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“I’m just so thankful for the SBDC. If I didn’t have them on my team, I know I wouldn’t be where I am today.”
When the pandemic forced Tara Cruz to close her salon, she came to the SBDC to pivot her business.
Challenge
In those first days of the economic shut down in March, Tara Cruz did her best to stay positive. At the time, she was the owner of Touch of Paradise Spa in downtown Fairfield and hoped that the closures would last for a week or so. But as days turned into weeks, a stark reality set in.
Cruz had already been a Solano-Napa SBDC client for five years, utilizing the free one-on-one advising and workshops. When the economy shut down, her business advisor was one of the first people she reached out to.
Game Plan
Through meeting with her advisor, Cruz learned about layoff aversion grants available through Solano County’s Workforce Development Board. She applied for and was awarded a grant and utilized the funds to purchase software and equipment that allowed her to offer virtual nails, facials, and micro dermabrasion treatments to clients.
As the future of her brick and mortar location remained uncertain, Cruz continued to work with Solano business advisors to pivot her business to full e-commerce. She was optimistic to transition online and also worked on redesigning her website and marketing her business.
Results
Cruz now operates her online business, shoplajefa.com. The tagline on her website is “From the Spa to Your Front Door.” Her business makes it possible for her clients to have their favorite spa tools and products shipped to their front door for consistent use in the convenience of their own home.
