Three Main Street America Staff members standing in front of a mural in Marion, Iowa.

Marion, Iowa © Tasha Sams

About

We work in collaboration with thousands of local partners and grassroots leaders across the nation who share our commitment to advancing shared prosperity, creating resilient economies, and improving quality of life.

Overview Who We Are How We Work Partner Collaborations Our Supporters Our Team Job Opportunities Contact Us
Two community members in Emporia Kansas pose with a sign saying "I'm a Main Streeter"

Emporia, Kansas © Emporia Main Street

Our Network

Made up of small towns, mid-sized communities, and urban commercial districts, the thousands of organizations, individuals, volunteers, and local leaders that make up Main Street America™ represent the broad diversity that makes this country so unique.

Overview Coordinating Programs Main Street Communities Collective Impact Awards & Recognition Community Evaluation Framework Join the Movement
Dionne Baux and MSA partner working in Bronzeville, Chicago.

Chicago, Illinois © Main Street America

Resources

Looking for strategies and tools to support you in your work? Delve into the Main Street Resource Center and explore a wide range of resources including our extensive Knowledge Hub, professional development opportunities, field service offerings, advocacy support, and more!

Overview Knowledge Hub Field Services Government Relations Main Street Now Conference Main Street America Institute Small Business Support Allied Member Services The Point Members Area
People riding e-scooters in Waterloo, Iowa

Waterloo, Iowa © Main Street Waterloo

The Latest

Your one-stop-shop for all the latest stories, news, events, and opportunities – including grants and funding programs – across Main Street.

Overview News & Stories Events & Opportunities Subscribe
Woman and girl at a festival booth in Kendall Whittier, Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Kendall Whittier — Tulsa, Oklahoma © Kendall Whittier Main Street

Get Involved

Join us in our work to advance shared prosperity, create strong economies, and improve quality of life in downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts.

Overview Join Us Renew Your Membership Donate Partner With Us Job Opportunities
Three Main Street America Staff members standing in front of a mural in Marion, Iowa.

Marion, Iowa © Tasha Sams

About

We work in collaboration with thousands of local partners and grassroots leaders across the nation who share our commitment to advancing shared prosperity, creating resilient economies, and improving quality of life.

Overview Who We Are How We Work Partner Collaborations Our Supporters Our Team Job Opportunities Contact Us
Two community members in Emporia Kansas pose with a sign saying "I'm a Main Streeter"

Emporia, Kansas © Emporia Main Street

Our Network

Made up of small towns, mid-sized communities, and urban commercial districts, the thousands of organizations, individuals, volunteers, and local leaders that make up Main Street America™ represent the broad diversity that makes this country so unique.

Overview Coordinating Programs Main Street Communities Collective Impact Awards & Recognition Community Evaluation Framework Join the Movement
Dionne Baux and MSA partner working in Bronzeville, Chicago.

Chicago, Illinois © Main Street America

Resources

Looking for strategies and tools to support you in your work? Delve into the Main Street Resource Center and explore a wide range of resources including our extensive Knowledge Hub, professional development opportunities, field service offerings, advocacy support, and more!

Overview Knowledge Hub Field Services Government Relations Main Street Now Conference Main Street America Institute Small Business Support Allied Member Services The Point Members Area
People riding e-scooters in Waterloo, Iowa

Waterloo, Iowa © Main Street Waterloo

The Latest

Your one-stop-shop for all the latest stories, news, events, and opportunities – including grants and funding programs – across Main Street.

Overview News & Stories Events & Opportunities Subscribe
Woman and girl at a festival booth in Kendall Whittier, Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Kendall Whittier — Tulsa, Oklahoma © Kendall Whittier Main Street

Get Involved

Join us in our work to advance shared prosperity, create strong economies, and improve quality of life in downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts.

Overview Join Us Renew Your Membership Donate Partner With Us Job Opportunities

December 22, 2020 | HartBeat of Main Street Grant Program: Spotlighting Tina's Timeless Threads |

Left: The new Point of Sale at Tina's Timeless Threads. Center: A model shows off an outfit on the new website platform. Right: New security monitors at the shop. Photos courtesy of Tina Hudson-Beamer.

Tina's Timeless Threads: Dover, DE

Owner: Tina Hudson-Beamer

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your small business.
Tina's Timeless Threads is a vintage and vintage-inspired boutique. I sell hand-curated vintage for both women and men who are tired of fast fashion consumerism, and love to express their individuality in an eco-friendly manner.

How has your business been impacted by COVID-19? 
My business came to a complete halt during the initial COVID-19 shut down. When the state shut down I had a 100% loss in income, making it difficult to purchase product, maintain upkeep of product, such as dry cleaning and repairs, and pay rent and bills. To generate sales during the shutdown, I started selling on Facebook, Instagram, and vintage selling groups online. With vintage stores not being able to source new product, I started selling bulk product on eBay and other platforms to generate sales.

How are you using the grant funds, and how will they help your business?
I am using the grant funds to upgrade to a new POS and computer system that will enable me to maintain better inventory and accounting records, a quicker checkout process, security monitors, WiFi, and a new website platform. The grant funds will allow my business to grow beyond my four walls, giving me the opportunity to expand my business worldwide.

Are there any other ways you've pivoted your business in response to the pandemic? 
I now sell online and have created curbside, delivery, and appointments for customers.

What advice would you give to small business owners who are struggling right now?
I would advise them to use all resources available to them to help financially. Having a good mentor or advocate in your corner is very beneficial. Find groups that are in the same business as you and reach out to them to see what they are doing to move their business forward. If you are having issues paying rent don't be afraid to talk to your landlord see what options might be out there for you.

Follow Tina's Timeless Threads on social:

  

View more spotlights of the first round of recipients for the HartBeat of Main Street Grant Program.