SYLACAUGA, Ala. – During this unprecedented time, we have witnessed so much good from so many people…from so many different perspectives, businesses, and walks of life.
Jordan Hardy Morton works at Magnolias Gift Shop. To say she works in the family business would be an understatement. Her mom, Linda, started the store in Sylacauga and since its inception more than two decades ago, it has grown into the premiere destination to buy your next gift, no matter the occasion. Now, with three area locations (Pell City, Chelsea, and Sylacauga) the store that brings “small town magic” to the area, has honored other small businesses with a video tribute.
“Well, there’s just so much negativity out there right now, we’ve been brainstorming how to create some positivity,” said Morton. “Obviously, it’s especially tough for small businesses to know how exactly to handle this, too. So, it was effort to create some positivity & solidarity within our communities & to honor our small business owners.”
The video tribute has hit home to several in the community that own or manage small businesses.
“I’ve grown up with two parents who both own their own businesses. So I’ve seen how hard they work behind the scenes. The older I get, the more I appreciate all they do & the example they’ve set. That naturally makes me admire other small business owners I’ve had the pleasure of growing up with & working with,” said Morton.
The closing of ‘non-essential’ businesses amid the Coronavirus Pandemic has affected not only Magnolias, but hundreds of thousands of small businesses in the United States.
“Just like everyone else, our world has been turned upside down,” she said. “We’re forced to get more creative in order to continue to serve our customers with our doors closed. This call to “support local” really holds us as a business to a higher standard: to serve our community the best way we possibly can…because we are local.”
The video, which was released on Facebook Friday evening, was created with thanks, Morton says, to several area businesses that are in the same boat at this time.
“The businesses I worked with to create the video were amazing,” said Morton. “They were willing to give their time & help me get any shots I needed. The crazy part, is that although small business owners do so much for our communities, they are incredibly uncomfortable in the spotlight. They deserve to be highlighted and I’m happy to be able to give them a chance to be seen.”
Morton said she is looking forward to the pandemic passing through and getting back to a way of life — that although seems so long ago — was a much simpler time and place.
“I hope that after this chaos passes, we find that it was an opportunity to make us better. As people, better at helping each other and appreciating what we have. As a business, better at serving our community,” said Morton.
Have you been impacted by the Coronavirus Pandemic? Are you looking for a service, restaurant, or something else during this time? The RadioAlabama Business and Events Guide is here to help. Click here to learn more about how you can find and submit information about businesses, services, and events.
For a limited time, RadioAlabama is offering free promotional messages on our stations and platforms for those affected by COVID-19. RadioAlabama is here to help your business, all day, every day. If you have any questions, email [email protected].
