TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) — With the economic uncertainties from the coronavirus, we here at ABC 27 are shining a light on businesses that are doing their part to help out the community while keeping their business open.
A local waxing and skincare studio owner, along with some help from a local law firm, is putting together care packages for fellow nurses to nourish their hearts and hands.
It stung when Amber Swartz had to close the doors to Bumblebee Waxing and More due to the coronavirus pandemic. But, her passion soon became her purpose.
"This was an opportunity for me to give back to the hands of those that take care of others," said Swartz.
Swartz is a registered nurse and worked in the pediatric unit at Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare before opening her own business 10 years ago.
"When you're a nurse, and you're not hands-on anymore, you feel that pull and that urge to continue to take care of others," Swartz said. "A nurse is a calling."
When the coronavirus pandemic hit, Swartz began making hand-care kits for nurses at TMH.
"On a normal day of nursing you have to, when you walk into a room, sanitize your hands and now they are dousing themselves in chemicals from head to toe when they get home," said Swartz.
Neighboring personal injury law firm Perry and Young knew this was an idea they wanted to get behind.
They donated $2,500, enough for 100 more kits.
Anna Perry is an executive assistant at Perry and Young law firm.
"I messaged Amber," said Perry, "and I was like, 'hey, I see you are doing these nurse kits. What about first responders? What about our EMS? What about our police? I was like, can we help you get that reach a little bit farther?"
Perry and Young is also giving a free facial from Bumblebee to a "hero" nurse in each unit at TMH, chosen by their colleagues.
"They're not getting the credit they deserve," Perry said. "We are so thankful for everything they are doing. They are getting out there every single day, and we just want to show our appreciation."
Bumblee Waxing and More is temporarily closed but open virtually. You can contact the store on the website and Facebook.
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Click on the We're Open, Tallahassee tab at the top of the ABC 27 website. Then, tell us your story by filling out the section to the right.
It's our way of letting people know you are open for business, and how they can support you.
