DiscountMugs.com, Medley, Fla., has created a small business assistance program to help businesses impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. Six diverse businesses were selected in South Florida and awarded a combined $12,000 in customized promotional items from DiscountMugs.com. These items vary from face masks, contactless thermometers, hand sanitizer, shirts, coffee mugs, backpacks and tote bags with their logos.
The six program participants awarded $2,000 each in merchandise include:
1. 90 Miles Tattoo Studio in Edgewater
“The shop has been open for two years and we recently moved to a new location in Edgewater last December, when the whole pandemic hit Miami,” said Alejandro Gonzalez, owner of 90 Miles Tattoo Studio. “We had only been at the new location for two months, and we had to close for three months. We’re just getting back on our feet, so this program is very helpful.”
2. Latin House Grill in Kendall
“We lost 90 percent of our business overnight,” said Michelle and Bella Sanchez, owners of Latin House Grill. “For a period of three months, we have it brought up to 25 percent. Since it’s a family business, it’s been hard to keep the older family members at home and provide some sort of income for them. We started with outside seating, but the rainy weather did not help. We started going strong on deliveries to sustain the business. We have now incorporated our Fit Meal weekly meal service to supplement business. Our goal is to be back on track hopefully by the end of the year.”
3. Mimi’s Touch Salon in Coral Gables
“We’ve been at our current location for nine years,” said Mimi Aguilar, owner of Mimi’s Touch Salon. “The pandemic truly affected our business and took us by surprise. We spent two months in complete uncertainty. But we are staying positive and making sure to provide all the possible safety measures for clients. This donation will help us by providing promotional items to give to our clients, plus face masks to provide to our staff and clients.”
4. Mojo Donuts in Westchester, Coral Gables and Pembroke Pines
Owned by Jimmy Piedrahita, Willie Munoz and founder Shawn Neifeld, Mojo Donuts prides itself on having the best gourmet donuts in town. They are the first and only donut shop to be featured on the Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.”
“During these times of uncertainty, receiving donations like these means hope to all our staff and their loved ones,” said Piedrahita.
5. Topp Cuttaz in Miami Gardens & Miami Lakes
“Topp Cuttaz is one of South Florida’s premier barber, salon and spas,” said Michael Stevens, owner and operator of Topp Cuttaz. “The idea of the business is to bring the feel of South Beach to the hood. It’s perfect for the entire family. We are very grateful for the donation of promotional products. They will help us to regain recognition and boost business in these trying times.”
6. Robert Is Here Fruit Stand & Farm in Homestead
Robert Is Here Fruit Stand & Farm is a family-owned and operated fruit stand in Homestead, Fla., and the first Florida-based entry into the National Culinary Heritage Register. They specialize in rare and exotic tropical fruits and vegetables, mostly grown in their farms.
“Robert Is Here closed for six weeks due to the pandemic and reopened with drive-thru only services,” said Heather Moehling, director of marketing. “We are at roughly 60 percent of where we were last year due to the pandemic and the continued impact on our ability to do business as usual. We are now relying on local support since we have lost all international-related business. The donation from DiscountMugs.com will help us to obtain needed wellness items, such as masks, bags and other items that will help us promote our business.”
The Small Business Assistance Program is DiscountMugs.com’s newest initiative to assist the community.
“Small businesses have been severely impacted in these unprecedented times,” said DiscountMugs.com CEO Sai Koppaka. “We wanted to help business owners in different communities by giving them tools to promote their businesses.”
For more information on DiscountMugs.com, visit www.discountmugs.com.
