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Save Lotus Sky (SoS) #COVID19 #SmallBusinessRelief

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Hi, My name is Hayat Alkhulani. I am the proud owner of Lotus Sky, LLC – a wellness studio dedicated to helping clients improve their level of health through cleansing and detoxification. My mission is to build on the cornerstones of wellness – proper diet, regular exercise, peace of mind, and care of the body.
 
Lotus Sky is located at 33 Plymouth Street: At Montclair, New Jersey’s premier “All Green” wellness center, in a beautiful hidden oasis near the city’s hub of shopping, dining, entertainment, and fitness.
 
Montclair’s amazing community graciously welcomed and embraced me from the onset. I instantly, became part of that community. I have lovingly given back via charitable sponsorships, volunteering, mentoring, and monetary donations. As well as, supporting other local small businesses.
 
Backstory:
Lotus Sky opened its doors in the fall of 2011 with much excitement, anticipation, and the hope of things to come. This was a time when the economy was still in a rut. But, in spite of it, Lotus Sky prevailed. This was achieved through hard work, dedication, and perseverance:
 
· Tirelessly working seven days a week, including holidays: Monday – Friday 8am to 8pm, and Saturday – Sunday 8am to 6pm.
· As sole proprietor, carrying out the various roles and responsibilities of practitioner, administrator, accountant, brand ambassador, etc.
· And, consistently providing top quality services and ongoing support.
 
Fast forward to 2020, which started off strong. Plans were even being discussed about Lotus Sky’s upcoming 2021 10-Year anniversary.
 
Who could have predicted COVID-19, and its global impact on each and every one of us. New Jersey issued an Executive Order mandating the temporary closure of Lotus Sky, effective March 19, 2020. Income abruptly ceased at that point.
 
Current Status:
As a self-employed practitioner, when services are not performed, income is not generated. Hence, expenses cannot be covered for the duration. It has been nearly seven weeks since the closure. And, it could be another month or so before the mandate is lifted.
 
I am ineligible for the small business loan programs offered by state and federal governments, which are geared toward reducing or eliminating the need for employee layoffs or furloughs. Lotus Sky does not have employees, and therefore does not qualify for those loans.
 
The small business grant program received unprecedented demand. The funds were exhausted within an hour after the application window opened. I was notified that the program was oversubscribed, and that I have been placed on the waitlist should additional funding become available.
 
Lastly, to help safeguard Lotus Sky against unforeseen events, “Business Interruption” coverage has always been purchased as part of the annual insurance premium. To my surprise, however, insurers have taken the position that claims related to COVID-19 are not covered, because there has been no physical damage to the property.
 
Sources of cash are running out paying ongoing expenses – namely, rent and overhead. If lack of income was not enough, the added weight of not being there for my clients is also a cause of major concern.
 
I care about the wellbeing of my clients, and have come to know them on a deep and personal level. They are like family. And, you always want to be there to help in any way. And, it is nerve-racking when you cannot.
 
Helping clients improve their level of health and wellbeing is my “raison d’être”. It is why I enjoy the work that I do. Lotus Sky was conceived out of the desire to share the knowledge and experience gained from my own personal journey to live a healthy lifestyle. I am not ready to give up on that passion, or this wonderful community.
 
Fighting an economic slump at the start of Lotus Sky’s journey in 2011 was a battle won. But, fighting a virus that has taken down the entire globe is a battle that can only be won together.
 
How You Can Help:
Funds given to this campaign will help Lotus Sky thrive beyond this perilous hardship, and keep the doors open at this immediate point in time, and over the next several months, and longer.
 
The goal is to raise $15,000. Of which, $11,000 will cover ongoing rent and overhead. The remaining funds will be used to ensure cash on-hand to cover equipment ($2,000), marketing ($900), and supply ($1,100) needs once Lotus Sky reopens.
 
Feel free to give any amount you like. I will be forever grateful.
 
Truth Be Told:
I must admit that it is hard for me to ask for help. So, I was quite hesitant to launch this campaign. However, the process of telling my story has allowed me to get it off my mind and my heart. Doing so has actually been quite therapeutic. Wow! Thank you!
 
Closing Message:
I would like to close with a statement reflecting the sentiment of businesses around the globe. “Our doors may be closed, but our hearts and minds are open”. We look forward to seeing you again. Until then, we wish you well!!! And, send you sundrenched vibes, honey soaked kisses, and an abundance of love.
 
Thank you for the past nine years, and allowing me to be part of your lives. I have faith that the dream of celebrating Lotus Sky’s 10-Year anniversary, will come to fruition…as well as its 20-Year anniversary.
 
I have heard from many of you over the past months. Thank you for checking in to see how I am holding up. I have felt love and support. And, I am grateful beyond words for each and every one of you, and the community we continue to build together.
 
Lastly, I encourage you to support small businesses during this crisis and beyond. Your donations and/or purchases will make it that much easier for us to recover from this period of unprecedented economic hardship. We are in this together! 
 
With Gratitude & Appreciation,

Hayat
 
#COVID-19
#SmallBusinessRelief
#WomanOwnedBusiness
#HealthyLifestyle
#LotusSkyMontclairNJ
#MontclairNJ
#WeLoveLocal
#CommunityStrong
#WeAreInThisTogether
#GivingTuesdayNow
#SaveLotusSky(SoS)




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    Organizer

    HAYAT ALKHULANI
    Organizer
    Montclair, NJ

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