Local Businesses Spreading Light Through COVID-19

It is through this challenging time that Laguna Beach residents have found their resilience and strength. The current state of the world underlines the importance of community and how that concept can turn us from inward facing and stress-focused to outward looking and full of compassion. 

The statewide social distancing mandate has unreservedly forced us as a collective to hit the pause button. For many, this is completely foreign and disconcerting, but through this pause, a new space can be cultivated. This space holds infinite wisdom and presence to allow for rekindling with estranged friends, lending a helping hand to a stranger, and rediscovering our own innate creativity. 

Leveraging the power of community and online networks, we hope that highlighting the below small businesses and individuals will bring in light, hope, and support…

Argaux

Strengthening your support network is so important during this time and Argaux's Quarantine Edition Blind Tasting Kits are the perfect means to FaceTime with friends. Argaux is a women owned wine club based out of Costa Mesa who have decided that social distancing can be responsible and fun. Their kit includes 2-4 bottles (red, white, or mixed) wrapped in tissue paper, tasting grids, and even a handy “How-To Blind Taste” guide. All you have to do is organize a virtual meet-up with friends. 

IG: _argaux_

Bala Shala Yoga for Kids  

For anyone with children and work at home, it can be a challenge to manage all your last minute commitments. Bala Shala Yoga is teaching their normal line up of classes (including Teen Yoga and Parent and Baby Yoga) on their YouTube channel with the option for Laguna Beach students to receive P.E. credits for taking the classes. 

IG: @balashala_yogaforkids // YouTube: @balashala_tv 

California Surf Experience

California Surf Experience is living up to its “Life is all about the experiences” motto. Founder, Ryan Croteau is volunteering his time to anyone who may be at high risk or struggling with illness and unable to leave their home. He’s willing to pick up groceries and supplies and drop them right at your door. Ryan can be reached on California Surf Experience’s Instagram.

IG: californiasurfexperience

Dr J’s Natural

With so many healthcare workers working tireless hours, Dr. J’s Natural is stepping up and donating hand sanitizers to charities and hospitals. A Garden Grove based nutraceutical company with a focus on health and wellness, they are truly embracing this message through their donations. Dr J’s Natural is also currently hiring staff to help with shipping, for anyone who may be experiencing economic hardship due to the quarantine and looking for additional income.

IG: drjsnatural 

Laguna Supply 

Laguna Supply is a woman-owned small business offering boutique clothing based out of Laguna Beach and Corona Del Mar. They are offering 25% off everything on their site and free shipping with code: shopsmall. 

IG: lagunasupply

Liz Campbell Yoga

To keep your mind and body balanced, Liz Campbell is offering donation based virtual yoga flow classes on Mondays and Wednesdays at 11am. Liz is also offering private Skype sessions for anyone who needs an extra dose of Zen. 

IG: laguna_beach_yoga_teacher

Maryann’s Menu

Maryann Minck is a staunch supporter of using food as a unifier, and this sentiment has never been so timely. Maryann is a private chef who is offering her expertise and services by cooking and delivering meals to the Laguna Beach community. The meals can be tailored to include special diets such as gluten free, dairy free, paleo, vegan, and more.

IG: maryannsmenu

MDitate OC

Whether you’re an avid meditator looking for community or someone searching for peace in this uncertain environment, MDitate OC is streaming all their classes. Scheduled through the MINDBODY app, they are continuing to offer their mix of Sound Healing, Qigong, and Loving Kindness Meditation (which has been shown to turn on the parasympathetic system and turn off the fight-or-flight response). In addition, their Instagram page is full of positive messages and hope, which can seem to be in short supply these days. 

IG: MDitateoc

Nirvana Grille 

At the corner of Beach and Broadway is a Laguna Beach favorite for contemporary clean California cuisine. Nirvana Grille is using their resources to offer a co-op for food items and supplies that may be missing or in short supply on grocery shelves. In addition, they are offering hot meals to-go when ordered through their website.

IG: nirvanagrille

Spa Gregories

Spa Gregorie has always been a standout for their commitment to give back to their community and support various charities throughout the year. In the current crisis, they have shifted their focus to provide the community with critical safety items including hospital grade disinfectant and toilet paper. They even offer a re-fill option for the disinfectant to reduce waste. Looking forward, they are offering a “post-confinement” gift certificate sale to be used towards a massage, facial, or body treatment.

IG: spagregories

The Stand

A Laguna Beach classic since 1975, The Stand is committed to providing the Laguna Beach community with a 100% vegan menu for all. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner, seven days a week are available through take-out or delivery via DoorDash.

IG: @thestandlaguna

Rose Street Creative

A local marketing agency, Rose Street Creative is lending their support to three Laguna Beach-based businesses for customized digital strategy support for the next two months to boost business, morale, and community engagement. For more information reach out to them via Instagram.

IG: @rosestreetcreative

Laguna Beach Living

If you’ve always wanted your brand to be featured on LBL, we have slashed our advertising rates. By turning our readership’s eyes on local brands we hope to help small businesses stay in the forefront of Laguna locals’ minds. We’re happy to commit to the extra work, whether it’s a custom article about your brand, a photoshoot, or a dedicated newsletter highlighting all the greatness you are doing.

IG: @lagunabeach.living

We will continually be updating this list, so if your business is stepping up send us an email at hi@lagunabeachliving.com and we’ll add you. We’re in good company!

Meagan Ashmore is an Orange County native who finds endless joy and inspiration in the beach cities of the California coast. Find her on Instagram at @orangebohemain_.