Entrepreneurs endure highs and lows of the pandemic

By Yamile Perez
Staff Writer

Young entrepreneurs are finding creative ways to sustain their income virtually as the COVID-19 pandemic brings unemployment rates to record highs across the country. Some entrepreneurs offering in-person services are struggling to reconnect with clients safely.

After her parent’s work hours were cut, Perla Estrada, a student, has relied on her Etsy business to supplement payments toward her education. Estrada creates miniature clay charms that she sells on her online platform.

“I wake up, check social media, stay active, and do some marketing. Everything I make that day, I try to package by 5 p.m. and develop more creative ideas at night,” Estrada says. “You create your own hours, and that’s my favorite part of creating work for myself.”

Reduced work hours and potential furlough also impacted the family of Paola Martinez, a student helping to supplement her family’s income with her business, Lashes by Paola. Martinez quit her job at Subway prior to the pandemic and began her lash business overnight, connecting with her customers online and through in-person delivery.

For some entrepreneurs, the pandemic is creating challenges for their businesses offering services with no options to go virtual.

“I couldn’t start taking clients right away. It slowed down my process of trying to open and expand my business,” said Jazmin Gonzalez, of how the pandemic affected her nail business. Gonzalez works out of her family’s home and is concerned about exposure to the virus.

Chicago’s latest Stay-at-Home Advisory issued on November 12 asks residents to only leave their homes for essential needs. Additionally, non-essential businesses are under a curfew from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. every day.