Small Business in the Time of Coronavirus - Live Q&A with American Duchess

We certainly live in uncertain times. With the Covid-19 pandemic causing event cancellations, theater closures, business layoffs, stock market crashes, supply shortages, and sheltering in place, many, many small businesses are hugely impacted.

Lauren Stowell, co-founder and CEO of American Duchess Inc., shares tools, tips, and actionable ideas for getting through this very tough time, as well as answers viewer questions live.
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[EnchantedRoseCostumes]

Thank you for sharing so much Lauren! I am so excited for the shoe stretching video!!!!

[enkipper]

This is the best live stream I have ever watched. I appreciate that you came in with a plan and talking points. It made it more interesting and informative. Thank you.

[elfenhexchen]

To be honest, I really love that you talked about the business side of AD and that it was a more serious live stream/video. I'm not the biggest fan of loud and 'fancy' overproduced videos like you uploaded in the past few months. Those more serious talks make you seem way more approachable and it felt way more honest. I really was loosing interest in AD because of that. If it makes sense, this video felt more like the 'old' American Duchess, when you and Abby sat down to talk about shoes and all the behind-the-scenes-things. This was always a great opportunity to get to know you and the business more and know where my money is going when I'm buying shoes from you.
I really hope that you'll start doing this again.
It was also very interesting to hear what possibilities you have with relief funds and all that stuff. I'm from europe so it doesn't apply to my country but it still was interesting to know how your country is dealing with the pandemic.
Well, I really wish you and all the small businesses all over the world the best. Keep your heads up and try to make the best out of it <3

[kissmekate]

Ive been binge watching all my favorite small businesses, already subscribed, and smashing the like button on everything! Every little thing helps. It is a nice entertainment in the moments I can sew or just as I do my normal work around the house. You guys are AMAZING. My husband allowed me to buy 2 pairs of shoes this year (Mae and Greta), making a total of three thus far, where I thought I'd only every be able to own one (my Dunmores).

[ceciliavaldes]

Thanks for explaining how views, subscribers, and “likes” help you. I didn’t know! I admire your courage in sharing these difficult truths and commend you for putting yourself out there in a vulnerable position just to help others see the truth behind the glamour. I truly love the content you put forth and like how upbeat and sweet you guys at American Duchess are when it comes to the content you create and it is a pleasure to show my support. I look forward to more content. You guys rock!! Blessings!!!

[KirileeCosplay]

Great video! Really interesting to listen to. It has been a very uncertain time and you are doing an amazing job by your employees. That is a fantastic quality.

[Sinead]

Lauren, wishing you and the AD team the absolute best in the coming weeks/months ❤ I'm always in awe of the bravery, tenacity & work ethic of small business owners, and never more so than in this crisis, seeing you guys navigate these uncharted waters with courage and hope. Putting an order in as soon as I can & signing up to your Patreon (can't wait to make that gorgeous cape!!). Even if it's only a small contribution I hope it can help in a tiny way! ❤

[reniekittelhinnenberg]

I only live about 2 hours from Reno. On my bucket list is to come to meet you all at your offices during one of my trips to Renown. May you and your staff be blessed during this chaotic time. Just remember to breathe! Hoping to meet you one

[NuclearButtonz]

Idk if we are shelter in place but ALL essential businesses, parks, trails and meeting places are shutdown. We haven’t been hit too hard thankfully and I think that’s because they shut the casinos down. I will say the casinos are evil. They laid off all of their employees instead of helping them. The majority of the city is completely out of work... I’m glad Reno wasn’t hit as hard and I’m glad you girls are ok. Your company books and channel are an important part of the costuming community. Just breathe, it’s going to be ok I am so happy you talked about all this and even tho I’m in a completely different industry you’ve given me great pointers as a fellow business owner. You are a strong kick ass woman! You will pull through! You got this, just remember to breathe. This will hopefully be over soon <3 love and light! Keep your chin up AD will survive this!

[mollymoon]

As I said in the chat, your level of honesty and frankness is why I am so enthusiastic about supporting you and your business! I was actually waiting to place an order with you guys until you released your spring/summer collection, but because that's now up in the air, I felt ready to place my order! I bought some Navy Harriets- because now is the time! Happy to support you by not only buying shoes but also via patreon. Best of luck <3

[patrizia]

I am watching this while making my first actual historical costume with the patterns from the American Duchess book on 18th century dressmaking. Ive made fantasy costumes in the past for my former hobby (LARP) but nothing that comes so close to a historically acurate thing... I was scared of using a grid pattern thing cuz Ive only used paper pattern up untill now. So far it seems to be going nicely. Making the patticoat bodice for the 1790 round gown. I used a different pattern for the chemise and the stays but next time ( I intend to make all the gowns in thebook so...) I think I wil be using all the pattern in the book for the other projects. I love your stuff. I hope to be able to buy some shoes from your shop as soon I can.

[peggyriordan]

Thank you so much for being so open, honest and caring. I think if more companies did that, there would be more loyalty to their brands.You made it so clear that you are doing your absolute best to balance customer needs, wants and company needs and wants. I think that is what gets lost when companies don't level with their customers. Customers become wary or the company and don't know if they can trust what the company tells them. One company that does easy pay is QVC. I know they are big, but they may be willing to explain some of the potential pitfalls and things to look out for with that program. Evine and HSN (also owned by QVC) also have the same programs. Evine is much smaller than the other two. In regards to what the future brings...many years ago, in the early 70's I owned two beauty salons and both were very successful. There was a recession (a deep one) and I lost both salons as no one had money to spend on their hair. I went broke and ended up living in my car for a while. I never gave up though and ended up with another company that did very well and gave me a wonderful career. Be proud of what you have accomplished so far. You've done everything right to insure your company's survival. Lady, you are a CEO of a wonderful business that people love and want to support. Look back on all you have accomplished and how far you have come and how far you can go. You have done it all, with the best of intentions and plans. No one could ask for anything more. I was sorry to hear that Abby is not there now, or did I misunderstand? Anyway, Be Proud, Be Strong, You Can Do This, You Have Done This!! OOO

[murmelstein]

Thank you for this video, I did learn a lot!

I would also love a video about the history of stockings and socks. :)

[christinechambers]

I was really inspired by your honesty and drive to keep your company going. I've never bought your shoes because my feet are too wide (EE), but I wanted to show my support so I signed up for your Patreon. Not much but I hope others will join too. Best of luck to all!

[nicoledeloncrais]

wow I went through something like this about 11 yrs ago. My heart goes out to you. and I am seriously proud of you. trust me once things get moving I am here to support in any way. Please let us all know HOW we can assist you. I know that our support is only small however trust me I believe that there are alot of people who want to see you get through ""this"". In a positive way, as you are the type of business leader who will lift others along the way. Congrats and VERY, VERY< well done

[kirstenpaff]

Is it weird that one of my goals for whenever I get a position that doesn't pay grad student wages (hopefully this will happen later this year) is to get my first pair of American Duchess shoes? I have been eyeing several of your shoes for ages. I really wish I could have gotten a pair of the Mansfield boots before they sold out.

[mnels]

The $$ conversation reminds me of Redthreaded's Shed Series talk about business, too. I'm really grateful that businesses I love were smart about their money and business strategies and hopefully will be able to weather this storm.

[mshrade]

Just bought my third pair of shoes and I'm also now a Patreon supporter. I’ll look at your patterns next.

If you can, I would like some ideas on how to combine the shoes I purchased with modern clothes, how to do history bounding, that is.
I'm happy to do anything I can do to help small businesses.

[maryanna]

You ladies and gents are amazing. Thanks for being so vulnerable. Prayers for success for you all during this difficult time. ❤️❤️

[FlybyStardancer]

I felt you so mucch on the lack of art. I have friends who are artistic directors at a small theatre and this has to be SO HARD. They’rendoing daily live readings of various things on FB.