We're All In This Together

Did you know small business owners don’t qualify to collect Unemployment Insurance? It’s been a couple of weeks full of confusion and anxiety as we struggle with mandates forcing us to close our doors for an unknown amount of time. Just a few days ago, at the request of the Governor, The Makeup Curio, along with all other hair salons, barber shops, nail salons, and tattoo/piercing parlors were shut down. As of 8PM Sunday night, ALL “non-essential” businesses had to close. This is incredibly scary, but absolutely necessary. As we’ve seen in other parts of the world, this novel coronavirus has the potential to overwhelm our healthcare system and kill a frighteningly large number of people if we are not careful. And you know what? As difficult as it may be to face the loss of business in the short term, we accept these regulations in stride, because if anyone understands community responsibility, it is small business owners. That’s why we’re here in the first place! And we are still here as best we can be, working to keep our neighborhoods safe, healthy, fed, and in high spirits.

Even with doors closed or services limited, there are still ways to support your local business economy. For starters, you can purchase gift certificates for later use. You can also still make purchases online, or order takeout. The following businesses are some we love and frequent ourselves, and we urge you to support them as well:

Puzzles Bakery & Cafe

We at The Makeup Curio are breakfast sandwich connoisseurs, and we can honestly say Puzzles has one of the best in the Capital Region (egg and cheese on ciabatta with spinach and tomato...yum)! They also offer strong coffee, delightful cookies and an incredible mission. You can order online for curbside pick-up.

Schenectady Trading Co.

The owner is the epitome of “small business” spirit. She offers a curated collection from local artisans and craftspeople, and you can also do some light grocery shopping from local farm vendors, or send an Electric City souvenir to a friend. You can order online and ship anywhere in the USA.

Bear & Bird Boutique and Gallery

When you need a little art in your life, or some fun kitchy gadgets, Bear & Bird is the place to shop.  Check out their one-of-a-kind prints, unique enamel pins and funky jewelry. Order online and ship anywhere in the USA.

Great Flats Brewing

Even with limitations on hours, you can still pop into the taproom for Crowlers and Growlers to go. Offering wonderful locally crafted beer, Great Flats is run by incredibly friendly people, and it has become my regular Wednesday night hangout spot (team trivia!) when not in quarantine. This past weekend would have been their 3rd anniversary party, so show them some love and grab a beer to go!

The Makeup Curio Beauty - Virtual Beauty Makeup Techniques

(shameless plug!)
Our virtual beauty classes are up and running and ready for you. Sign up for one or all with topics that include skincare, color correction, contouring/highlighting, smokey eyes, lash application and winged eyeliner.

As it stands, April 13 is our current target re-open date, based on Broadway’s expected date, and all clients have been rescheduled to after that date. But in order to get back to business as soon as possible, we HAVE to contain this. The longer anyone fights the “uncomfortable living situation,” the longer this virus will linger and continue to spread. So please, PLEASE don’t be ignorant, and do your part by staying home. We may not know what lies ahead, but we do know we can get through this if we work together to flatten the curve. So until then, we’ll see you on the other side of the webcam!