My name is Erica Forbes and I am the owner of The Lotus Boutique, a sustainable boutique in Santa Barbara. This past year has been incredibly difficult not only with the economy struggling, but this was the hardest year financially ever for our small business. We then had floods in November / December, causing damage to shop / merchandise, insurance not covering the losses. Making our December a very difficult one ( not having our regular holiday sales to depend on). Normally our holiday season keeps us forward going to spring. But without these few things moving along. We are in a hard situation. We were already behind this entire year, using our credit card, savings and all resources to stay open.

With having floods and having a slow holiday season, we have became even more behind. December was a huge loss on top of the overall year.

This year has brought a huge physical change for me personally as well. I have been diagnosed with severe anemia( no underlying cause) And still trying to figure out. For the last year I have been hospitalized, have had to receive blood transfusion, iron infusions, oncology every 3 months. Everyone says to rest, but I cannot. I have to catch up to keep the doors open for my shop. This is my livelihood, this is how I care for my family and myself. I believe that our shop is an important part of Santa Barbara. I would like to remain here as a small business serving the Santa Barbara community as I have for the last 18 years.

Thank you for reading my story. Any support is deeply appreciated. ✨Best, Erica Forbes