During the current state of the world & pandemic we find ourselves living through, we are probably washing our hands more now than ever. With excessive hand washing comes to removal of our skin's natural microbiome and oils that live on the skin. These natural oils work hard day and night to repair and soothe the skin, but right now, due to current events, the natural oils & microbiome on the skin is working ever so hard, but also is beginning to lose the fight. 

Unless you're living under a rock... you will know that their is a global pandemic literally sweeping the globe. The Coronavirus that originated in China has made it's way across Europe, Africa, and now into North America. Italy is closed- full quarantine unless going out for groceries and medical supplies- aside from that they must stay home. 

What is the Coronavirus you might ask? Basically it is a virus that presents itself as a cold with a fever & labored breathing. Those who are most at risk are elderly and those with compromised immune systems (autoimmune, autonomic, etc). Children aren't immune (there is an article going around saying that they are) but the virus presents itself differently and usually much more mild. The death toll is in the thousands right now & leaders around the globe are hoping to slow the spread of the virus. 

In the United States- many (if not all) public schools are closed. In Michigan, where I am located, restaurants, spas, and gyms are closed. Some restaurants are allowing delivery and carry out orders. The stores are a bit ransacked depending upon your area... and everyone is obsessed with having enough toilet paper. We are practicing something called social distancing. This is basically where you don't really go out into the main public unless you have to, many people are working from home, no playdates, no family gatherings, etc until the beginning of April, while some government officials say this might last until July. A lot is up in the air at the moment. 

Back in 2012, when I first began making soaps & body butters, I had no idea that it was going to be something I would do full time. Honestly, I really thought that it was just going to be something to fill my time as we navigated my health. As time has gone on, HBC Organics has gone through many changes. Being a small business, we are continually faced with hurdles. In 2019 alone, we have faced social media algorithm issues, had to buy out our contract with a marketing company, and more. In 2018, we also faced many of issues- such as hiring an assistant that stole from us and more. We've seen our fair share of issues and setbacks and always just chugged along.  Any business can face the tough things and it is never ever easy to admit that we might need some help.