Hello everybody! I hope everyone is staying safe and healthy during this crazy time. If you read my last blog post about supporting local businesses, then you know I will be spotlighting my favorite small businesses around the Pittsburgh area each week. My goal with this is to give well-deserved exposure to small businesses that are open & working their butts off during the pandemic! So, without further adieu, I present to you small business spotlight #1 on the cutest boutique, Posh Local.

Posh Local started out as an online business where you could order an outfit online and have it hand delivered that same day. Now Posh Local has expanded to include a showroom in Brookline. Posh Local is one of my favorite small businesses because of that reason. Being able to shop in person or online and still receive your items that day is extremely convenient. Not only are the clothes cute and fashion forward, but they are reasonably priced! Posh Local is owned by Renee Kostas, a young Pittsburgh native. I’ve had the opportunity to meet Renee on multiple occasions and she is the sweetest soul. She works hard to make sure her business continues to thrive no matter what. During this time, Renee is determined to keep shoppers happy and healthy. Although the showroom is closed, you can still order online for same-day delivery.

I had the opportunity to talk with Renee about how she is adapting to the statewide shutdown. Check it out below.

1. What is your favorite part about running a small business?

My favorite part about running a small business is having the ability to design my own schedule. I never fit the mold of a 9-5 lifestyle, so being able to make changes to my day at the drop of a hat is something I’m super grateful for! I also love the support from other local business owners. It’s like we have our own little community and we are constantly asking each other questions and trying to do our part in building each other up!

2. What is your business doing differently during the shutdown?

While following the covid-19 guidelines, we are continuing to deliver same-day (which was actually already a part of our business model) with contact-free deliveries! I drop the orders off on the doorstep and send a text message to let the client know their order has been delivered! I am also continuing to ship orders nationwide with priority mail! Even though cute clothes might not be everyone’s focus right now, it’s a nice little pick-me-up to do some retail therapy and have it on your doorstep the same-day!

3. What is some advice you’d give to local shoppers right now?

If I were to give advice to local shoppers during this pandemic, it would be to support your local storefronts and businesses in any and EVERY way you can! Leaving reviews and sharing on social media is HUGE and free, but also making a purchase, buying a gift certificate, or even just sending a local business owner a card or something to show them they are appreciated! This is going to be make or break for so many businesses and even a small purchase can go a LONG way and can help these businesses to stay afloat even with their doors temporarily closed. 

4. What is some advice you’d give to other small business owners?

Advice I would give to fellow small business owners: STAY HOPEFUL! The second we start to spiral about all the what if’s, we are losing hope that things will get better, but they will! Realizing that we are all on the same board and utilizing the resources that are provided can help to keep us to get through this and becoming even smarter, stronger business owners on the other side of this! I think we’ll all have a different perspective on our business models and even the way we operate day-to-day when this is all over, so I’d encourage other business owners to use this time to reflect and let creativity in. You may recognize the next path you can take your business down when this is all over! 

5. What are some of your favorite local businesses in Pittsburgh?

Some awesome local businesses I love and that I think you should check out are listed below! 

@pittsburghbeautybar

@jandv_studios

@handmadehighlights

@docetaqueria

@jdcellarswineryandvineyard

@mineospizzapgh

@mediterracafe

@blushandinkbeauty

@cup_ka_joe

@sanctuarywellspa 

You can check out Posh Local here: https://www.poshlocalpgh.com/

Instagram: @poshlocal