Shady Ladies Events Postponed Indefinitely

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You know, just standing in the doorway of Castalia Cocktails, one of my favorite bars, reading a book. Not looking awkward at all 😂(You gotta do it for the 'gram!)

Each month I feature a local business that I love in our #ShadyLadiesList of emerging women authors publishing that month. It's even more important to support them now.

I've postponed our March Shady Ladies events until further notice. We hope that we’ll be through all of the Covid-19 precautions by April 28 so we can gather at our free book club at The Congregation. But we will make the call closer to the event date.

In the meantime, I will be working on an online option that will allow us to be safe and still gather around big ideas and great stories told with heart.

But I'm lucky: Shady Ladies is not my only source of income. I teach full time at Michigan State.

But that's not the case for many in our small business community. They are already getting rocked by Covid-19. Tours cancelled. Bars empty. Retail spaces dead.

Margins are thin in the best of times. And with the loss of Auto Show income in January and now social distancing, it means they have less revenue to keep their workers employed.

I know it's a scary time right now. But whatever you can do to keep supporting your local small businesses is essential to ensuring they are still here when Covid-19 finally passes. There is already talk about what the bankruptcy options will be in the coming months.

Because I don't have children or elderly people in my immediate care, you'll find Karl and I still out drinking and dining and shopping.

We're going to avoid gatherings in tight spaces or in large groups. We'll be washing our hands raw. And if either of feels sick in any way, we'll stay home. This is about herd immunity and making smart choices to keep the weakest amongst us safe.

Now, all of you cannot go out in person. But consider ordering takeout. Many restaurants and shops are now offering more delivery options and curbside pickup so you don't have to interact with a restaurant full of people. (Busted Bra Shoppe is! So is Rose's Fine Food! and Saffron De Twah, among others!)

Another option is to buy a gift certificate for future use. You can do that online or over the phone. No human contact required! That gives them cash to operate on now and a joyful thing for you to look forward to. . Stay healthy, everyone!

📸: @picvwdetroit

Shady Ladies