March 20, 2020

Dearest Friends, Customers and Community

The Tucson dust is still settling here in our Northern California office. It takes a while for our small crew to process all the inventory, orders and new customer information after such an event. So here we are, reflecting on the recent Tucson Gem Show where we were able to connect in person with so many of you and wondering how to maintain those connections during these changing times.

Here at Tika, we’ve been looking at the ways we can continue to support the small businesses in our area so that the rich tapestry of our community continues to thrive after the immediate health concerns have passed. Ideas such as ordering take-out from local restaurants, purchasing gift certificates that can be used for in-store shopping at a later date, and calling local stores to get personal shopping assistance over the phone for later pick-up or to be shipped. Do you have other suggestions on how we can reach out and support each other through this time? Please let us know!

There is an impressive offering of tools and resources being generously provided online to help people stay calm and manage their stress levels. One of our favorites is this great video posted by our fellow Tika Girl, Britta on finding your p.e.a.c.e. in tumultuous times. We’ve also seen free yoga and dance classes being offered online, and even some paid apps opening up free memberships to make their services available to all. In addition to offerings like these, it seems like a lot of people are embracing the opportunity to slow down from their usual pace of life and spend a little more time outside in nature. What are some of the ways you’ve been coping with the extra tension these days?

So many of you are incredibly creative and we would love to hear some of the ways you are staying inspired and engaged with your creative process and with the greater community. Are you thrilled to finally have the time to get through that stack of unfinished projects? Has it been helpful to revisit your crafting or beading supplies as a way to unwind when things get too heavy? Have you been tapping into online tutorials or workshops seeking project ideas for your kids who are at home with you? Are you using social media or video chats to stay connected with your peers, mentors, instructors, friends and family?

Currently, there is a Shelter-in-Place mandate here in Humboldt County, CA and our small (heavily sanitized!) office crew is working independently from our homes and Tika is operating on a limited basis. We are still shipping out orders, albeit just a little slower than usual!

Let’s stay connected! Let’s support each other and together we will get through this!

Want to share some tips or tricks that have been helping you stay connected? Reach out and let us know, we’d love to hear from you. There are many ways to connect with us, see the “Contact Us” page or click on any of our social media links.

Wishing you all much health and happiness,
Julie and all of us at Tika