The Power of Community Support for Small Businesses in Lyons, Canberra
When Lyons café Stand By Me was robbed earlier this year, the groundswell of local support amazed its owner, Joy Thakkar. The community rallied around the café, showcasing the power of support for small businesses in the area.
Local Support in Times of Need
One of Stand By Me’s regular customers posted about the robbery on the Lyons community page, urging others to support the business and help it bounce back. This act of solidarity exemplifies the tight-knit community spirit in Lyons, where residents come together to support their local businesses.
During the lockdown, the support for Stand By Me continued as people understood the challenges small businesses were facing. Customers went above and beyond, purchasing items they may not have needed just to show their support for the café.
For Joy and his wife, Reena, the support of their regular customers has been crucial in helping them survive and thrive in the competitive business landscape.
Dedicated Small Business Owners
Joy and Reena Thakkar, the owners of Stand By Me, are dedicated small business owners who work tirelessly to ensure the success of their café. Joy works seven days a week, balancing time between running the café and handling behind-the-scenes tasks, while Reena pitches in wherever she is needed.
Despite the challenges of managing a business and raising young children, the Thakkars are passionate about what they do and take pride in serving the people of Lyons.
They prioritize sourcing products locally, supporting Canberra-based suppliers, and fostering relationships with other small businesses in the area to create a sense of community and mutual support.
Supporting Local Innovations
Next door to Stand By Me is Leeanne Goodwin’s curly hair salon, Curly Cuts, and Natural Eclipse. Leeanne has created a unique curly hair shopping experience in the heart of Lyons, catering to the needs of curly-haired individuals in the community.
Despite facing challenges during last year’s lockdown, including product shortages and logistical issues, Leeanne has persevered with the support of her loyal customers. She emphasizes the importance of supporting local businesses to help them recover from the impact of the pandemic.
Curly Cuts and Natural Eclipse have become a destination for customers from all over Canberra, as well as from interstate and rural areas, seeking specialized services and products that cater to their unique needs.
Building a Stronger Community Through Support
Both Stand By Me and Curly Cuts exemplify the resilience and innovation of small businesses in Lyons. By supporting these local establishments, customers contribute to the economic growth and sustainability of their community.
Joy and Leeanne emphasize the importance of shopping locally and investing in businesses that create jobs and contribute to the vibrancy of the shopping centers in Lyons and beyond.
As Joy aptly puts it, “Being in a small community suburb, this kind of local support is so important for us to keep going. It means a lot to us.”
Conclusion
The story of Stand By Me and Curly Cuts in Lyons, Canberra, highlights the power of community support in bolstering small businesses and fostering a sense of unity and resilience. By rallying around local establishments, residents can contribute to the growth and sustainability of their neighborhoods and create a vibrant business ecosystem that benefits everyone involved.
FAQs
How can I support small businesses in Lyons?
- Shop locally and prioritize businesses that source products from Canberra suppliers.
- Spread the word about your favorite local establishments to friends and family.
- Engage with businesses on social media and leave positive reviews to boost visibility.