Project Spotlights Alexandria Small Business Amid Coronavirus

ALEXANDRIA, VA — As Alexandria small business owners weather the economic challenges of the new coronavirus crisis, a new photo campaign visualizes what their situations look like. The Old Town Boutique District and photographer Sarah Marcella partnered to spotlight around 32 small business owners and their families.

The project, titled "Community Is," intends to spread the messages that small businesses are the backbone of the economy and community support is needed more than ever. Marcella photographed business owners at their homes or storefronts from a distance in her vehicle. The photographs often include their families and how what business operations look like during the crisis. The business owners also share what community means to them during the crisis and beyond.

"Here in Alexandria, small businesses are doing all that we can to support each other during these crazy times," said Megan Podolsly, president of the Old Town Boutique District and owner of Mint Condition and 529 Kids Consign. "We are hurting, but we are hopeful we will get through this because of the power of community."

In addition to photographing business owners, Marcella donated 50 percent of the income earned from the project to Inova’s Emergency Preparedness Fund, which was matched by a local family. Marchella and Old Town Boutique District will donate a total of $1,650.

Photos in the "Community Is" campaign are posted on social media with the hashtag #facesofcommUNITY. Small business owners around the region are asked to share their own messages on what community means to them using the hashtag.

Alexandria residents can find ways to support businesses from Visit Alexandria's, ALX at Home, Old Town Boutique District, Visit Del Ray and Alexandria Chamber of Commerce. Businesses can post in our free open-closed directory and let customers know how they can support businesses.