Small Business Saturday 2020: A Socially Distanced Shadyside Event

Small Business Saturday 2020 - support Shadyside businesses

Image from Think Shadyside

The busiest shopping season of the year is approaching, and planning ahead is more important than ever. Before you purchase all the items you need online from big brand retailers, head into Shadyside and support the many fantastic local businesses that help enrich this beautiful neighborhood. If you’re shopping for great deals, then mark your calendar for this year’s Small Business Saturday.

Small Business Saturday will take place on November 28 from 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM and will include shops along Ellsworth Avenue, Walnut Street, S. Highland Avenue, and many stores in between.

While you make your way from shop to shop, admire the holiday decor in storefronts participating in the Holiday Window Decorating Contest. Holiday window decorations are a familiar site during this time of year, but this year the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership has upped the ante by sponsoring this festive contest. Local businesses have paired up with talented local artists listed on the Pittsburgh Artists Registry in order to bring the public these spectacular, creative displays.

Pittsburgh Parking Authority (PPA) metered street parking and metered lots will be free for this event, so you’ll only need to pay for the great deals you discover. PPA lots in Shadyside include Shadyside Garage on 714 Bellefonte Street as well as the Ivy/Bellefonte lot at 726 Ivy Street. PPA parking is also free on Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and every Sunday. No matter where you choose to park, Shadyside is easily walkable and pedestrian-friendly.

We hope to see you out and about supporting the many treasured businesses Shadyside has to offer. Stay tuned to the event’s official Facebook page for updated info on participating businesses.

Many thanks to PNC and UPMC for sponsoring this event and to Think Shadyside and Pedagogy for hosting.

Re-opening Allegheny County: What the Yellow Phase Means for Shadyside Community

As of May 15, 2020, Allegheny county moved to the Yellow Phase. But what exactly does this mean for our Franklin West Residence and Shadyside neighbors?

There will be some changes under this new designation, but it is still important to take the same precautions as before to maintain the health and safety of yourself, as well as others. While people keep each others’ best interests in mind, it is up to each of us to help ensure the success of this new phase. 

As residents of Franklin West apartments, we want to keep you informed of some of the changes you may be likely to see since Allegheny county has moved into this Yellow Phase.

When walking through Shadyside, have you noticed posters on business doors or windows outlining do and don’t guidelines relating to COVID-19? As we return to normality with shopping either for groceries or retail, you can expect businesses to address whether you need to

– stay at least six feet away from other people

– wear a mask

– use credit cards and apps instead of cash

– respect the limits of how many people are allowed inside at one time

– wash your hands frequently with soap and water

– use hand sanitizer with 70%+ alcohol 

– stay home if you are feeling sick

These precautionary measures are likely already familiar to you, but it is important to know they still apply in the Yellow Phase of Pennsylvania’s reopening. Remember, these asks aren’t meant to hinder your daily activities but to keep you and your family safe. 

Sourced image from Pa Gov – Responding to COVID-19

Shopping

At this point, only retail stores with outside entrances will be open for in-person business. This includes many businesses operating in Shadyside as well as open-air malls found elsewhere. Enclosed spaces, like indoor shopping malls, will remain closed for shoppers for the time being since they pose a greater risk for the spread of COVID-19.

Ready to go shopping? Discover which local businesses around our Shadyside neighborhood are opening their doors and when:

– Shadyside Nursery will re-open to the public on Friday, May 22nd.

– Footloose Shadyside is open by appointment on Sundays-Tuesdays, and 11 am – 5 pm on Wednesdays – Saturdays.

– Henne Jewelers opened on May 15th to the public

– Caesar’s Designs is currently open on Tuesday through Saturday by appointment from 12 pm to 4 pm

– Weisshouse is back and opened the doors to the showroom.

– Rex Glass and Mirror is open by appointment only with Shadyside’s showroom.

– Penhollows re-opened with regular hours of 12 – 4 pm on Sunday and Monday, plus, 11 am to 5 pm on Tuesday – Saturday. 

– Feathers will allow 2 customers inside at a time as well as enforcing wearing masks during normal hours between 10 am to 4 pm. Appointments are welcome!

– Glassworks & Cheeks opened with regular hours on May 15th and ask customers to wear a mask. 

– Pursuits Boutique is currently open by appointment only.

– Dina Ellen is opening with limited hours on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm, and strongly encourages making a private appointment.

– Roberta Weissburg Leathers is currently open by appointment only. 

– The Dress Circle opened by appointment only but will be available everyday between 9:30 and 3:30.

– Scribe is reopening with normal hours. 

– Eons Fashion is limiting 5 customers at a time asking shoppers to wear a mask and use hand sanitizer before entering. Open every day from 12 pm to 5 pm. 

– E.B. Pepper has opened and asks that all customers wear a mask and practice social distancing. 

– Ten Toes is opening with adjusted weekly hours and allowing 2 customers in at a time. Wearing a mask and using hand sanitizer will be mandatory.

– The Picket Fence is open with regular hours. 

Please, keep in mind this list and details can change and does not reflect all information. Be patient with local businesses as they are working to keep you safe and offer the very best service!

Dining

For your dining needs, countless restaurants around our community work diligently to fulfill orders. In this stage of the Yellow Phase, dine-in is still suspended, and it’s uncertain when dine-in restrictions will be loosened.

For now, there are tons of options for delivery, takeout, and curbside pickup. Hours of operation may have changed on a restaurant-by-restaurant basis, so refer to the respective restaurant’s website, or call for updated hours. 

Let’s continue supporting local eateries by ordering food to-go, and limits the potential risk to staff and other customers. 

Outdoors & Gatherings

Make a point to enjoy the outdoors when possible; just remember to practice social distancing, and wear a mask if you’re around others. 

If regular walks, bike rides, or running are part of your routine, then it is okay to maintain these routines while being careful to avoid crowded areas. Large gatherings of more than 25 people are prohibited. While events such as weddings and funerals are okay, the maximum number of guests can not exceed 25. 

Ensuring the health and safety of residents is the primary goal of Franklin West and its staff. It’s exciting to see our county moving into a less restrictive phase, and it’s worth keeping in mind, this was only possible due to the compliance of individuals throughout the state. 

 

In order to see more restrictions lifted going forward, we must continue to be diligent in our efforts to closely follow guidelines and curb the spread of COVID-19.

All of these changes reflect measures outlined on pa.gov. If you feel ill or have been exposed to someone who is confirmed or suspected to be infected with COVID-19, then please follow CDC guidelines as outlined here and isolate yourself from others if you have not done so already.

The Leading Women Behind the Businesses in Pittsburgh

In celebration of Women’s History Month, we wanted to feature some of the female business owners in our backyard!

Leathers

Roberta Weissburg opened the doors to Leathers back in 1991 and has been selling gorgeous outerwear and accessories for men and women ever since. This shop is definitely one of a kind.

In the beginning, Roberta was working toward her dream by running Leathers from her apartment! Fast forward to 2008 and one major storefront renovation, Leathers now happily sits at 5415 Walnut Street.

Read about her story and the opening of Leathers here.

*Photo credit to Roberta Weissburg Leathers via the website

Footloose

“Now I gotta cut loose. Footloose, kick off my Sunday shoes.” ?

Jill Rubinstein is the owner running the Footloose Shadyside Boutique on Walnut Street since its opening in 1987. When you visit this shop you’ll be immersed in designer footwear, chic bags, and stylish accessories for women.

Read more about this story behind Footloose Shadyside boutique here.

*Photo credit to Footloose Shadyside via the website

Gardell by Graciana

This local jewelry shop has been described as “Organic Elegance.” The owner and designer behind this beautiful shop is Graciana Rodriguez Fennell.

Her love and instinct for art swayed her from practicing medicine, and with a focus in jewelry design, she opened the doors to Gardell in 2006. Graciana’s influence from traveling the world makes her craft so much more special.

Visiting this local shop on Walnut Street should definitely be on your to-do list. Read more about Graciana here.

*Photo credit to Gardell by Graciana via the website

Pursuits

When looking for contemporary fashion, Pursuits is the Shadyside boutique with high quality, name brand items. Roberta Brody actually founded Pursuits back in 2002, but it has since changed hands.

After being an employee for years, Maria McManus became the owner in 2008 fulfilling a life long dream of owning a business. She’s made one successful career from the retail clothing industry. She’s been featured in Pittsburgh’s WHIRL Magazine, as part of the “Class Of 2010 Women In Business.”

Ask Maria about Pursuits and she’ll say, “We help women feel great one outfit/accessory/handbag at a time… without breaking the bank.”

Discover more about Maria here!

*Photo credit to Pursuits Pittsburgh via Facebook

Studio Chiz

Ellen Chisdes Neuberg has been making and selling her art since the 70s. She recently opened her very own studio in Shadyside where you can watch Ellen at work and even buy her pieces.

Her artwork has been featured all over Pittsburgh as well as galleries in New York, Florida, and Texas. Listen to Captured Pittsburgh’s Darkroom where Ellen is the guest star of the podcast episode.

*Photo credit to Studio Chiz via the website

Pam Eisner Design

Pam Eisner is the businesswoman behind this local jewelry shop! Pam designs and hand makes all of the gorgeous pieces in her shop. Just last Fall, Pam Eisner Design was featured in several high-end publications like the August edition of Vogue magazine – Jewelry Designer Profile

You’ll find this local jewelry store on Walnut street. Read more about Pam’s story here.

*Photo credit to Pam Eisner Designs via Instagram

Williams Sonoma

Williams Sonoma is a pretty well-known retail store around the US, but did you know the CEO and President is Laura J. Alber? She is a University of Pennsylvania alum and became an American businesswoman who has led this retail giant since 2010!

The retailer is known for high-quality products for your home. You’ll be able to visit this store on Walnut Street!

“Our customers love their homes, and we have a singular focus on helping make them a reflection of who they are” – Laura Alber

*Photo credit to Williams Sonoma via the website

Eureka Chocolates and Gifts

When you have a craving for chocolate, you have to visit Susan McGinty at Eureka! Susan has transformed her passion into a business by offering the finest products and personalized shopping experience.

Check out Eureka on Facebook

*Photo credit to Eureka Chocolates and Gifts via the website.

Lily & Val

Valerie McKeehan is the creative soul and businesswoman bringing hand-lettered chalkboard art to life through Lily and Val. First hustling as a small, virtual shop on Etsy, Lily and Val is now a boutique on Liberty Ave.

Learn more about the Lily and Val story here!

*Photo credit to Lily and Val via Instagram

Alex & Ani

Carolyn Rafaelian is the CEO and Founder of Alex & Ani. As an American-Armenian entrepreneur and businesswoman, she runs her business with a force of positivity! You’ll find this beautiful retail/jewelry store on Walnut Street.

“We are connected with each other through signs, symbols, and things that resonate to our core.” – Carolyn Rafaelian

See more about the Alex & Ani story here.

*Photo credit to Alex and Ani via Instagram

Weisshouse

President and owner, Stacy Weiss, has spent over two decades leading her family business toward success. This local home furnishings shop specializes in high-end flooring, furniture, and kitchens. Elle Decor has even pegged Weisshouse as, “The best home furnishings store in Pittsburgh.”

Check out more of the Weisshouse story here and visit them on Highland Ave.

*Photo credit to Weisshouse via Instagram

Happy Women’s History Month!

Eat, Drink, and Be Social Business Mixer Featuring Pittsburgh’s Finest

Looking for something interesting to do tonight? No worries, we have you covered. East Liberty Chamber is partnering with local business owner Kiya Tomlin and  Kimberley Ashley Catering to host this month’s Eat Drink & Be Social Business Mixer.

Everyone is welcome and encouraged to connect while enjoying delicious hor d’oeuvres and cocktails. Today’s mixer will take place at Kiya Tomlin Boutique, which is located at 5983 Broad Street, Pittsburgh Pa 15206. Doors will open at 5:30 pm. Since this is only a two-hour event, the boutique will be closing at  7:30 pm.

Don’t forget, RSVP here: http://www.eastlibertychamber.org/mixer

“Dress for Comfort… and Style”

We love supporting local businesses, and Kiya Tomlin Boutique is right in our neck of the wood on Broad Street. Getting there is less than a 5-minute walk!

Here are some impressive facts about Kiya Tomlin Boutique:

  1. From mill to market, Kiya Tomlin clothes are made solely in the United States.
  1. Clothes made from bamboo? Yes, please! When compared to cotton, bamboo is actually softer, silkier, and dries faster. Plus, environmentally friendly as a high sustaining resource, bamboo clothing is 100% biodegradable. Need we say more?
  2. Kiya Tomlin makes online shopping a breeze. The site clearly identifies need-to-know information. Read about return policies, and get the most out of your clothes by checking out washing instructions.

Inspired by the modern women, Kiya first launched her collection in Fall 2014. Kiya has said, “My background in custom design inspires me to design for a variety of figures. My experience as a woman of many roles drives the direction and functionality of my designs. By combining these inspirations, I can create comfortable clothes that inspire confidence. That confidence is what makes a woman truly beautiful.”

Click here to discover Kiya Tomlin Boutique or find her on Instagram.