville strong has been circulating online, with many starkville natives pledging to support a different small business every day of the week.

Now..

Starkville strong has gone from a popular phrase... to a fashion statement.

"we're trying to keep them employed, keep them working, this is one way we're doing it.

It gives them something to print.

You know, we're trying to make ends meet."

óóó standup: "small businesses aren't the only ones falling on hard times, the past few weeks have been a struggle for self- employed people as well, like the stylists from chromatix on main who closed their doors monday."

óóó "if we're not behind the chair, we're not making money.

It's just as plain and simple as that."

Pam foster has been a stylist for 34 years.

She said she's never faced an obstacle quite like this.

"we're just having to reschedule our clients, we're trying to figure out how far out we need to re-book them and try to help them as much as we can and calm their nerves also."

Unlike other jobs, hair stylists are considered self- employed... making them ineligible for unemployment benefits.

But even though the salon chairs are empty... there's still a few ways clients can help.

"if they would or if they can maybe pay for their appointment in advance for the appointment that's coming up for whenever we do get to do their hair again.

Retail sales, you know, if you buy retail from your stylist, you can always still continue to buy it, and as needed, you know, we maybe could do a drop off or something like that."

In starkville, cash matlock, wcbi news.