(SHOALS) – The Shoals business community are sending a message of hope to Martin County residents.
Business windows throughout the area have been decorated with positive messages.
Some of these same businesses had to close due to the health pandemic that has threatened the United States and world.
“The businesses wanted to focus on the positives instead of the negatives,” said Amy Holt, a waitress at Velma’s Diner. Velma’s Diner sits on Main Street in Shoals and is one of many businesses that are sending messages of hope to area residents in the face of an uncertain future.
The artwork in front of Velma’s was created by Shirley “Sis” Holt, of Shoals, who wanted to help send out some ‘positive vibes.’
“It is kind of scary right now. But we hope to have our business up and running by the fall,” said Jim Stoner of SC Draperies.
In the beginning, Jim’s wife Emily ran the drapery business out of their home.
“It has increased in business, therefore we had to go to a bigger place,” Stoner stated.
The Stoner’s purchased a building in December located on Main Street and U.S. 50 in Shoals. The building is currently being remodeled. The Stoner’s depend on cash to be able to operate the business and do the needed updates to the building.
“We hope once we get opened up, we may be able to hire a few people,” Stoner added.
Velma’s was able to continue to stay open serving take out food while other businesses along Main Street were forced to shut their doors. These businesses include Chastain’s Flowers and Hair Tropics, Bo Mac’s, the American Legion, Eagles, and VFW.
While the current health emergency continues the Shoal business community remains hopeful that they will soon be opened for business and stronger than ever before.
