03/27/2020 12:46 PM
As we ramp up our virtual lessons program at NOLA School of Music, we couldn't help but wonder if there are other local businesses out who are also taking their businesses online.
With restaurants and bars shutting down and the whole New Orleans community staying home to try to stop the spread of COVID-19, many small businesses are struggling to stay afloat and need our community support more than ever.
Inspired by the lists of restaurants offering delivery and take-out, we decided to compile a list of ways locals can support other small businesses during this time:
PURCHASE ART FROM LOCAL ARTISTS
Without markets, festivals, and tourism, visual artists are struggling to sell their work during this time. Consider purchasing from a local artist's website (Like our friends Jacquelyn LeVan and Kersey Barrett-Tormey)
Websites like Where Y'Art are also great for discovering local artists and purchasing their work.
Wild Lotus Yoga has taken their yoga studio online, offering various online yoga classes with an 18-hour access window. (In case your schedule doesn't line up perfectly with the class schedule!)
They also offer a sliding scale payment system (based on your means) for many of their classes.
WATCH A LIVE-STREAM CONCERT FROM A LOCAL MUSICIAN
There are so many musicians in New Orleans who rely on gigging as a full-time income. Without venues to play in, they are struggling to make ends meet.
OnlineWire has posted a virtual gig calendar for local musicians who are live streaming their concerts. Consider attending a live stream and tipping a local musician!
LEARN MARTIAL ARTS
NOLA School of Music's neighbor, NOLA Aikido, is offering live stream classes in addition to posting helpful videos on their youtube channel.
New Orleans Shaolin-Do is taking their Shaolin martial arts classes online, offering new students their first month of classes for $35. Their classes include Shaolin Kung Fu, Tai Chi, and Self Defense Fitness.
BROWSE A LOCAL RECORD STORE ONLINE
Local record stores may be closed, but many of them are still selling their products online. Consider visiting Louisiana Music Factory, Euclid Records or NOLA Mix Records and checking out their selection!
SHOP AT A LOCAL BOUTIQUE STORE
Next time you get a craving for some online shopping, considering shopping local! Local boutique stores like Swoon Boutique, Trashy Diva, and Armoire Boutique have a great selection of women's clothing in addition to accessories and gifts.
If you do have the financial means, please remember local businesses need all the support they can get during this time. We are all struggling to cope with this scary situation, but if we come together as a community and support each other, we can get through this!
P.S. Know a local business that has gone online during the COVID-19 crisis? Leave a comment below!