Lessons in a COVID World
COVID Pivot
2020 had us abruptly hulting our growing classroom operations, put off all concept of continued growth, and derailed our business to within an inch of it’s life. One of the greatest saving graces was the fact that we don’t offer gift cards and thus didn’t have to refund or pay up on gift cards purchased in the months of prosperity to be redeemed in the months of doubt. (More info on our gift card policy, and “Why” HERE ). We pursevered, pivoting towards online educational content and growing our social platforms and with the help of a dedicated community that kept orders coming in which allowed us to scrape by- 2020 was a year we survived.
2021 had prospects of stability, settling into the new norm with half occupancy classes and less “make your own ring” folks traveling from outside our local region- but we were feeling confident. Through a series of residual impacts from COVID, we were given another “Sink or Swim” opportunity, and chose to take the biggest risk to the business to date- moving to a bigger and better facility!
As we close out 2021, we’ve just settled into our new space. Nothing feels stable about this coming winter, but we’ve prepared the best we can to offer unique COVID pivots as needed moving forward. Our new space allows for greater comfort and distancing and we have a series of plans in place that we feel will prepare us well for whatever comes next. If we're back to half occupancy…. half occupancy here is 8 students, not TWO (the last shop).
Cheers- to 2023 and beyond!
Please keep in mind we don’t have much opinion or say in some of the specifics of how we get to handle things in these changing days. You can stand by your beliefs and we can stand by ours, but in the end….. our insurance company always has the final say in what’s allowed. We have a pretty unique insurance policy, a necessary evil in allowing strangers to come enjoy first time experiences working with hot metal, and they dictate much of how we operate.
Their rules allow us to grow our business, so please…. help us out, and just play along.
CURRENT Covid Guidelines
Last Revised 1/8/23
MASKS ARE Welcome, but not required.
I don’t know man, it’s a weird time. At this point, masks are not required for ANYONE, but are and always will be welcome in our shop. Anyone who is pressuring or making someone who choses to wear one uncomfortable, is not welcome in our shop.
PLEASE, PLEASE, SERIOUSLY PLEASE- If you’re sick, or have been in direct contact with someone that you know to be sick with COVID (OR ANYTHING ELSE FOR THAT MATTER), don’t come. Reach out, we’ll work out a solution. We really just don’t want to get sick, we don’t want to shut down, we don’t want to have to keep updating this page with updated rules. Please, just be mindful, be compassionate, and be respectful of someone that’s in your class that may have a different set of concerns than you do. JUST BE NICE!
Your instructors receive regular tests. In the case of a positive test- you’ll be notified and your class will be rescheduled. I assure you- we’re doing everything possible to keep you safe, we want you to go home HAPPY, not sick.
If you’re experiencing any symptoms, were in direct contact with someone that’s recently tested positive, or test positive yourself- PLEASE reach out so we can find someone to take your spot and offer you a refund.
We have plenty of space to keep safe distances within the space- and I’m glad to wear an N95 mask if it’s something that makes you more comfortable. I’m putting YOU first, let me know how I can make you comfortable within our guidelines.