As small businesses continue to overcome the impact of COVID-19 restrictions and obstacles to accessing small business relief, it’s more important than ever that we show up for these businesses — during holidays and beyond.
In honor of Valentine’s Day, we asked Gusto employees to write love notes to their favorite businesses.
Here are nine of those businesses we’d like to share some love with, as well as how they’ve been a highlight of our employees’ lives throughout this pandemic.
Spectrum Uniforms
Nominated by: Ashley V., Benefits Advising at Gusto
What they do: Design high-quality apparel and tools for healthcare workers
What’s your favorite memory of the business?
At the end of last year, I was helping the Spectrum Uniforms team renew their benefits. During this time, I ended up getting COVID-19.
On Christmas, they sent me a care package on behalf of the company as a thank you. The package included face masks, thermometers, gloves, a pulse oximeter, a picture of the team, and a card that they all signed.
Is there anything you’d like for the owner(s) or their employees to know?
It was nice to match some faces to the names of these employees!
I am so thankful and happy to know that we serve small businesses like this at Gusto.
Love,
Ashley V.
Patellie’s
Nominated by: Zoe L., Benefits Operations at Gusto
What they do: Bake delicious pizzas
In a few sentences, explain what this business means to you and your community.
Patellie’s makes the BEST pizza in the Southwest Michigan region and has become a staple in Three Oaks, MI due to their crafty pizza toppings and rotating special slices.
My personal favorite? The seasonal rotating veggie pizza as Patellie’s uses seasonal, local, and fresh veggies.
Not only does Patellie’s make delicious pizzas, they take pride in their business and employees and operate in an admirable way which further drives patrons to them.
Is there anything you’d like for the owner(s) or their employees to know?
Pat, Ellie and team — thank you for allowing Gusto to help ease the pains of owning and operating a small business.
I hope that you recognize the love the community has for your business.
Love,
Zoe L.
Butter&
Nominated by: Samantha J., Marketing at Gusto
What they do: Bake buttercream cakes
What’s your favorite memory of the business?
Due to COVID-19, my best friend and her partner had to have a wedding ceremony in their apartment virtually performed by a city clerk.
I wanted to help make their unique day extra special — which is how I came across Butter&.
Butter&’s service was great, allowing for seamless (and safe) outdoor pickup, and the cake was delicious!
Delivering Butter&’s beautiful “congrats” cake was a perfect way to help make my friend’s wedding day a bit more like what they had hoped, even if they did have to change their plans a million times.
Is there anything you’d like for the owner(s) or their employees to know?
Thank you for providing delicious and beautiful cakes to help brighten days during these strange times.
Love,
Samantha J.
CurlMix
Nominated by: Tracee P., Customer Care at Gusto
What they do: Make hair care products for curly-haired people
In a few sentences, explain what this business means to you and your community.
Kim and Tim built a product line that ensures that no matter what type of curl you have, you will find a product that brings you and your hair joy. They also created a curly-haired Facebook community where people share tips on living your best curly life, and it works so hard to be inclusive.
What’s your favorite memory of the business?
My curls…everyday. On wash day and still amazing 5 days later.
Is there anything you’d like for the owner(s) or their employees to know?
You created a community that not only advances your product, but that allows others to share and be their best. For that, I and all the other curl mixers out there thank you.
Love,
Tracee P.
Renew Massage Studio
Nominated by: Christy N., Sales at Gusto
What they are: Eco-friendly massage studio
In a few sentences, explain what this business means to you and your community.
It’s amazing to support a business like this where the employees are happy and provide amazing services that better the lives of their customers.
Is there anything you’d like for the owner(s) or their employees to know?
Keep up the good work!
I will continue to rave about your services for as long as I live in Denver!
Love,
Christy N.
Jenny Lemons
Nominated by: Jess C., Environment Team at Gusto
What they do: Teach crafts and sell artisan supplies
In a few sentences, explain what this business means to you and your community.
I love Jenny Lemons because they spotlight local artisans and supplies.
Before working from home, I used to pass their shop on the 48 bus and make a point of looking into their window to see how many smiles I could spot. It’s basically a portal of sunshine in there.
What’s your favorite memory of the business?
Meeting the owner at the Renegade Craft Fair.
Her presence and energy shines as bright as a lemon does and everything made sense from that moment.
Love,
Jess C.
Trans Lifeline
Nominated by: Stephanie G., Account Manager at Gusto
What they do: Non-profit that offers emotional and financial support to trans people in crisis
In a few sentences, explain what this business means to you and your community.
Trans Lifeline is an invaluable resource to the trans community. They offer everything from a crisis support hotline to an ID Change Library, where people can find information about name and gender marker changes on IDs and other documentation.
What’s your favorite memory of the business?
Trans Lifeline has been instrumental in helping Gusto support more inclusive language, preferred names, and pronouns.
They have always been honest and kind in their feedback and offer solutions for what we can do to better support trans customers.
Is there anything you’d like for the owner(s) or their employees to know?
Anytime I see their number come up, I know it’s going to be a wonderful interaction with people who are doing major work to make the world a better place.
Love,
Stephanie G.
Ironton Distillery
Nominated by: Danielle B., Accounting at Gusto
What they do: Provide spirits and host live events
In a few sentences, explain what this business means to you and your community.
Local art displays? Check. Comedy shows? Check. Works with other small businesses to support each other? Check. Beautiful venue? Check.
Ultimately? Ironton not only provides delicious beverages, but brings people together.
What’s your favorite memory of the business?
A chilly September day, curled by their indoor fire. Our bartender came by and was genuinely curious what our thoughts were on our beverages. We had an amazing conversation about life in general.
That human connection in the coziest of places? Truly appreciated.
Is there anything you’d like for the owner(s) or their employees to know?
You. Are. Awesome. Keep doing your thing, Ironton!
Love,
Danielle B.
Our hearts are full. Now go spread love to the small businesses in your community!
