A couple weeks into all this, we ordered Thai takeout from my favorite, family-owned neighborhood spot. In our bag was a sweet note thanking us for our order and imploring us to stay safe. It was touching and really made plain the difference between local small businesses vs. big, faceless corporations. We need to support local right now, whenever possible. Small businesses are the heart and soul of any city, and so many are teetering on the brink. But we can help.
Generally, a great way to support local (and give yourself a cooking break) is to order food from a local restaurant. Coronavirus fears shouldn’t prevent you from eating food prepared by others. Here’s a great explainer if you haven’t already looked into it.
And I’m sure you’ve seen the gift card idea floating around. It’s a way to give local businesses cash now to help them get to the other side of this thing. You probably already have some go-to spots at the forefront of your mind (nail or hair salons, boutiques, play paces, an indie bookstore, etc.). If not, here are some favorites:
Favorite Small Businesses in Collin County: Readers’ Choice
7 North Texas Shops to Support from the Comfort of Home
Even when society starts getting back to “normal,” consider shopping local when possible, despite the convenience of Amazon or big box stores. I’m so mad at the way lots of mega-popular retailers have treated their workers during this time, that I’m super motivated to seek out local options going forward. My one-woman protest! And, of course, online shopping generates so much packaging waste. Shopping local has a ton of benefits when you break it all down.
We recently reached out to Collin County small businesses to ask how we can help them during the pandemic. Many are doing special offers or tailoring their services to better fit our current circumstances. We’re including the responses here, for anyone who feels inclined to support!
RESTAURANTS & SHOPS
Carrie Elle
They’re offering a major deal on their Annual Printable Club subscription. A regularly priced subscription is $59.99, but it’s currently just $14.99. Subscribers get instant access to hundreds of printables, including planning printables, meal planning and budgeting printables, printable activities for kids, and more.
Cinco Taco
Tacos (on homemade fresh corn tortillas), burritos, burrito bowls, homemade chips & guac, chips & salsa, and chips & queso for pick-up or delivery through their partner services. Oh, and fresh-squeezed key lime margaritas. All prepared with every step taken to emphasize food safety and sanitation. Looking for alcohol delivery options? Your wish is our command.
Rally House
Although their stores are closed right now, they’re still able to fulfill online orders of all their items, from comfy #stayathome clothes to puzzles and board games. FREE SHIPPING WITH PROMO CODE: TEXAS
Rocky Creek Candles
Now you can order home and bath & body products in your favorite scent and have them brought straight to your car. Need a Fresh Air room spray, or maybe a South Padre Island candle to take you away to a favorite memory? The candle-making studio is closed to walk-ins, although you can still call for an appointment for a private session or order a new Candle Making Kit to make a unique, personal scented candle. Just call them for more details and to make pick-up arrangements.
Cheeni Clothing
This super cute kid’s boutique is offering offering 25% off in April.
USE PROMO CODE: SmallBusinessLove
Flea Style
Please continue to shop small, whether that’s a gift card or purchasing an item online. They have dedicated hours for picking up items, where they’ll run them out to your car. Visit their FB and Insta for additional specials and promotions. Handmade, vintage, and one-of-a-kind items!
Furry Feline
You can shop this Fairview lifestyle brand online. They have items for the whole family and plenty of gift items to cheer someone up.
Lyla’s
Clothing, décor, furniture, Fusion Mineral paint & Autentico paint, and more for sale online 24/7. They ship and offer curbside pickup. Don’t miss “Special Buys” in the Gifts section.
SERVICES
Bliss Clinique
“We are all feeling stressed, and stress is what suppresses our immune system. We want to seriously remind you to please take care of yourself and your overall health. We remain 100% committed to delivering support to you remotely via email, online coaching, virtual meetings platforms, and by offering “one-on-one” house-calls.” Check the link for details on services offered.
Connect to Thrive Counseling
They are offering first 4 sessions free for individuals or families that work as a first responder or medical personnel. They’re also offering reduced rates for telehealth sessions for new clients who need support but are struggling financially. Hours: Monday-Saturday: 9am-7pm.
Fairview Dermatology
Now offering virtual visits (these are covered by most insurance, and they’ll go over that with you prior to the visit). You can see Dr. Kim-James from the comfort of home and if you need any skincare products, those can be shipped. They carry Revision, Jane Iredale, Skinceuticals, and more. If you need skincare product recommendations, you can schedule a virtual appointment with the aesthetician.
SIM EDU Consulting
SIM EDU will continue to provide all of the educational services detailed here. They’ll host virtual COVID-19 webinars for parents to learn about tips and strategies to help their student experience personal and academic success during this period. They’ll also be hosting a virtual career fair and college recruitment session.
SPORTS & REC
Club SciKidz
Regarding their awesome summer camps: “At this time we do not foresee any interruptions to our summer camp programs and schedules, but we are working on alternatives just in case, so our campers will not miss out on their summer camp experience.”
Visit their FAQ and blog for additional details about summer camps and fun science activities you can do with your child (updated weekly!). Club SciKidz also offers a box subscription service. Topics range from Veterinarian Medicine to Climate Change. All of the boxes are complete with materials and detailed lessons.
Goldfish Swim School Carrollton-West Plano
While lessons are temporarily cancelled, there’s a new way to practice your swim skills… from your living room! FOR FREE! Swim-inspired exercise classes are now available on YouTube to stream and share. Be sure to subscribe for updates when new episodes go live.
i9 Sports Plano
Starting Monday, April 13, they’ll be live on Facebook at 1pm every Monday-Friday for a 15-20 minute virtual training session. During the sessions, they’ll focus on a sportsmanship trait, exercising, and demonstrating a fun sports drill that you can do in your home or backyard.
And if you are interested in supporting i9 Sports, they are taking registrations now for the Fall 2020 Program. You’ll save $25 by registering early.
Little Land Allen/Fairview
The play area may be closed, but they do have limited stock of toys for sale through our web-store.
- Curb-side pick-up is available between 11am to 2pm daily at our facility.
- Same day or next day front porch delivery is available to residents in Allen, Fairview, McKinney, Lucas, Parker, Wylie, and Murphy between 5-7pm daily. Delivery is available to residents in Plano and Frisco on Fridays between 5-7pm.
- Please send us a message on Facebook/Instagram or an email at [email protected] with your name and address after your online purchase and specify your preference for delivery or pick-up.
MOMLETA (formerly Baby Boot Camp)
While you’re stuck at home, join us for virtual workouts that can be accessed live at 9:30am CST daily (Monday – Saturday) or after the fact, when it’s convenient! Only $30 from now through the end of April! No enrollment fee or contract.
We also have a strong community of Moms and are doing weekly virtual Mom Nights In, hosting speakers and doing crafts/story time for the kiddos.
Mrs. McVeigh’s Manners
To help with parents keeping their little ones busy, Mrs. McVeigh’s Manners is bringing interactive manners classes to people’s homes. They now offer a monthly subscription for virtual manners and etiquette lessons, and daily manners activities. This will keep your children entertained, while they learn valuable life skills. Mr. McVeigh’s Manners is $39.00 per month, which includes workbooks, coloring books, story books, and a laminated 11×17 Set the Table placemat. New products will be mailed to you each month.
North Texas Performing Arts
Because the show must go on, they’ve pivoted some of their programs to virtual.
1. Virtual Classes (from $9.99-$14.99, scholarships available)
2. Virtual Talent Contest – North Texas’s Got Talent ($20 entry fee)
3. Video Auditions
All locations are currently closed to the public, but phone calls will be answered weekdays 11am-3pm by an NTPA staff member. Outside of that time, please leave a message and they’ll get back to you asap.
*Collin County Moms is yet another local small business affected by COVID-19. We believe we’re stronger together and are proud to help our community and fellow small businesses however we can!
Please help us grow this list by commenting below!
