Small businesses react after Parkland shooting

In the immediate aftermath of the Parkland shooting, this is what some companies did.

In the afternoon of Valentine’s Day, as many as 17 people were killed in a mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida.

Outside Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.

This shooting –the most deadly since the Sandy Hook elementary school in Newtown, Connecticut– transformed the way life is lived in the small Florida neighborhood, however, small businesses seek to make life peaceful and normal as families try to re-gain tranquility.

According to Inc.com, Maryam Braun, co-founder of Evolution Martial Arts, said “Everything is running as usual, and I think that’s important (…) The kids need to get back to their routine and have some sort of normal. Parents right now are struggling to figure out what to do with themselves.”

Andrew Shultz, the founder of a local dance studio called Next Level Performing Arts, follows on the approach of attempting to follow normality, as he stated: “We are going to a dance competition this weekend, so we have to practice,” he says. “It sounds trivial, but these kids have been working since August, and I think that just canceling everything could make the situation worse.”

Nevertheless, Shultz is aware of all the changes that may come, as he continues: “I’m absolutely concerned about losing business. Now people will be frightened to be here.”

Janna Drucker, founder of a Parkland boutique called Fannies Finds, on the other hand, usually slips motivational quotes in the customers´bag when she senses they have a bad day. According to Inc.com, she is planning to do the same for Parkland residents.

“When you’re a business owner, you really get to know the residents,” Drucker added to the statement. “My role is to provide whatever comfort I can, even if it’s small.”

After tensions are running high for civilians, small businesses are seeing how they can help their community.

Article inspired on a previous Inc.com lecture.

This is what companies did after the Las Vegas October shooting,