In this monthly series ‘Road to Recovery’, we are following the journey of two small business owners as they overcome challenges through the pandemic and beyond.
Like many small business owners, Morgan and Ming have faced some unforeseen setbacks this year, but that hasn’t stopped their passion and drive for business success.
Checking in with Morgan | Art Experience, Open Hands Creative | Perth, WA
Last time we chatted with Morgan, she was struggling with the barrier COVID-19 was making between herself and her clients. This month we checked in to see how she has adapted her business during this challenging time.
Morgan had planned eco-friendly art workshops but due to social gathering restriction she had to contact clients to post phone these events. She had to make sure the customers were happy while reassuring them that the workshops would be rescheduled as soon as possible so that she didn’t lose any future clients.
One way that Morgan is keeping her business afloat is with the ‘30 Day Drawing Challenge’. This was originally going to be a free exercise to give her community an opportunity to engage and create while staying at home. But Morgan ended up offering a “pay what you think” payment. She was overwhelmed with the generosity of some of her clients.
Another way which Morgan has been able to innovate and create business success during COVID19 is by setting up an online Esty store and selling DIY kits. Morgan was surprised to see that these were immensely popular during lockdown.
Watch Morgan tell her story below.
Morgan on Facebook @OpenHandsCreative or you can purchase her pieces on the Etsy Marketplace.
Morgan’s business coach is Colin Long.
If you missed Morgan’s story last month, click here to watch it now.
Checking in with Ming | Illustrator and Writer, Mega-soar-us | Alice Springs, NT
Last time we caught up with Ming, her art workshops and the launch of the second addition of her children’s book ‘Mega-soar-us’ had to be cancelled. This month, we checked in to see how Ming has combated these setbacks.
Ming has taken this time as an opportunity to develop a podcast, work on her YouTube channel and get into social media. She has found that this is a way for her to continue to build her community while she is unable to connect with people in person.
Making the best out of an unlucky situation, Ming wisely shares that, “we have to diversify when faced with challenges in life in order to succeed in our business.”
Listen to Ming’s story below.
If you missed Ming’s story last month, click here to watch it now.
Ming’s business coach is Tiani Cook.
Are you ready to take the first steps towards your business idea?
Our Many Rivers business coaches will be with you every step of the road, not matter what obstacles are thrown at you along your journey.
Please take the Small Business Self-Assessment and see if we are right for you.
Many Rivers and Google.org are committed to providing critical support to under-served small business owners during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Read more about Youth Business International’s (YBI) US$5M rapid response and recovery programme here.
If you haven’t already, make sure to check out last months ‘Road to recovery’ article here.
