Many of us are still trying to get used to this social distancing thing and personally I feel like shopping!! Ideally, we’d like to continue our normal lives, but how can we do that when we’re confined to our house and allotted to only make the small necessary trip to the grocery store?
What about the small businesses we love around town that need our purchasing power more than ever?
Here is a list I collected of a few small businesses going the extra mile to assist you and continue business as normal. For a list of additional businesses offering curbside through social distancing, checkout this Facebook page: www.facebook.com/austinareacurbsidepickup
All stores listed below are requesting that you do not show up if you are showing signs of an illness including a fever and/or cough. A website is included for each business so you can easily click and check out new store hours or gather more information about new services. You can also search for them on Facebook.
House Work
Spring is here, which also means lawn care is in our future. Consider contacting a local landscaper or look within your local neighborhood connections to see if anyone is looking for extra work. They’ll be outside cleaning up your yard while you’re inside. Leave the money in a card or envelope, and maybe a bottle of water, by the door for them to grab on their way out.
Looking to freshen up your home with a new coat of paint? Paper Moon Painting has their painters covered head to toe in masks, gloves, and full coverage suits to paint cabinets. They’re also carrying extra masks and hand sanitizers if they’re working on another room in your house. Currently, they’re providing estimates via FaceTime and 10% off projects that start by April 17th.
Pharmacy
Peoples Rx has adjusted their hours and are no longer offering face-to-face consultations, but telehealth is available. You can also call and place an order for prescriptions and deli items via credit card and pick it up curbside. Mail-out service is also an option for pharmacy and wellness needs.
Clothes & Boutiques
Ruffles & Rust – This cute boutique in Pflugerville is closed for safety reasons, but they’re open for curbside pickup. They’re also quickly building their website so you can purchase online. This store includes unique gifts, fun apparel and jewelry, and housewarming items.
Wildflower Republic – a vibrant boutique in Liberty Hill is offering their trifecta of goods on their online shop including Beautiful Chaos Shoppe, Coral Feather & the Polka Dot Pickle shop we love everything from the cozy pocket tees, to the eco-friendly products and the gorgeous farmhouse signs. 
C’est Chic – Another boutique in Circle C is offering to put together a gift and deliver it to your favorite person for you so you don’t have to leave the house! Give them a call and they’ll help you out. See their website for all of their awesome products.
Parker’s Place + Beautiful Chaos teamed up to offer Just Add Jeans a monthly subscription box where customers receive a gorgeous pair of earrings and a pocket tee… they have a bright & colorful option and a neutral & mellow option to appeal to each personality type.
Books and Games
Kid to Kid Consignment has a ton of new and gently used toys and they’re currently 20% off! Just give them a call to see if they have anything specific or what is available in an age group and they’ll gather it and bring it to your car for new curbside delivery. There are several locations in the Austin area. Check their Facebook page for more specific update.
Book People is still taking online orders and they are currently offering free mail delivery through March 22nd. You can also call and place an order with an employee who will take your credit card and have it available for pick up. Check out www.bookpeople.com for new store hours and suggested reading material.
Food Delivery
This week we’ve heard a lot from restaurants who are being creative about delivery and pick up.
Even Governor Abbott temporarily suspended laws for restaurants to deliver alcohol.
Expanding outside of Austin
Etsy is always small business focused. And, so long as USPS and other delivery services are still working, you can order online and get your purchase just as normal. www.etsy.com
And, finally…
Don’t forget your friends who run a small business out of their house and can offer personalized services like cakes and cupcakes, completing your 2019 taxes, entry level lawyers who can work on your will or other important documents, or even those who can help you update your resume. Alternatively, this could be the perfect opportunity for you to finish your business plan for a local start-up or to finally open the small business venture of your dreams!
Photography: LeAnne Coggin Photography
LeAnne is a multi-passionate creative, girl mom of 3, and wife of a firefighter. When she isn’t building dining tables from scratch or scrolling the gram, you can find her documenting the everyday with her camera. She also likes to help other families tell their stories through fun and natural family photography sessions. Her proudest moment as a mama was when her littles hiked 13 miles in one day in Yosemite National Park. As much of an adventure as that was, motherhood always seems to be the ultimate adventure.
