SAN ANTONIO - Though the "open" sign at The Tuscan Rose remains dark in the store's front window, owners inside the San Antonio floral shop are fighting to keep the lights on during the coronavirus pandemic.
- Flower shop donating flowers to essential workers
- Trying to keep lights on despite COVID-19
- Currently applying for government programs to help pay employees
"In the back of my head, there is still a possibility we will have to close if things don't change," said shop owner Jessica Huisman.
Huisman says a lot has changed in the last month. Her event planning company, Freesia Designs, shut down over numerous cancellations or postponements due to strict social distancing guidelines. Now the small business owner is relying on her delivery-only flower shop to keep business afloat.
"Being in the flower business is a happy business because you are delivering emotions to people," Huisman said.
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Especially during a time when emotions are running high in the community. Fortunately for Huisman, she says flower orders are still coming in and keeping what's left of her staff busy.
"We are trying to get the loan the government is putting out for us to get our employees back," she said.
In March, Huisman made the tough choice to furlough some staff. It's a decision she is hoping to reverse soon by receiving federal aid through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). The loan issued by the U.S. Small Business Administration helps those who qualify keep their employees on payroll.
"We have submitted all of the paperwork to the bank, but still the uncertainty is that we don't know what is going to happen," Huisman said.
On Monday, Gov. Greg Abbott also announced investment bank Goldman Sachs and the LiftFund will be providing $50 million in loans to small business in Texas. It's another opportunity Huisman hopes she will be able to take advantage of.
"I really hope we can get back to normal as soon as possible," she said.
Until then, she is looking to give back to those on the front lines during this pandemic. On Monday, she launched new “Distance Bouquets” for customers to purchase. For every “Distance Bouquet” bought, the shop will donate and deliver another bouquet to an essential worker.
"Anyone that is on the front line, anybody risking their lives for the community due to the pandemic deserves a thank you," Huisman said.