518 Spidey

Meet…Spiderman? (he/him), yes you read that right, “518 Spidey” to be exact. He is your friendly neighborhood Spiderman, but he doesn’t fight crime in the Capital District, he spreads positivity and and gives people a smile in these times where we need it most. 

Whether it’s a childhood nostalgia, or seeing the faces of kids and adults alike light up, this Spiderman travels around the Capital District a few times a week. Ben Bohl is a 20 year old from Schenectady, and now better known as “Albany’s Spiderman” who’s impressive acrobatic climbing skills leave citizens wondering if what they actually saw was a real superhero. 

We all have it in us to be real life super heroes in the aspect of looking for positivity and helping those in need. I had the opportunity to meet up with Spidey himself at the Empire State Plaza, where we discussed what moved him to don the costume. “ I’ve been a Spiderman fan forever, to the point where I don’t remember where I even heard of him first, he was just always there. I wanted to grow up to be Spiderman, so this has been a dream come true.” Bohl tells us that the first Spidey suit he had gotten was nearly four years ago for fun, and for a while, he had appeared at birthday parties. “I haven’t done a birthday party in a long time, the suit was just there. One day, I was waiting for my friend to get out of work and put on the suit. I wasn’t trying to do anything but make people smile and laugh. As time went on, the more I thought about it, I figured that during this crazy time in the world - I’m an able bodied, healthy human being, why am I not doing something to help my community?” That’s just what he did. He created an Instagram account, and in less than 3 weeks he has nearly a thousand followers from all over the Capital Region, and receives messages daily on how he’s been seen climbing around the city and has made people’s day. “Not to sound cliche, but it has become a responsibility to do my part in my community.” Here Bohl is referencing the iconic Spiderman quote “With great power, comes great responsibility” told to the fictional  Peter Parker by his Uncle Ben.

Out of all the things Bohl could be doing, I asked why Spiderman? His response struck something in me, that I immediately related to.  

“When you look at Spiderman and all he’s gone through, you can relate to just about anything. He’s lost loved ones, friends, families, battles, fights, failed school, fired from jobs, eviction - everything, but he still chooses to do the right thing.”

— Ben Bohl, 518 Spidey

In todays world, between social injustices, corruption, Coronavirus, it’s reassuring to know that there are people out there who genuinely want to do the right thing. People genuinely want to make these human connections, and make positive change. 

It’s no secret that these past four months, and the present we are living in is a challenging time. For adults, and children the world has been twisted upside down, and to snap a photo or talk to someone that makes you forget all of the negative even for a second, is a beautiful thing. Additionally, Bohl is just 20 years old - this is definitely a positive sign for future generations of change makers. 

Our entire interview, we were getting stopped for photos, and car horns were going wild. The amount of positive reaction in the mere 30 minutes we spend together was frankly beautiful. All over social media you can see the stories and messages Bohl will post that he’s gotten from people of all ages. 

Bohl has been interviewed by multiple news sources in the area to spread the smiles, but fame and money was never in his mind - he has another motive behind publicity. On the 518 Spidey Instagram bio is  the quote “you can be a hero”, and it links to a GoFundMe Bohl has set up on behalf of the Child Rescue Coalition Inc. The mission of the CRC is to protect all children from sexual exploitation through our innovative technology and partnerships with organizations to prevent children's contact with and law enforcement's apprehension of sexual predators. There is a one thousand dollar goal set, and he is only a tenth of the way to reaching that goal - $150 raised at the time of this interview. 

During these unprecedented times, there are so many challenges and troubles in our world, don’t have tunnel vision. Look up, you never know if you’ll see Albany’s own web slinging, friendly neighborhood Spiderman. 

To support the GoFundMe, please visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/a783k5-be-a-hero?utm_source=instagram&utm_campaign=p_cf+share-flow-1&utm_medium=social

To follow Bohl, what’s going on, and where he may be next, we highly recommend his Instagram account, @518spidey. 

// Please note all quoted statements above are those of Mr. Bohl and not reflective Faiella Studios.

Bri Larsen - Whisky Business

Meet Bri Larsen, (she/her) owner and pastry chef at Whisky Business Bakery in Rotterdam, New York. “The bakery came about quite unexpectedly” Larsen tells us as an opening statement for her interview. ‘Unexpected’ is one of the many adjectives that can be applied to the last four months of our lives. Between the pandemic - which has been the catalyst for this project - to any of the humanitarian work and social justice work that has been bubbling over our brains…2020 has been heavy to say the least. Perseverance has been another adjective applied to the last four months for anyone reading this as well. The will to overcome and push forward has been tested for many of humans across our globe, but we can’t lose sight of the better days ahead. Here at Faiella Studios we had taken a reflective step back and then acknowledged and realized that pushing our passion, immersing ourselves in this craft and adapting to the world is how we are going to persevere- this has always been our way to give back.

Speaking of perseverance, that’s what Larsen has been doing throughout starting her business and during the pandemic, as her opening came just a month before the pandemic hit in New York state. “I quit my job in the food industry not realizing what would become of that decision. I was simply tired of working for companies underpaying yet expect the world from me. I’ve had menus and flavors cooped up in notebooks for years.” From her own passions for cooking and baking and the desire to forge her own path, Whisky Business was born. 

Whisky Business is a play on words to baking - Larsen tells us with a smile. “I struggled for months to come up with the business name, woke up in the middle of the night and thought of it…I LIVE for puns, they are a daily occurrence and I always incorporate them into the business social media pages.” Besides the meaning of the name being meant to mean whisk as in the utensil, the bakery does infuse some of their products, like their homemade caramel, with Woodford Reserve. That’s not where the bakery ends on their unique concoctions, they partner with many local brands such as Sprinklista, The Dutch Udder, Wolf Hollow Brewing, and Off Duty Cookies to name a few. Larsen is a believer in supporting local, and teaming up with different ingredients to create a tasty and unique desert.

What is her favorite you ask? Well, it’s undoubtedly her obsession with macron she calls a personal favorite since her time studying at the Culinary Institute of America, and has been baking and perfecting her recipe for them for the past ten years. “They are such little gems that people are now becoming more interested and intrigued by!” To be frank, my first macron was from Larsens’ shoppe, and she has definetly perfected the recipe in the last decade. 

As we mentioned above, Larsen had opened her bakery parallel to the beginning of the pandemic, and she tells us that “remaining positive during the pandemic sure has been a task”.  Like other businesses we’ve featured in the project, Larsen and her team had to adapt to the changes her business would face. “We opened the bakery just a month before all of this began, but are thankful we were able to grow a small customer base in a short period of time.” On top of her customer base who has remained loyal, Whisky Business has gained a large social media following after local news agencies picked up the story of their opening.

“We go into every single day not knowing what to expect. ”

— Bri Larsen, Whisky Business

“…hoping to hit our daily sales goal, to connect to other local businesses, and make friends in our community. We’ve learned from the pandemic that bad days may be frequent but it just makes us appreciated the good days that much better!” Larsen has a very optimistic view, and is grateful she gets to do what she loves day in and day out. There’s something to be said about taking a difficult situation and making the best of it. 

Like we’ve mentioned in previous articles, the sudden stop of our world as we knew it could be, and has been for many, extremely mentally taxing. Everyone will cope as they need to, and with the world slowly opening back up, we learn to live a “new normal” as they say. This doesn’t mean that the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, isn’t still out there. We need to keep our precautions in place, and slowly find out what that means for each part of our lives. 

Mental health and self care are important to nurture in life, and being self aware of those things, Larsen is extremely grateful. “I’ve learned that opening my bakery was what I truly needed, it gives me a new purpose, excitement, and meaning”. In this unprecedented and quite frankly stressful time, her gratitude and radiating excitement is inspiring. 

“As a new business owner I like to think all of us share that intense passion and drive to do our best to be our best for the public .The public can be quite demanding and yet we smile and do our everything we can to please. I’m proud to be supported by other businesses and have been welcomed so kindly by the community.” There it is… the statement that ties all of this together; human connection. There is so much struggle and stress in the world today. So many small businesses and bigger businesses are closing and struggling - yet at the same time what we (especially the media) are overlooking is the genuine partnership and kindness. I personally have never seen so many businesses collaborate with each other. Whether it be on a smaller scale -  these local restaurants and bakeries - to organizations in our communities and beyond. I’m sure I’ve already said this, but it can’t just be a “trend”, or something that “happened because of the pandemic”. We need to build relationships and sustain them, because when you look at what really made society survive, it was the people. Whether it’s reaching out to a friend when you’re feeling low, or reaching out to another business, or friend when you’re feeling incredible - resulting in making these connections.  

The world probably will never be the same as it was before this pandemic, therefore it’s up to us to make it better post pandemic and beyond. 

Keep an eye on Whisky Business’ social media (@Whiskybusinessbakery_ on Instagram) to see the future pop up style events, their collaborations, or just to make your sweet tooth ache. Better yet, stop by the bakery at 1051 Curry Road, Schenectady New York!

Keep dreaming those buttercream dreams… and in the words of the masterminds at Whisky Business, “support local, stay safe, be kind, and eat well!”

// Please note all quoted statements above are those of Ms. Larsen and not reflective Faiella Studios.

Matt Doheny-ABC Sports and Fitness

Meet Matt Doheny (he/him), co-owner and General Manager of ABC Sports and Fitness in Latham, New York. ABC has accumulated a massive following over their years of operation, and that loyalty from so many has shined through this unprecedented time for all of us. 

Matt’s story comes to you just days after Albany County Executive Dan McCoy announced that the the state has decided to not allow for the reopening of gyms in Phase Four. Gov. Cuomo and his team has decided that as New York State continues the process of reopening the economy in the wake of the this terrible pandemic, the last phase in the current plan -Phase Four - will no longer include shopping malls, gyms or movie theaters. This is a devastating blow to not only business owners, but the communities they serve. “This gym, is far healthier than any Walmart or grocery store will ever be - you have health conscious people who care about their immune system, their health. Which is why they’re coming to the gym. It just stinks we are the first to close, and probably the last to open…” Doheny tells us.

That wasn’t the only painful thing that has come down from government officials, back in March when ABC had originally gone into quarantine mode, Matt found out via social media.

“I found out I was closing through a tweet from Governor Cuomo. A 10am tweet on Twitter that I had to close my business in just hours.”

— Matt Doheny

That is unacceptable, and just one of the many balls that have been dropped in regards to small businesses. “How is that okay for business owners? There are guys who work their entire lives for their businesses and just to be told in a matter of 3 months, it comes crumbling down.. I can’t imagine and my heart goes out to those businesses, but I believe ABC has the will survive.” Matt has had non stop people reaching out from “personal texts, emails, Facebook and Instagram DM’s - everyone wants answers.” The unique community created at ABC has banded together in an outpour of support. Blake Santoro, an employee and avid ABC member for years tells us “coming to the gym is like therapy to so many people.” You can see other members all over social media saying how much they love the community, and even being proactive sharing information about ABC and upcoming outdoor classes, to a petition aimed to reopen gyms in the capitol region created by Kristen Casper, esq, which I will link to below. Casper writes “Many local business owners, including the owners of ABC Fitness in Latham, NY (a very popular locally owned business in the capital region) have worked diligently on creating a safe environment for their members, and ensuring that once opened, they will be strictly adhering to any guidelines set in place. ABC Fitness has on only provided a sanctuary for many community members suffering from mental illness and physical disabilities, but has been a large staple of community service and support in the capital region.”

Matt took over managing ABC 9 years ago. “I got in here, met the members, saw the possibilities and fell in love with it. I get to hangout with my best friends all day, meet new people. At the end of the day this business helps people become better- healthier- and it’s very rewarding for what it is. “

Matt constantly throws his entire heart and soul into his business - fueled by his passion for fitness- every detail of ABC has been implemented with members in mind. The colors of the gym are orange, and Matt tell us because “..it’s the color of the sun - bright and happy. It’s clean, bright and positive”. Matt goes into the explanation on how all different moods can be effected by the colors around us.  The colors aren’t the only things in place to benefit the members. The gym has always focused on the safety aspects, and things such as Heppa Filters had been installed in the roof to help circulate the air, and get bacterias out of the system. Sanitation stations had been at nearly every station - but now with COVID precautions, the facility has added things such as Nanoseptic stickers on all the doors, and sanitizing stations provided at every single station. NanoSeptic is a technology used on high traffic and public areas to continuously self-clean the surface. Matt has spent countless hours and resources on building barriers in between each individual machine. “I’ve installed barriers made out of heppa style shower curtains, this way because of that material, the bacteria can’t transmit from side to side or stick on the curtain…at the end of the day, I’ll do all I can for safety as we reopen. We will have people enforcing sanitation and distancing. That’s not going to be much different than it’s always been, I’m just blessed to have the following that we do here, so I’m doing all I can to ensure it’s safe for everyone when we come back.”

Part of ABC’s popularity stems from the variety of classes they offer. Some classes are continuous, others are specialized classes with guests. For the foreseeable future when the gym gets the chance to reopen, Matt has edited the layout of the studio to have boxes outlined on the ground. This means not only will the size of the classes be inevitably cut in half, but people will have to stay in their assigned boxes to ensure all social distancing possible will occur. They (ABC) are estimating a very small number for classes, which is more than a 60% estimated cut in order to respect social distancing. Previously ABC has hosted competitions and classes with turnouts well over 100 people. 

Though they have the equipment you’ll need and classes, they are so much more than a “regular” gym, it’s in their name. ABC Stands for “Albany Barbell Club”. They have a whole large, separate space dedicated to those who love lifting the heavy iron. “It’s a gym within a gym. No lunk alarms out here!” Doheny tells us how the space used to be a basketball court that was falling apart. He took it upon himself to refurbish the space. He also takes it upon himself to repair the machines - and he actually welds machines into custom equipment as well. 

It doesn’t end there - this gym is also home to the ‘ABC Spartans’, which are a special olympics powerlifting team. The members find the gym, and there’s a waiting list. The members of the barbell club take these people under their wing. ABC is the only gym in the local area that has a specific team like this. “They are the coolest, most motivated humans, and they add so much to the community here.”

COVID-19 has effected all aspects of working out, especially being a respiratory illness. With working out, an important aspect is your air intake. Making sure you’re breathing correctly so you don’t cause injury to yourself, which makes face masks another hurdle to overcome. How do you work out with these things on? That’s semi rhetorical. Matt tells us “it’s going to be very dangerous - you have to be able to breathe right”. Even during this conversation, Matt jokes about how he’s constantly smiling to others under his mask and that’s even ineffective.

Ideally, Matt and his team would like to keep the gym a 24/7 operation and integrate a ‘senior hour’ and a reservation system. This reservation system would have people utilizing an app, click a slot to workout in, and respect that timeframe so people can continue to come. This gym has a membership of roughly 1,500 people at any given time. With one location, and a 300 person occupancy, Matt wants to ensure everyone gets their fair shot at a time slot. He also discusses how he wants to resume classes as soon as possible, and he already has. I encourage you to follow ABC on Instagram (handles below), and visit their website regularly to not only receive updates - but ABC is beginning as of this past weekend to host outdoor fitness classes. First come first serve as there is a limited availability on open slots. 

ABC has two levels of membership… a basic and premium option. Basic is equipment only, and for $10 a more a month is classes, tanning, all access. The best part about that is ABC is a no commitment gym, you’re not locked into a contract so you can come and go as you please - but we strongly believe you’ll be staying. They also have a whole pantry of available supplements from meal replacements, pre workouts, to protein bars and actual meals, and a merchandise line that has caught on like wildfire with their members and beyond. Doheny is constantly creating new designs, partnering with other businesses and supporting great causes. For example, last year ABC created rainbow pride shirts. Their restocks normally sell out very fast.  

Being family owned and operated, “Support your local gym”, or more commonly #supportyourlocalgym, is the slogan that ABC has coined. ABC is a family - getting to know Matt through this pandemic project has showed me that- along with realizing how many of my family and friends attend his gym. When you walk into the establishment, you walk through a hallway that people are dying to be featured in- this hall is lined with pictures from members who have traveled across the world and have taken a photo donning a “Support your local gym” apparel item. Photos from Italy to various states across the US, people can’t get enough of ABC because it’s not just a gym.

“Support those who support you” A Facebook posts reads from a member about Matt and his leadership at ABC. It couldn’t be more truthful. For nearly the last decade, Matt has poured his heart into the family ABC is. I’ve beaten the dead horse saying we should be championing others passions, and supporting small businesses. As COVID restrictions ease and things reopen, we have to show up for others. We have to pass on the good vibes and support all we can. Human connection has been fostered for much longer than quarantine at ABC.

Therefore, when you leave your house without a mask - think of people like Matt who are crushed that their business isn’t reopening. Gyms don’t even have a date of when they can - so we need to continue doing all we can to not only ‘flatten the curve’ but destroy it. We need to continue to, or do a better job at, adhering to guidelines, and taking care of our own health. Things are going to continuously be changing as we achieve life as we “used to know” and get used to a “new normal”. We have also said before supporting is much more than financial. So, take a peek at the link below, and #supportyourlocalgym. 

Whenever gyms do reopen, you’ll find me taking asylum under the iron at ABC. 

You can support the petition to reopen at: https://www.change.org/p/andrew-m-cuomo-re-open-gyms-in-albany-ny?recruiter=1123691726&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=facebook&utm_campaign=share_petition&utm_term=share_petition&recruited_by_id=d956b2e0-b653-11ea-9025-31e015d493ea&utm_content=fht-23058918-en-us%3A4

Follow ABC Fitness on Instagram @abcsportsandfitness, Facebook @ABCSportsAndFitness, or on the inter webs at abcsportsandfitness.com. 

// Please note all quoted statements above are those of Mr. Doheny, and not reflective Faiella Studios.

Matt Toporowski

Meet Matt Toporowski (he/him), a lawyer currently working with the Wagoner Firm, but also running for Albany County District Attorney. The Wagoner Firm is general practice and there Matt is considered an “experienced litigator and trial attorney, whose practice is split between the areas of commercial litigation and plaintiff's personal injury.” Matt is a transplant to Albany, having grown up in Saugerties but had visited his grandparents often whom lived in Schenectady – his heart has been in the Capitol Region practically his entire life.

We at Faiella Studios want to take a moment to address that we understand we have been relatively quiet in the month of June, but our Pandemic Project is very much so still alive and we are booking. With all that’s happening in the world, we took a brief hiatus from posting these stories, and will be posting only a few times a week in effort to make space for other individuals specifically geared towards things such as the Black Lives Matter Movement and other pertinent issues. 

That being said, we wanted to share with you today Matt’s story, on the eve of one of the most important days in his career. Matt is someone who is extremely driven to create positive change in Albany county, and tomorrow, June 23rd 2020 is the NY Primary Election for Albany County DA. This is important because the race is between two Democratic candidates - David Soares and Matt Toporowski. Matt is going up against Soares who has held the job since 2005.

Matt has been jugglnig two different lanes dealing with the pandemic while still practicing with The Wagoner Firm, and the unique task of running in an election.  “The law firm has been chugging along well, we have always worked through the cloud, so going remote was easy. We have our meetings via a conference line and our office manager is processing mail at her house.” That is about status quo, but when asking him about his campaign, while there have been obstacles, the smile hadn’t left his face. “For the campaign it’s been difficult for the most part, with not being able to see the people, host fundraisers and have volunteers in the room phone banking.” That being logistics, the toughest part for him has been interacting – or lack of interaction – with the public. “ It’s been a challenge getting people motivated, passionate, involved, and care about an election in amidst a worldwide pandemic. “ The people working hard behind  the scenes for Matt have been working tirelessly digitally to get the word about who he is across still. 

“We are fighting for fair justice for all, a new day for Albany.” Matt says as he tells us a few things he plans to bring to the table. “The plan is to bring progressive criminal justice reform to Albany county, and address a lot of the issues within the criminal justice system that are emerging to show how broken it’s been.”

This interview was conducted before the brutal murder of George Floyd, a 46-year-old black man on May 25th 2020 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. That fact is key because before the reignition of the Black Lives Matter Movement in the Capitol Region and across the country, Matt had the ambition to fight harder for injustices especially for communities of color. Matt also has a Cuban background, and a lot of these challenges our communities face are near and dear to his heart. “ It’s important that we are addressing structural racism, and  diversifying the (District Attorney) office – leadership and prosecutors- while having a more holistic approach to criminal justice.” Matt tells us he wants to diverge where he can to get at the core issues that cause crime, whether it be substance abuse, mental health issues, poverty, lack of opportunity rather than “just jailing.”

“My number one thing is transparency” Matt tells us, “ There’s a lack of trust with the communities of Albany, specific people of color, with law enforcement, and this current DA office. Being more transparent with all communities whether it be statistics or through working the cases we can rebuild relationships through that accountability.”

I first met Matt back in February of 2020 at the press conference where he announced his running in the DA Race. You can’t miss him – he lights up the room with his huge and infectious smile. It was that that intrigued you, but hearing his passion for people and his willingness to learn gets you to want to open up in a discussion with him. Watching him and his campaign grow the last few months has been inspiring. Political affiliations aside, he is a human who is fighting for what he believes in – AND for other people of his community. Matt, pictured above, as soon as the pandemic was closing places and supplies were difficult to come by, had gone out and gathered supplies and made in bulk hand sanitizers to pass out to people he spoke with. He’s been on the ground – when it’s safe to do so – and doing all he can from a digital perspective. 

Things such as elections are proving as time goes on to be significantly more difficult during this pandemic, but Matt’s story shows us that we can’t let it get in the way of our dreams. We have to adapt to the situations around us, and overcome the obstacles with the tools we are given. As the world is slowly opening up again, we have to keep that champion mentality in the back of our heads. We have to remember these stories of hardship, and unexpected realities, and muster the strength from the people who have innovated inspiring stories of overcoming those challenges. 

“ I’m always open to take input, hear issues, and will be proactive to speaking to people and show that I care. Instead of punishments and convictions, keep the community safer as a whole and involve them where we can. “

Matt is endorsed by a long list of individuals and respected groups from Citizen Action of New York, Working Families Party, Barbra Smith long time Black activist based out of Albany, Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan, Cynthia Nixon and even singer/songwriter John Legend.  

Go out and vote in your elections whether it’s Albany County, or wherever you live. Voting is so important, especially during these fragile times for our country.  We each hold that responsibility to do better - for ourselves, for the ones we love, and the human race. We have to do all we can to create justice and peace, and that doesn’t start until we bring justice. End systemic racism, educate others, and VOTE.

For more information on how to register to vote, if you’re interested: https://www.usa.gov/register-to-vote

// Please note all quoted statements above are those of Mr. Toporowski, and not reflective Faiella Studios.

Ashley Brown & Faye Jones - Cookie Therapy ALB

Meet Ashley Brown & Faye Jones, (she/her) co-owners of Cookie Therapy ALB. Everybody loves a good cookie, and what the world needs now amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, and the current human crisis is a smile. That’s the business Ashley and Faye have created - “518’s original 6oz cookie” - otherwise known as 518’s original 6oz of pure heaven.

We wanted to address on a serious note why we took a hiatus from posting The Pandemic Project. What’s going on in the world is pure tragedy - between the injustice of so many humans to the rising death toll of the Coronavirus, we felt it was appropriate to take some space off of social media in solidarity for the cause to make space for other voices on those platforms. Upon entering this week, we decided we need to keep telling the stories of the people in the Capitol region. We have interviewed people of all nationalities, backgrounds, walks of life. Each human we have talked to, and have yet to talk to, shares a unique experience, their voices deserve to be heard on how they are weathering specifically this pandemic as we are not out of the woods yet and the worlds of millions of people are forever changing. We have many more humans and businesses to share - many have been and are still effected from the Pandemic.

The story of Cookie Therapy ALB was born right around the time the COVID pandemic started.Ashley and Faye are two entrepreneurs who started baking giant cookies as their way to cope with the world amidst a pandemic. “We both had always found it (baking) therapeutic for our own anxieties.” Ashley and Faye had both had their  full time careers put on hiatus. Ashley is a full time photographer who owns her own business, and Ashley tells us  “Faye was working in financial marketing and was laid off from her job.”  With the passion to bake and desire to cope with the “new” normal and quarantine, the (cookie) Therapists were in office! “We found a lot of our family and friends were expressing interest in the cookies we were creating, so we decided to start offering them up for sale and things skyrocketed from there.”

‘Sky rocket’ is definitely modest and a gross understatement from co-owner Ashley. In just a little over three months, Cookie Therapy ALB has become a NATIONWIDE sensation with over 8k followers on Instagram, and selling out weekly. Who knows what the future will hold for Ashley and Faye, they’ve created something so amazing out of such a negative time in the world. "We've been so busy and seeing such positive return from our hard work that haven't had time to be negative! We both thrive when we are busy so it's really helped our mental state.”

With the uncertainty of how things will continue to operate as protocols change, Cookie Therapy doesn’t plan on slowing down anytime soon. Their unique ‘drive up’ cookie delivery and nationwide shipping keeps them ridiculously busty. They also have unique ordering times, so you must stay up to date with them via social media. They are also constantly changing their flavors and collaborating with other local businesses throughout the capitol region, incorporating their flavors and products in their cookies. The community does NOT stop there though- recently focused efforts on their community including reading The Peace Book live with United Way, a cookie delivery to Ellis Medicine, and Mohawk Car Dealerships as well as a donation of hundreds of cookies to Feed Albany. 

“Our business does not know life outside of a pandemic, so it's hard to gauge” when asked how COVID has effected any aspect of the business. Ashley tells us “we think it (COVID-19) has helped us in a lot of ways, like having a captive audience of people who are sitting home and craving comfort food. It also gained us access to a commercial kitchen that we otherwise wouldn't have had access to. We're very curious to see how Cookie Therapy grows and develops post COVID. The challenge has been staffing, procuring supplies & managing our families at the same time since our kids are out of school.” 

Seeing this team in action was truly remarkable. While there were cars consistently pulling up, boxes to the ceiling, and staff in the kitchen whose hands never stopped moving - they all had a smile on their face. Not only does it reflect their leadership, but it reflects on the will these people have to put these sweet treats together for their customers. 

Now more than ever, we have to take time out for us, to rejuvenate and refocus… and treating ourselves isn’t a bad idea either. In past stories we’ve talked all about self love and championing passions - and those two things are literally the epitome of what Cookie Therapy ALB is. It’s giving into your sweet tooth, and supporting a small business who was born out of strife and has evolved into a cookie monopoly (and we are NOT complaining)! 

Ashley leaves us with some advice as we navigate life through this pandemic, and valuable lessons for post pandemic. “Being adaptable, creative and willing to shift instead of sitting around and feeling sorry for yourself is so important. When the going gets tough, the tough gets going. Don't be afraid to take a chance. Any business requires a blind leap of faith. Seek our mentors, be willing to adapt, and always be looking ahead.” That is the truth, you have to do things that make you uncomfortable, that means you’re pushing your boundaries. That’s how you grow. I always say that if I’m not learning something, what’s the point - and that’s what we have to take out of this - you owe it to yourself. As we’ve stated before, everyone is grieving the pandemic differently, this isn’t us telling you how to handle your time. It’s just a sign if you need it that you’re GREAT, and YOU can make a change if you take a chance. Whether it’s a small change, or being part of a bigger picture, give yourself the gift of taking a chance on yourself.

Ashley loves the OG chocolate chip and Faye is all about their Margarita cookie… but me? Personally, their ‘Down & Dirty” dirt cake cookie had me at ‘hello’. I’ve never had such a rich, moist cookie. I had to eat it in three portions, and each time it was still as moist as the first - they must make these with magic. They are generally making new flavor batches each week while supplies last, and also dropping some flash sales along the way. If you’re interested in seeing what they’re all about, drooling over your phone, and/or placing an order - make sure you stop by cookietherapyalb.com, @cookietherapyalb on Instagram. 

Come on in, your Therapists will see you now. 

// Please note all quoted statements above are those of Ms. Brown and Ms. Jones, and not reflective Faiella Studios.

Christina Hall

Meet Christina Hall (she/her), Cosmetologist and Barber at Grayscale Barber Lounge in Colonie, NY. Christina has been in the industry of hair for 14 years and she tells us that the last three years have been more geared towards barbering.

Christina’s self brand is all about human connection. “I enjoy being able to connect with people, all the while doing their hair and having their trust. I got started in high school, I loved my moms hair dresser as a kid, I tried so many things on my own, and decided to take the course at the BOCES program in high school. I graduated high school and became a licensed cosmetologist a few months later.” From there on out her passion has soared and she has gained a loyal clientele. 

Grayscale Barber Lounge is an award winning shop where “old school meets modern”.  There is decades of experience in their team of professionals, and they service all ages, genders and walks of life. From hot towel shaves to a hair cut, you’ll be walking out of there feeling great, and right now, we all need that. They also do a lot of work with their community - from discounts for college students to free haircuts for kids going back to school each year. 

The industry of hair has undoubtedly taken a large hit during the pandemic as close contact is strictly prohibited, and you can’t exactly do hair from six feet away. Those who are in that career path not only feel the hit to their passion, but financially. “Truthfully, having no income has been stressful, I haven’t worked since mid-March and also haven’t been part of the lucky crowd that’s received unemployment (fingers crossed soon). I have a very awesome support system that’s helped me get by.” As mentioned above, Christina thrives off of human connection - not to mention salons and barber shops alike are very social careers.  “The lack of human interaction outside of my family has been a struggle as well. I’m a very outgoing person so I live for the conversations with my clients, they’re my friends as well. I have clients consistently reaching out asking what’s going on, a few have offered to help me if I need it, begging for home haircuts but I just don’t want to take too many risks.” 

While some people may be offering cuts “under the table” people like Christina refuse to do so to keep herself and her clients healthy. She has an optimistic view that Phase 2 in New York State will happen within the next two weeks or so. 

What I mean when I say that barbering and hair dressing are social careers, sometimes people go to get their hair done to feel better, look better, relieve stress, and the only person they connect with in those moments are those that are doing that service for them. “I think barbers, as a whole have started to realize how big of an impact we have on our clients lives. It’s not just about a haircut. We support people through every step of their lives - graduations, job interviews, birthdays, weddings etc. We are a part of everything. We build confidence and prepare people for their biggest steps in life.” When Christina said that, I had to really reflect on that because I had never thought of it like that before. She’s right, and as we are looking at all of these careers, jobs, businesses in their physical absence, we have to respect them more and realize their worth. Honestly, I love a good haircut - I used to go to my barber about twice a month, then it became once a month once I learned my way around a set of clippers to shape it up. Regardless, I would go to feel better - my hair personally is my only source of dysphoria with my body so I completely underestimated the gratitude I had for the person who kept it neat and me handsome for all these years! That may sound silly, but I think as a general society we need to appreciate everything more. “You don’t know what you have until it’s gone” is such an overused saying, but that may be because it’s the most true. 

As the Pandemic is changing and has changed people, shaping how they map their futures, Christina is looking at the big picture personally and for her career.  “I know for me, moving on I am going to start planning for my future and being more prepared for anything. Build my clientele, reset my prices, invest in a 401k, life insurance and put more into savings. If not for a pandemic - then for my future.” There are many different types of people out there, those who are frivolous with money, those who are kind of “meh” with it, and those who count their pennies because they have to, or they are strict with it. Christina, she tells us she has always been concerned with money, not because she’s obsessed with “material things or having the finer things in life”, but because she wants to provide for her family. “When this all started, after a week or so it really started getting to me - the possibility of not having money to pay rent, or buy groceries for my kids to eat. My boyfriend has really helped me through it all, financially and mentally, so I’m lucky. What I’ve learned, is that money is always going to be a part of keeping it together. But, my kids don’t care about it, as long as I’m here making the time for them.”

That said, through all of the things the pandemic has affected, Christina has three school aged kids at home. “They are partly enjoying the time off, but I know the lack of socialization and not being on a schedule is really effecting them. Especially my son Maxwell, who is autistic and goes to a school for children with special needs, Wildwood. He won’t even be able to go to his summer program as far as I know now because of all of this. The regression for school aged kids right now is real, and home schooling is H-A-R-D.” Christina is not alone, as millions of families with different dynamics across the country - and internationally- are struggling for their children. I’ve personally read many articles on this, and they all say similar things: what students are experiencing now is not traditional homeschooling, they prefer to call it "schooling at home” or “distance learning" This is where our students are adhering to guidance from their local schools through virtual learning and lesson plans sent home. They don’t have the same tools as in the classroom - especially children with special needs as they don’t have access to the aides and certain environments they have previously had to assist these critical learning years. 

Through all of that uncertainty though, Christina does all that she can for her children. “I always wanted to provide more for my kids, than I had as a kid.” Christina is taking the “schooling from home” with a grain of salt, and looking at it positively because she is very grateful for it. “I’ve really come to appreciate the extra time spent with my kids… they are doing distance learning, and have a bit of an attitude when having to do homework at home, but I’ve really come to look at this as an opportunity for me to spend some serious quality time with them. As a Barber, I work odd shifts, and I’ve altered my schedule as much as possible to make for more time with them, but I still miss out on some dinners and bed times, and with their parents being separated its a lot of back and forth for them as well. Id like to think they’re enjoying the extra time with me, too.”

Christina wraps this up very well in saying that “When life goes back to whatever the new normal is, and your barber, stylist, manicurist, massage therapist and trades person you rely on raises their prices, don’t gripe, or be upset. Be thankful that we made it through this to take care of you. Because we never expected this and are all, for a long time, going to be getting back on our feet. Support local businesses now more than ever, because we are a staple in your life, and without you knowing it our lively hoods, and families depend on you!” 

I’ve always been a HUGE advocate for small businesses and trade work - these are peoples dreams and passions. Look at the small businesses we have covered for example - from The Alchemists to Grahams Coffee and many more stories we have yet to share. Literally I think my phrase of 2020 is “champion others’ passions” because it is absolutely true. This world was built on the backs of dreams, and we need to support people. We need human connection now more than ever - not only to survive but make a change. There is more than a pandemic going on in our world today…we need change for humanity. We need to be ally’s, and we need to foster human connection. We need to be good to our neighbors, and lead our lives with respect and gratitude coming out of this pandemic and beyond. 

If you’d like to support Christina and to get on the appointment list when the salon opens, please follow her on instagram at @christinaxclips, and Grayscale at @grayscalebarberlounge.

// Please note all quoted statements above are those of Ms. Hall and not reflective Faiella Studios.

CJ Semos

Meet CJ Semos (he/him), an EMT working at a local EMS company in upstate NY, who moonlights as a musician under the name ‘AFibz’. “I have been an EMT for 5 years and have been creating music on and off for the past 8 years or so.” CJ uses his career and his passion to express himself and connect with others. 

Emergency Medicine is often the thin line between life and death for many. The opportunity for a vehicle to race to the side of humans in their time of need with humans inside willing to extend their hands. Emergency personnel work in all conditions, and like other front line medical professionals they daily put themselves into various compromising positions and at risk of all types of illnesses to help those who need it most. “Being on the “frontlines” of this pandemic, it (the virus) has impacted me by having to take extra steps for safety at work and taking extra steps to make sure I don’t bring anything home especially if I have had contact with a COVID patient.” EMS workers have new guidelines and checklists they must follow on each call that changes county to county and hospital to hospital. 

May is special for EMS as it has EMS week, a nationally recognized week long celebration for all their good work. This year, celebrations looked very different - less luncheons and celebration, more busy shifts and PPE galore. PPE is something they have obviously had to wear before, but now there are extra layers of precaution, and as summer weather is hitting us - it puts these humans at a great risk of heat related issues. What you can do to thank them this year and everyday is follow your CDC, WHO and local government guidelines and only call EMS if it’s a true emergency.

Being an “essential worker”, CJ tells us his routine has not changed much, but it has opened the door to better self care. “It has allowed for more time to focus on working out and other personal improvements which is a plus.”  Although life hasn’t changed much, CJ still has struggles as the pandemic is effecting everyone in it’s own ways. “The biggest struggle with this quarantine would have to be not being able to hang out with friends and having less social interaction.  To stay positive I have been working more on music, exercising more, meditating, listening to positive podcasts and audios and reading books oriented to personal growth. I also make sure I talk to my therapist when I need to.” 

He brings up a good point to seek help as mental health is very important, as we have talked in this project before to end the stigma on mental health. This world is going through something unlike anything else we have seen, and there’s a high probability we will never have a world like we once had. That’s impacting people who have had no mental health issues in the past and those who are currently suffering. Therefore, there is no shame in seeking help to learn coping mechanisms, or talk about how you’re feeling. Social stigma and discrimination have statistically shown that they make mental health problems worse, and stop a person from getting the help they desperately need. Also as I’ve said time and time again, I’m no mental health professional but I’ve been on both sides of this. People need connection, whether it’s conversation or a helping hand. What does a helping hand look like? It could be not saying anything at all - some people need their space. It could be letting a friend lean on you, vent to you. Taking care of others and respecting them has to start with you. The stigma doesn't just come from others. Feeling things is no personal weakness and sometimes we aren’t able to control it without help. Educating yourself is just the first step, along with seeking help which can help you gain self esteem to overcome destructive self judgment. Be there for yourself so you can get through this as healthy as possible to perhaps help someone else if not yourself. These thoughts and feelings are valid - this is an uncertain time for us all. We will get through it though, and hopefully as CJ plans, reflect and build up our personal growth…. I know I have been working on that and successfully reflecting daily with meditation and self centering.

“This pandemic has taught me to not take the liberties we have such as hanging out with friends, going to restaurants, etcetera for granted. I think it becomes very easy for us to be able to take them for granted when we are usually able to access them all the time.” Gratitude is something I’ve always held onto. It’s my favorite word, personally. So when CJ told us that he won’t take things for granted, we hope that gratitude starts growing like a weed inside of him, and everyone else reading these stories. There is always something to be grateful for. 

I’ll leave you with the creative outlet CJ ‘Afibz’ has created. Take a listen, his self proclaimed “chill hop” style has intense lyrics you may be able to relate to as he delves into more serious topics and life issues. He uses creating music as an outlet of expression to get out how he feels.  “My favorite song that i’ve written is titled “All In Your Head”. It discusses depression and suicidal ideation and the difficulties living with and navigating through it. I am a rapper, and typically have a “chill hop” style that is usually emotionally charged.”

Take a peek at his work on all platforms as ‘Afibz’ and check out the link below. We also can not forget… as always, thank you to all the workers on the front lines of this pandemic like CJ and beyond. 

https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/afibz/if-i-could-go-back

// Please note all quoted statements above are those of Mr. Semos and not reflective of Faiella Studios.

Sierra Bailey

Meet Sierra Bailey (she/her), student, staff at a local locked psychiatric unit, and a corpsman in the United States Navy. All while completing her dual masters degree program, she maintained a full time position overnight with the locked psychiatric unit mentioned above, and her Naval career. Sierra tells us currently the U.S Navy has activated her to post at the UAlbany COVID-19 testing site to “test hundreds of people each day using a nasal swab to obtain the sample to send to the labs.” This specific testing site Sierra tells us is considered a “high risk area” and she works right in the "hot zone" which is where the actual testing happens.

Sierra will be graduating from the University of Albany School of Criminal Justice and School of Social Welfare. “I am a Master of Social Work and Criminal Justice as of May 2020. I have been in this program for two years.” Sierra is an extremely hard worker, especially given the circumstances of being on the frontlines of the COVID battle. 

Sierra’s story has aspects that span many people’s story lines and retains so much relatability. Sierra was a student and like many 2020 students and graduates alike the second half of their year was flipped inside out. “My biggest struggle with this quarantine is trying to finish two graduate masters degrees online. As if it wasn't hard enough to learn in person, it is now twice as hard online. It seems that we have double the work and I don't have much time to complete my work because I am active duty.” They say that ‘nothing worth having comes easy’, and that ought to be the mantra for the 2020 graduating class. Nevertheless, regardless all of the strife and stress of this year, Sierra has made it and will be graduating. She tells us about the journey to achieve her dual masters, and it has been quite the journey over the last two years. “It was supposed to take me 2.5 years but I added extra classes each semester. I completed two years of clinicals for my social work degree while in the program. My first year was at Niskayuna High school and my second year was at the Albany Stratton VA in the Homeless Program.” Sierra is grateful she had completed the hours required for her internship as well before being called to the COVID testing site. 

Speaking of the COVID-19 testing site, that has been a trial in and of itself. Not only are the humans who are doing the testing putting themselves at risk, they’re answering their call to duty and dealing with harsh conditions. “We work 6-7 days a week for about 12-14 hours a day at the testing site. The weather hasn't been the best for us. I am outside in the freezing cold, rain, snow, sleet, winds over 40 mph, and if we are lucky - sunshine. I walk around and test people while my uniform is drenched and my hands are numb. For majority of the day we are stuck in the “hot zone” in our PPE that is hurting our faces and we are sanitizing every time we touch something, trying to not touch anything that can contaminate.” Read that testimony again if you have to. 

I say that, because at the end of the day, these humans while working are going in day in and day out to protect all of us at home. The least we can do is honor our own call, and protect them by respecting guidelines put out by the CDC and WHO alike. As things keep opening up in phases, we need to remember these stressful conditions people on the front lines are in while they are keeping us safe. Use those conditions and this story as a motivator to do your due diligence when out in public. Masks are absolutely terrible - I hate wearing them if I’m being honest. That said, when I go out I ALWAYS make sure I have one in my pocket. I keep two in my car, and one in my medicine cabinet at home. I do this because the half hour or so I’m grocery shopping and I have to wear one, in the back of my head is the faces of humans like Sierra, Victoria, Rebecca. The folks who have to wear masks 10+ hours a day at work to keep US safe, counteracts my struggle. I wear gloves when I pump my gas, I’m mindful of my body, all for others. 

The weather of the days have not been the only struggle for Sierra, as her everyday activities have changed. “I had to put my normal job on hold in order to begin my orders for the military at the testing site. My daily routine is unknown every day. We don't have an exact set schedule and policies are changing every day. One day you can do something, the next you can't. We work day to day and do as we are told. By the time I go home, eat, and shower, I want to go straight to bed.”

Regardless of the strife though, Sierra realizes her duty and is humbled to be doing this work, now more than ever. “This pandemic has taught me that if I can make it through this, I can do anything. I have learned to be grateful for what I have and how important it is to stay healthy. It is important that we look to help others out and not just ourselves.” Sierra hopes that there is a change coming for the world and that policy makers take this situation "to heart” to figure out what we need to do to effectively help people survive.

When Sierra is not at work, the last thing she is doing is thinking about the current stressors. She is staying positive by planting vegetables, and taking her dog on walks. “We (collectively) are learning that we can find ways to work from home, family time is important, exercise is something we need, we can cook homemade meals that are yummy and affordable, and that we make the best of what we have.”

She’s right, and as I’ve told you day in and day out with these stories - there is no right way to grieve the world right now, but there are right ways to center your mental health and protect others. I’m not a health professional, mental health professional, heck I’m really only a man writing to you through a photojournalism project… but I’m one person. I’m a human in this world that matters. So, when you’re following these precautions, you’re protecting me and the people of this world. That sounds really cliche and cheesy, but it’s true. Like Sierra said, we can make the best of what we have. We can still have connections with people and grow them in different ways. We can still thrive as a society, it just looks different…we got this. 

Below is an open letter statement from Sierra to all of you, hoping this will resonate:

“This isn’t fun for me. I fear that I will get COVID, I fear being asymptomatic, I fear spreading it, I fear for my family and friends who have immune systems that are compromised. Please stop being negative and let time do it’s thing. They are beginning trials for new tests and doing random sampling for studies which can take months for complete accuracy. They are working day in and day out. This is not the time to be selfish but to be positive and find new ways to help others. Find a way to make a difference. I’m so grateful for everyone who has been checking in on me every day and those who have sent me self care packages. Thank you. When people ask how I’m doing, I’m honest and tell them how exhausted I am and how much I’m struggling. This is real and this is serious. I want to see my family and friends just as much as everyone else but it makes it difficult when everyone continues to not isolate and follow simple rules. I’m begging you, please stay home. I want my life back, just like you.”

This raw, heartbreaking and honest portrayal from Sierra may be what some of you need. Am I the best person, following all the measures during this? I try to be, but we aren’t perfect. We do though need to take this seriously, and we do need to thank the people like Sierra doing this work. Her story is no where near one of pity - but of positivity that we WILL have a sense of normalcy back if we protect ourselves and others. We WILL find solutions, we have to be patient. We WILL see our friends and family again, but right now be creative to find ways to make it through this quarantine together. We WILL be successful and happy, we just have to be grateful and open. 

The applaud doesn’t stop there, today this story is posting on Memorial Day 2020. I couldn’t have pictured a better way to honor this Project, and the men, women, and non binary folk that serve our country past and present. Memorial Day is observed to honor those who protect us. This year, it has a whole new meaning. 

Thank you Sierra and all of the humans serving on the front lines of military, or on the front lines of this war with the novel Coronavirus - we will make it through. 

In solidarity. 

// Please note all quoted statements above are those of Ms. Bailey and not reflective of Faiella Studios.

Jeff Mannion and Erika Anderson - Unified Beerworks Brewery and Taproom

Meet Jeff Mannion and Erika Anderson  (he/him and she/her), owners and founders of Unified Beerkworks Brewery and Taproom in Malta, New York. This husband and wife duo have taken the craft brewing game by storm. They started as home brewers and fell in love with the craft - pun intended. They both worked in a ‘corporate’ world, and wanted to find more fulfilling and fun ways to make a living. “We wanted to do something for us, and fell down the rabbit hole of home brewing and one thing led to another. We took a course at Schenectady County Community College, met the right people and next thing you know we were writing up a business plan. About a year later, we were opened.”

Established in 2018, they normally would have a packed parking lot and standing room only in their gorgeous open concept tap room this Memorial Day weekend. The weather is getting nicer, and relaxation to some is cracking open a crisp, cold beer. Jeff and Erika knew that and created a beautiful space that opens up to the front patio for friends and family to gather all year round. For the foreseeable future you can’t walk into their taproom for sanitation purposes, and it is set up to package and ship beer.

The Unified team is truly ‘unified’ and have created a little family amongst staff - the craft beer world already being a big community in itself. Erika tells us that they had not had to cut any staff as of yet amidst the current Pandemic. “We have normally between 8-10 staff, most in the taproom. Right now because of the circumstances, we have fewer people working. The staff whom worked here part time with other full time jobs gave their shifts to those who only have this industry.” Right now they have about five people working - two in the taproom configuring orders, Jeff and Erika, and their assistant brewer Alex. 

Deliveries have been steady with more than 10 deliveries a day. They just announced recently they will now be able to ship anywhere in New York State. “Trying to get the UPS accounts, boxes, packaging, costs and how to handle this has taken a lot longer than I would have thought.” Jeff tells us it’s something they are working through effectively, and there is a link to purchase on their website and Instagram we will post below. 

Like many businesses, Unified provides a completely contactless pick up service. From the staff in the taproom wearing the proper PPE to package the orders, to leaving the orders in a safe area for consumers to pick up. “We are protecting our staff and customers as much as we can.” 

“I think for certain breweries that do certain distribution practices, the pandemic situation may have helped them.” Jeff goes on to tell us, “smaller breweries like us have been hurt because we rely so much on taproom sales.” He goes on to tell us the cost to can beer is outrageous right now. “We hire an outside company that brings in a canning line, and they can our beer for us. We fill crowlers ourselves, but the mass canning is something we don’t have machinery for.” 

They tell us it’s very labor intensive, especially keeping up with he changes. “The most stressful part is trying to figure out best procedures, our model changes daily. We are trying to stay ahead of the curve everyday as well.” Unified Beerworks was one of the first breweries in the Capitol Region to stop letting customers in the building, and most still do. You can still go in to a lot of breweries and get growlers filled, but Unified is very against that. “We would rather bring the beer to you. Stay home, and stay safe…” Jeff tells us about his clients. “For our safety and your safety is why we do things the way we do.” Erika goes into finances and sanitation saying that Unified had stopped taking cash even before COVID-19 cast it’s shadow over upstate New York. They have expressed plans for the future and being as progressive as they can to maintain sanitation, safety, and happy consumers.  They really hit home and emphasized to me they are taking absolutely every precaution they can. Even observing staff, not once did they take their masks off or cross contaminate their gloves. 

Brewing the beer has had little to no impact due to the Coronavirus. “If anything, we are brewing more, people love to see the small batch stuff and have fun with different flavors.” Erika tell us coming out with new brews almost weekly had always been part of their model. With warmer weather hazy IPA’s remain a favorite as well as some of the fruity sours they offer. 

The future of breweries, taprooms and beyond  will never be the same. We are a long way from having a brew in our favorite bar with a friend, and that’s heartbreaking especially to the craft beer community with so many family owned breweries and taprooms across New York state. 

Jeff has a degree in biology, and Erika tells us he has been crunching numbers and reading various articles daily to figure out how they can sustain and stay ahead of the curve for the months ahead. There is so much involved into the science of safety. They explained how germs can even travel through the air duct systems and the fact Jeff has a large knowledge of how this works is a large reason they are being so cautious - they can see all the possibilities. 

“If they told us we can open full service tomorrow, we wouldn’t.” Jeff doesn’t see the taproom opening up this year, and you could hear in his voice how honestly hurt and effected by that he is. Unified isn’t just a business, this was born of a passion, so imagine your passion being ripped out from under your feet - it can throw you. Down the road buying a canning line and continuing sales as they are with pickups and deliveries is how they see the future for right now. 

These challenges aren’t stranger to other taprooms as well. Opening business again has many layers to it. A certain percentage of people will remain vigilant and some people would venture out into taprooms again. “Some people will be afraid to go out, and we may see some people. It’s expensive to maintain all outlets to serve beer to people. Here in the taproom we would have to step up how many times bathrooms are cleaned, common areas are sanitized, we would have to install sneeze guards at the bar -but we may not even have seating at the bar.” Thats an insane thing to visualize, and Jeff had the room set up with tables so far apart, I thought is was just to make their pickup service easier but it’s really seeing how guidelines would require interior seating. 

Jeff has been looking to Hong Kong for how they are handling things. “If you go to a restaurant there, you have to wear a mask walking in the door. No parties of more than four. You have to give contact information when you get there in the event someone in there does test positive for COVID and contact tracers need to reach someone.” It’s a battle when things open again and the laws around social distancing, and what business owners will be able to put into their rules upon entering. “I’m always going to protect my customers and staff” Jeff tells us very firmly. 

It comes down to the fact that the world and experiences that we knew, loved and took for granted will never be the same again. Maybe that is a grim outlook, but things will be safer for us and we will be able to enjoy things again that aren’t in the walls of our homes.  Another reality is the numbers aren’t great. As amazing as these small businesses are for the concessions, the discounts, the sales, the fun things, and flexibility they are exhibiting during this time - remember they need your help now more than ever to continue to service you. 

Jeff and Erika have a wonderful story about fulfillment and their own ‘American dream’ they created out of a warehouse up in Malta. From corporate desks to hops and bar stools, Unified Beer works is built on the morals of people like you and me. They want to bring quality and a good time to their clients. This pandemic has obviously hit small businesses very hard, but Jeff and Erika find ways to remain positive from the support of their loyal following. You look around their brewery and you see community and connection on every wall. From various stickers of other brands, to a chalk mural a loyal customer changes with the seasons - this is truly YOUR brewery, and they love serving you.

I always say champion peoples passions, it has become such a tagline for me throughout this pandemic. Truly though, we need human connection more than ever. Whether it’s a smile we see eye to eye even under a mask, support of a local business, or a ‘like’ on social media - there is so much you can do right now after you read this article for FREE. 

To support local small businesses, like I mentioned, you don’t have to spend a penny - we know times are tough. Like their content, share their content, follow their pages on social media platforms. I will say though, if you like a refreshing alcoholic beverage at the end of a long day I 1000% reccomend ordering a crowler of ‘Throne of Odin’ - it’s a fantastic DIPA. 

You can find more information, gorgeous shots of their beverages, and information on how to order at @unifiedbeerworks on Instagram .

// Please note all quoted statements above are those of Jeff Mannion and Erika Anderson,   and not reflective of Faiella Studios.

Amanda Dunham, DNPFNP - Integrative Family Health

Meet Amanda Dunham, DNPFNP (she/her), Founder and President of Integrative Family Health NP, PLLC. Amanda is licensed as a Doctor of Nursing Practice/ Family Nurse Practitioner. At Integrative Family Health, they do a wide variety of healing. From integrative primary care which includes the basics such as preventative health, cancer and STD screenings. The other leg of the business is aesthetics including massage therapy, isolated stretching, reiki and health coaching.

Being on the frontlines, they train you to be ready for whatever walks through the door. With the risks for healthcare providers that COVID-19 brings, it’s safe to say no one was prepared for that storm regardless of protocols in place. “I think it’s clear the world wasn’t prepared for this. It’s an area where some businesses and organizations were struggling. There’s not enough PPE, or staff. One thing people aren’t aware of is that various medical providers and nurses are being furloughed.” While you may read that and wonder why, after we just said there isn’t enough staff - it’s because people are afraid to seek healthcare and go into offices, ERs and Urgent Cares. “I have seen a lot of people at my other job (Amanda also works in an urgent care) where they should have gone to the hospital or they are prolonging seeking healthcare and symptoms have gotten worse. These health issues aren’t even related to COVID necessarily. They are just so fearful of seeking care they are deteriorating from the condition they have because they aren’t getting help for it, and that’s heartbreaking.”

Going into doctors offices whether it be to treat pre existing conditions, infections or new illnesses is definitely anxiety inducing. Honestly, going out into public these days in general is. You see people not wearing masks correctly, wearing gloves and cross contaminating, people not wearing any PPE at all. I whole heartedly understand the hesitation, but it’s increasing mortality rates of things that can be treatable or curable. When mentioning the fear, Amanda tells us that “normal infection control precautions like hand washing is the best prevention.” We all need to make sure we are doing our part in preventing the spread. That does sound cliche these days, but there’s no fighting facts with how rapid this particular virus spreads and ways it is transmittable.

At Dunham Integrative Health, they have been disinfecting every possible touched surface even more so than normal. “Most healthcare providers have a fear of being a well carrier, being exposed, not having symptoms and taking it home to their families. That said, we all we have upped our sanitation procedures and proper protective equipment such as masks and shields.”

Walking into their offices, you get hit with a fresh smell and look around to see a neat and bright waiting area. Not like many would think of a doctors office, there’s no dingy and smelly waiting room chairs, or yellow walls with lights that tint the room a strange amber color. You know those offices we all dread with the weird patterned chairs and outdated People magazines from 2006. What makes Amanda’s office truly unique though is the smiles on the faces of her team. “I think we have a great team here, we try and keep things fun.” They are all about fostering true connections with their clients and being positive.  “Being innovative has kept me very positive - whether it’s learning the tele health systems, or home visits and even phone calls to stay connected with patients to see how they are doing. This Pandemic has taken a huge toll on peoples mental health.” Not to mention, they have a new office puppy in the family - you can see pictured above. 

At the end of the day, Amanda has to go home. She isn’t practicing medicine 24/7, and what does that mean? She navigates the world not only as a provider but as a human living through this pandemic like the rest of us. “There is no substitute for human connection. We are a society where we have been superficially connected between Facebook and Instagram showing the cover of our lives in some cases without deep connection. One thing I’ve seen a lot of is people needing this deep connection for their mental health, and not be able to have it during the quarantine. There is no substitute. Netflix isn’t going to cure the need to talk to another human.” As we have mentioned in past stories, cope and heal in ways that make sense and are impactful for YOU. That being said though, we as humans crave connections and interactions with others at some point or another. We can’t ignore that need. It’s okay to not be okay and it’s okay to take some time (or as much time) for you as you need and reach out if you’re having trouble coping. We need to end the stigma on mental health and look for ways to better cope without fear.. 

What has become blatant for me in this time of Pandemic is there is so much pressure to feel or not feel a certain way. Some people say ‘do something good for you or others, take this time to learn a new craft or hobby’. While that’s great - and I personally agree for myself- I also agree with the notion to let’s just focus on having that something good be doing whatever makes us feel full. Remove that stigma and pressure of focusing on anxieties, stress, our weight, or what is new on Netflix. Remove those labels and thoughts and see self care, whatever that means for you. 

“The most important message in general is the importance of self care - for ones physical and mental health. We all know the benefits of exercise for our cardio-respiratory system and immune systems, but we also need to ensure we’re taking care of mental health. Ensure your anxiety isn’t going on a hamster wheel of ‘what if this happens, then this, than I get COVID, I lose my job and so on.’ Sometimes we can have good physical health, but our mental health needs a little bit of self care as well. People are trying to connect virtually but not with themselves and their thoughts.”

So, take care of you and what you can control. Stay home except to get medical care, and if you do seek medical care call ahead. Many medical visits are being postponed or done by phone or tele health, and if you have symptoms related to COVID-19, your PCP may not be able to help you. Practice self care in whatever ways that serve you. Remember to breathe and feed your soul. Be mindful and present, and as Amanda tells us, it’s important to stay in touch with your doctor. 

Be sure to get emergency care if you have trouble breathing, or have any other emergency warning signs, or if you think it is an emergency. For all other CDC guidelines, please visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html. 

Thank you so much to all of our health care providers - mental and physical- regardless of title. Amanda has done wonders for me, and I’m grateful to know she’s at the other end of the phone for all of my needs as my Primary Care Physician. You can follow along with the office’s posts on instagram at @integrativenp or online at dunhamintegrativefh.com. 

// Please note all quoted statements above are those of Amanda Dunham and not reflective of Faiella Studios.

Clyanna Lightbourn

Meet Clyanna Lightbourn (she/her), Statewide Civil Rights Organizer for Citizen Action of New York. Citizen Action of New York is a grassroots membership organization that advocates for various different causes such as housing justice, ensuring our children have a quality public education, ending our current system of mass incarceration and establishing a new system of justice to name a few. They work with the vision in mind to treat others with love, respect and dignity and each person is able to reach their fullest potential if we work together. “As organizers, we have been pointing out the weaknesses in our government and our capitalist systems for a long time. We are now seeing the worst case scenarios play out and it’s terrifying. I have been very lucky to not be directly impacted, but I know luck only lasts so long.” Clyanna is a strong soul with a fierce heart that protects those she loves, and is on the lookout for what those in her life need. She tells us “I stay vigilant and check on my friends and family to make sure they are ok too.”

Working for an organization that works directly to help people in the community, Civil Rights organizing largely involves in person interaction - whether it lobbying officials, or rallying community members for a cause. “My work involves a lot of socializing or meeting face to face. Now that I can’t do that, I’m looking for and creating ways to keep folks engaged in the community work and keep them feeling hopeful.” Clyanna has not let the work from home lifestyle slow her and her passions down though, as Citizen Action continues to work with communities in Mutual Aid, phone banking, and lobbying in other ways. 

Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, hundreds of thousands of humans all across the country are working from home with no end in sight even as counties begin opening up. Clyanna thought at first what many of us may have, “It really seemed like a dream come true to work from home all the time." She sheds light on something we all will have to learn, the “balance when work stops and when life starts.” Looking at data from Global Workplace Analytics, you can read that they estimate 25-30% of the workforce will still be working from home multiple days a week by the end of 2021. This isn’t necessarily conducive to a healthy work environment, or work-life balance. Many people don’t have offices in their homes so they are working in spaces that are meant to be for leisure, and that’s creating a unique struggle for some. “My biggest struggle right now is separating personal time from work time and prioritizing self care. I can easily work until my eyes burn late into the evening and then overdo it with “self- care” which really turns into self-sabotaging. For me it looks like working until 11pm and then playing video games on the same computer to “wind down” until 3 am. It has led to many sleepless nights and difficult mornings. I know something needs to change, but it’s hard to get out of that habit.”  

Like many of us who are social beings, we have to find ways to grow through our struggle. We may be doing it and not even realize. We adapt, overcome and evolve. This pandemic has for lack of a better term forced and molded people into doing things that seemed so insignificant, a different way. “This pandemic has forced me to look at the way I interact with others and the way I treat myself, making it abundantly clear of what I’m missing. I’m working on filling those voids and becoming a better person. I have been leaning on my friends both locally and in other cities. Together we laugh, cry, share memes, or just get on video chats to be together and see one another’s faces. I’m also spending more time with my sister and my niece. I’m grateful for these opportunities to know people and ask more intentional questions around “how are you doing?” it carries a whole different weight now.” 

Self care doesn’t always mean bath bombs and wine. Self care isn’t always comfort food and Netflix. If that’s how you heal - more power to you. Although, self care is not definable person to person, as it’s understanding how you feel and letting yourself feel. It’s about realizing what you deserve, and outgrowing those things you do not. It’s about holding yourself accountable for your actions and not your friends. I saw something very intelligently spoken that said “no one owes you anything during this lockdown, it’s a global pandemic. Now isn’t the time to project your issues to your friends. Do the best YOU can, check on people who cross your minds, and don’t use this as a way to test your friends.” Everyone is going through this pandemic. I say check on your strong friends, I say reach out… but that’s only if it’s right for you. As Clyanna said, “how are you doing?” carries a whole different weight now, only you can define what that is and what it means for you. Everyone’s story is different. 

Clyanna’s experience through this pandemic sheds light on the dynamic of being a community presence with long work hours, and at the same time combating how to take space for ourselves in our day. Our days are lacking that clear line of work and home, brain on and off. She leaves us with a message to “Give yourself grace. We can’t be everything to everyone and you really can’t help people if you’re not ok yourself. There are enough of us to help one another and we need to be kind to ourselves and to one another.”

Fighting through this pandemic in solidarity is something to not take lightly. We have highlighted over the past few weeks warriors from various organizations that work for the people in our communities through various day to day battles. Sometimes the biggest battle is the one we fight within ourselves. 

We can’t stop the compassion for other humans as this time is making vulnerable communities become more vulnerable, so if your beliefs align with Citizen Action of New York, there are ways you can be involved. Keep an open mind, there are many organizations in your communities that do great work; if you can, be involved!

Thank you to Clyanna and the folx at Citizen Action for all of the work you do, being there for humans of NY. 

For more information on Citizen Action of New York,  please visit citizenactionny.org or follow them on instagram & Twitter:  @citizenactionny. 

// Please note all quoted statements above are those of Ms. Lightbourn and not reflective of Faiella Studios.

Nick Lamalfa

Meet Nick Lamalfa (he/him), an attendant at a very busy gas station in upstate New York right on the highway. Throughout this pandemic we are realizing that people who work in various service industries such as gas stations, supermarkets, and fast food venues are much more essential and valuable than we have ever given them credit for. These humans are on another type of ‘front line’ that keeps our medical professionals, public safety officials, and well…all of us running. “We are still here - people have to get necessities, like gas. There are doctors who come in that we have to fuel so they can go out and fight Corona. They’re in the hospitals fighting it and we are here fighting it in a different way.”

Without attendants like Nick, we wouldn’t be able to get those neccesary fuels to keep our days going and get where we need to be - whether it be caffeine or a gas tank fill up. Although with that said, business has still been effected in a down tick to what they are used to at Nicks gas station. “We have maybe half the business we did before the coronavirus inside the store, and most loss is in food sales. It’s been rough.” Nick tells us although business has been struggling he has not lost any hours and he picks up an extra day or so a week on a regular basis.

Sanitation, in high traffic places especially, is on the forefront of everyones minds when they leave their houses in todays world. “If you’re coming into the gas station, sanitize yourself and keep yourself clean. We can’t trust everyone that walks through the door.” Nick is concerned and tells us “ if they (patrons) aren’t taking the precautions to protect themselves, they’re hurting everyone else… to me personally, gas pumps are the third dirtiest things on the planet next to our cell phones and money, even before corona.”

We agree - in fact there have been many studies to show this. I recall an article I read in Forbes recently that on a “normal” pre-corona day, over 70% of gas pump handles are contaminated with germs that can make you sick. Now, put that into a present day scenario. This statistic makes the current situation extremely dangerous. Personally (and I’m no professional, just saying what I’ve done to combat this statistic), I have been keeping gloves in the center console for use to pump, immediately trash them, and then I sanitize my hands. If you don’t have gloves, wet wipes, a shopping bag - something to create a barrier- would likely suffice. 

The gas stations are doing all they can to sanitize, as protocols have changed. “We are selling masks, hand sanitizer, and wipes. Anything you need to prevent the spread we carry. We are sanitizing now every hour on the hour, copying a model from CVS as our boss works for CVS as well as here.” As far as employees go, everyone wears a mask. Nick also told us that patrons do as well, “maybe 1 in 4 people don’t.”

Nick tells us he had his own personal Coronavirus scare where he was showing symptoms of the virus and had to take time off work to register at a testing facility. The process for testing is more unusual than showing up at an ER or urgent care. “You call a number where they ask you questions and then you will get a confirmation number. Then they tell you what facility to go and get tested at. When you drive in, military personnel with a clipboard ask for your confirmation number. You have to show it to them and type in your cell phone number to be registered. They set the swab literally right up on your nasal cavity. I feel bad because I felt like I had to sneeze. I sneezed twice on the swab and felt rude, but they were very understanding. I got a call with the negative results in a little over 48 hours.” All of the stories we have heard of those who had gotten tested expressed the test was fast, uncomfortable, but those that are administering it are sensitive to the fact you feel like garbage. 

“For me, everyday life is still there.” Nick tells us, as his fiancee is working from home. They had to make arrangements in their home for her to be able to work, and he have his own space as well. “She’s definitely going stir crazy, tired of being home. I can’t imagine what anybody is feeling that regularly goes to the gym, or has a very regular routine.” The dynamic of relationships in quarantine is one to be spoken for as well. It’s interesting how couples are coping having one partner working from home and the other going into work on the daily, or those cases where they are being cooped up inside with each other 24/7. The foundation of differences has to be communication. We have to openly communicate with our partners now more than ever, as this is a difficult time for everybody. It’s very hard to keep relationships in our lives healthy -whether it be platonic or romantic -when the whole world is feeling off. To set aside some time once a week at least and do a check in with your partner, or those you are quarantined with is wildly underrated. As humans, we all cope with things differently, and right now we are all grieving something. Whether that loss is a routine, the gym, our families, friends, or a favorite meal from a closed restaurant - it’s okay to feel however you’re feeling.

Nick leaves the interview with an ask not only for himself, but for others who are taxed mentally and physically from working out in the public during this time. “Everyone has to be safe, please keep yourselves clean, and remember that people who work in gas stations are rarely are recognized or respected. We have to deal with the angriest and most frustrated people. Just because the pandemic is going on, no one is entitled. Take it as a regular day to treat people with respect.”

This interview left me with a lot to think about, and many important messages. To recap, I hope you heard from this that we need to thank these workers too. We need to protect others by following the necessary protocols set by the CDC, and we need to communicate with those we love about how we are feeling. Whether it’s to get it off our chest, or tell our loved ones what we need. Create healthy boundaries and habits to make quarantine the best it can be. I”m not going to sit here and tell you it’s always going to be sunshine and butterflies - as I said everyone is dealing with this at a different pace. What I’m doing and I encourage others to do is look at this from the perspective of grace. Show gratitude, learn what you can, and accept love. 

Thank you to Nick and all other essential workers, regardless of your titles.

// Please note all quoted statements above are those of Mr. Lamalfa  and not reflective of Faiella Studios.

Emily Clute

Meet Emily Clute (she/her), a professional tattooer at Craftsman Tattoo in Schenectady, New York. Emily has been tattooing for seven years and is just one thousands of artists navigating the pandemic in the United States alone where their passions and careers are in a limbo state. “I love my clients dearly, I love that I get to work alongside some great people, and that I also get to create art every day and make a living off of it.” Emily like many other creative souls around the state have been out of work since the Pause on New York in late March.  

Emily is a prominent name in the Capitol Region tattoo community, and is well known for her vibrant work. Emily has traveled all over the United States to tattoo at various conventions as well, and with this pandemic bringing to light new guidelines to social distancing and sanitation, the future of things like tattoo conventions are hanging in the balance. Statistics show that 36% of Americans between the age of 18 and 29 have at least one tattoo, and of those 70% have more than one tattoo and 20% have more than five. The industry in the last 5 years alone has skyrocketed and people are wanting to collect art all over their bodies. 

It’s no secret -as this project has shown - that the novel Coronavirus has gravely impacted lives and businesses across the planet regardless of their focus.  With cases and deaths recorded daily people have had to shift gears when looking towards the future. As time passes, we are learning through the CDC and WHO that even something as “small” as the the transmission of breath droplets from someone infected with COVID poses an extreme risk to those who come in contact with them. New reports show that aerosolized Coronavirus can remain in the air for up to THREE hours. This makes activities and professions that require people to be in close proximity to their clients,  like tattooing, especially difficult.

“I’ve just been trying to remind myself that this will eventually pass, even if it’ll take a while.” Emily has been trying to stay positive, even though being self employed has been a difficult lifestyle for many in this time. "It’s definitely hit the hardest financially for me. There hasn’t been a lot of help for self employed individuals, so hopefully that will change in the future should anything like this happen again.”

While Emily is surrounded in her home by beautiful plants and her artwork, the days have become somewhat of a ‘groundhog day’ for her like many of us confined to our homes.  “I’ve struggled with feeling productive. I’m lucky enough to love what I do and where I work, so having that taken away, even temporarily has been difficult. I’ve been missing friends and family a lot as well, so that’s been tough but thankfully we can still communicate via text and video chat for the time being.”

What many people tend to shy away from is the true struggle and conversation around mental health. Between being cooped up inside and unemployed, the stress is there and it’s heavy.  “It ( the pandemic) has put a pretty heavy strain on me stress wise”. Hope is not lost on her though, and thankfully the weather is getting nicer out. “I’ve been trying to take walks when the weather is nice and improve my day to day habits now that I have more time. My daily routine has unfortunately been all over the place. Sometimes I wake up at 7am, sometimes at noon. I’m trying to get it more on track now.” Emily says in good spirits, “ It’s definitely taught me  that I need to say yes to plans more.” This is why we need to reach out to those that we love. We need to reach out to our aquaintances. We need to check on our strong friends, because right now nothing is normal, and it’s okay to not be okay. 

Coming out of this dark say yes to those plans, get out your pad and paper, take a walk. These are all things that Emily puts forth with her message. We will all get through this in due time. In the mean time, as I always say, champion each others passions. 

Creativity now more than ever has been an outlet for so many people. Emily has an Etsy shop with prints of her pieces, and new paintings she is working on. You won’t be disappointed when you take a peek at her art. From beautiful vibrant flowers, to stipple work, to gorgeous landscapes and beyond - Emily has incredible artistic ability. Not to mention, when you’re sitting in her chair she usually has on True Crime Podcasts, and is always up for conversation!

When the world comes off Pause, you’ll find me in Emily’s appointment book. 

For more information on how to book, shop on her Etsy page, and to see some of her incredible work, please support small and follow on instagram @emilyceetattoo.

// Please note all quoted statements above are those of Ms.Clute  and not reflective of Faiella Studios.

Health FAQ noted above can be found on https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/coronavirus-resource-center / http://www.historyoftattoos.net/tattoo-facts/tattoo-statistics/

Katie Rodriguez - The Alchemists Salon + Apothecary

Meet Katie Rodriguez (she/her), Salon Owner, hair and makeup artist at The Alchemists Salon + Apothecary. Katie has been doing hair for 13 years, and loves her passion, with a passion. “I’m one of those lucky people who loves their job and what they do. I’ve always considered myself an artist so to not be making my art has been really hard. I love that I get to be creative.” When speaking about her clients and craft, she truly loves making people simply feel beautiful.

Four weeks before Governor Cuomo put NY State on Pause and shut the doors of most small businesses, Katie’s doors only opened. “I signed the lease in October to open a salon. I spent my entire savings to renovate the space and create my dream. I opened my doors February 17th, 2020 then closed them March 17th, 2020.” The ‘American’ dream was hers - the ideal opportunity she had worked for with high hopes had been achieved…yet stunted within the first month. “A major struggle for me is not doing what I love” she tells us.  “I’m also feeling a financial struggle. Although I have applied, I have received no benefits of any kind for 6 weeks. I often can’t believe I live in a county that shuts down my 4 week old business and takes this long to provide financial assistance.” 

Her angst and emotion is not uncommon amongst those unemployed in New York State. Economic devastation has spread like wildfire, and numbers have skyrocketed. Across the country, unemployment statistics via a Labor Department announcement show more than 16 million people have been put out of work during this pandemic - that alone is barely half that total from the last recession - and I’m sure from the time I’m writing this to posting those numbers have shifted. 

Hair salons and barber shops are only amongst the many businesses abruptly shut down due to COVID-19 and the unique way it could spread. Social Distancing was not enough to “cut” it (no pun intended) while the virus is continuing to climb in mortality numbers not only in New York State but across the country. “ I can hardly grasp that fact I was open for 4 weeks. I honestly can’t fathom the last 6 weeks of my life.” Katie tells us this with passion and surprise, but the most important aspect of her tone is passion. “I will make it through this and so will my little salon thanks to people who believe in me and support my dream. My salon doors will open again.” Walking into the beautiful salon space you will see modern flair from the sphere glass lights along the wall and ceiling, gorgeous leather client seating (with matching hair wash station seats) to a custom made front desk. There is so much of Katie in each square footing of the salon. My personal favorite was the flamingo bathroom pictured above, and yes it’s that bright. This quaint little downtown salon has huge personality and Katie is not done doing finishing touches yet. 

Katie has had personal struggles with the Coronavirus as well as professional. “The pandemic has taught me my health is so incredibly important. I was extremely sick for two weeks with Coronavirus. It was the worst thing I have ever been through including a trip to the hospital. I am so thankful for my husband who took such good care of me. This pandemic also taught me the value of having family and friends in your life that are there to support you and help you through such trying times.” Her husbands account of the ramifications of Katie’s decline in health while fighting her bought of COVID-19 brings a reality to the virus we don’t typically hear.“I won’t forget staying up till my eyes couldn’t stay open any more making sure she was breathing. I could hear her lungs crackle every time she took a breath but since we were told at the hospital to just wait it out there was nothing we could do.” Lucas, Katie’s husband, tells us this. Katie was one of the first waves of the virus in Albany county. 

On the other side and clear of the virus, Katie is working through her struggle of “idle time” while finding new hobbies and passions. “I need to create so I started making polymer clay earrings to stay positive. I have made about 50 pairs. Crafting/ creating art has always made me feel better when I’m down.” 

Bringing the theme of human connection and support to this, it’s important to champion the passions of others now and far beyond the Pause. Our world will never be the same, and I’m genuinely starting to believe that’s not a bad thing. We need more gratitude in the world. We needed to have our eyes open to the things we were taking for granted. 

As far as Katie goes, you’ll find her for now at her homestead in a “weird messy bun” but she is optimistic and excited to open her doors soon. 

If you’d like to support Katie with her jewelry she’s creating during this time, and to get on the appointment list when the salon opens, please follow her on instagram at @thealchemists.salon, or stop in when it’s safe at 330 Madison Avenue, Albany NY…. In the words of Katie, “let’s make some magic.”

// Please note all quoted statements above are those of Mrs. Rodriguez and not reflective Faiella Studios. Data per the DOL announcement referenced is available at: https://www.dol.gov/ui/data.pdf

Victoria Ragone

Meet Victoria Ragone (she/her), a Registered Nurse at a hospital in Upstate New York. Daily she has to stare the very reality of this coronavirus in the face while supporting and raising a family at home- she and her husband have an 8 month old baby boy. Being an ‘everyday hero’, Victoria has been fighting on the front lines since the beginning of this pandemic. New York statistically has been hit the hardest in the United States, and the Capitol Region is no stranger to the high volume of patients. This means she can’t just come home in scrubs and put them right in the hamper anymore and she can’t come home and kiss her baby right away anymore… there are many other layers to the day that have completely changed. 

“I have a bag in my car, and antibacterial spray. I spray the bag down, spray my shoes down, and put it all in the bag. I have different shoes that I switch into as well.” This is not all the precautions taken, and it seems drastic from the world of clocking out and going home that we all remember. Victoria laughs in good spirits, “..when I get home, I undress outside throw my clothes right into the laundry, and run right upstairs to shower.” Her family is fortunate enough to have two full bathrooms in the house, therefore Victoria uses a completely different bathroom than her husband Derek and baby boy Nico. 

While being on the front lines, Victoria talks about the true compassion behind the Nursing profession. While things are difficult as operations procedures continue to change daily in the hospital setting, her patients continue to inspire and motivate her. “The patients really keep us going. I think a lot of my positivity comes from being able to spend time with patients that I wouldn’t normally get to spend the time with. I think that’s a big part of nursing that had gotten overlooked before this crisis, when it was too busy to do things like that.”

Victoria is the type of person who leads with an infectious smile, and  has the quality of kindness that is truly the backbone of the medical profession. The monotonous nature of busy careers can become extremely wearing and dull, especially when under the immense pressure a pandemic brings. That being said, it has not killed Victoria’s spirit. “In the past week alone I had two adults diagnosed with cancer. Due to protocol, they can’t have anyone visit them, they have to tell their families over the phone, and they go right into treatment essentially alone. No one is able to be there for them. So, being the person who can be there forces you to be positive. You have to be a friend to these people - it takes your mind off of everything else going on."

Relaxation and recuperation are key for being healthy as well, especially when working in a hospital that is a hot bed for the novel Coronavirus. “In the beginning, day to day we were operating routinely, but then we had a few employees who tested positive for COVID-19 which turned the entire floor I’m on to precautions. We have to wear our face shields in any room, and the whole 9 yards of PPE. For general day to day, all of our rooms have gotten changed to single rooms, and we have been having less patients.”

On top of her nursing career, as mentioned, she and her husband have a beautiful baby boy Nico. It was important to talk to Victoria about being a new mother in a time like this. I can only imagine that it’s so beautiful to see such a light like Nico at the end of a long day. Babies are cute and all, but I’ve never seen such a happy baby! Parenthood for any age child comes with stress during this time, but it seems more so for parents of children in key developmental ages. “Right now my biggest struggle is the fact that I want to be able to give Nico a normal childhood. I know that he’s too young to remember much of this, but before the pandemic I would make sure I took him everywhere with me because I wanted him to be one of those kids who was flexible and comfortable doing that. Now, I can’t and we don’t go anywhere. The routine has changed so now it’s making sure we get out of the house for walks, and play outside. All of our family is missing him growing up. He’s going to be on the move soon, and no one will see his steps.” Grateful for all of the interaction social media brings, Victoria tells us “it’s very different”. 

I can’t imagine having a child during this time, I applaud all of the parents, as you’re the true heroes. Raising children is never an easy feat, and difficulty is amplified during these times at whatever age your child is. Governor Cuomo had just announced in NYS that all schools are closed for the remainder of this school year. What happens in the future though? Will we have kids stunted in their education, are kids staying back? I remember when I was younger and the biggest concern on my mind was what my AIM away message would be during the summer. Now we have children who are wondering when they are going to see their friends and family again. Victoria’s message regarding raising a young child is one of hope and love though, which I encourage we all take something from. “Make the best of it and enjoy this time with your family as much as you can, because a lot of people can’t do it because of this pandemic.” She breaks that with, “Nico has finally said ‘Mama', so things are looking up here!” 

Ultimately, she’s spot on because taking each day and living to the fullest has never made more sense, and I believe that’s the message being relayed here. Connect with those around you — connect with yourself. Communicate how you feel with those that love you because human connection is what is going to be able to  be strengthened through this, and far after. Accept love into your life, even though things seem so bleak. Have those family movie nights, get on the floor and play with your kid. Teach them something, and I’m sure if your heart is open, they’ll teach you something too. I’m not a mental health specialist, I’m just a story teller -  a guy with a camera and a passion for human connection. I’m also talking from experience though that connecting with other people has personally and astronomically helped me cope with this pandemic. We can all learn something from each other. 

In closing, Victoria tells us “..the most important message for people at home would be stay inside, wear masks, it’s not a joke. It has to be done. If anything, this pandemic has taught me to slow down, and for that I’m extremely grateful….I never knew how much I wasn’t being mindful. I was going through just motions on a day to day basis. I was taking so many things for granted.” 

I encourage you all to lead your days with gratitude  so I will start here. Thank you so much to Victoria and all of the other Nurses, and parents on the front lines of this pandemic. You’re nursing our fellow humans back to health, being their only friend at times of isolation, and at home you’re raising the future. 

// Please note all quoted statements above are those of Mrs. Ragone and not reflective of Faiella Studios.

Jessica LaChance - Ms. Dixie’s Tattoo & Pinup Parlour

Meet Jess LaChance, owner and lead tattoo artist at Ms. Dixie’s Tattoo & Pinup Parlour in Troy NY. Jess is an incredible human whose beliefs and soul pour into every tattoo they create. “I ask people to show me what inspires them, tell me about themselves.” This is so Jess can put a little bit of that hidden meaning in the designs created so people have a special, unique piece to cherish for the entirety of their lives. 

 In order to move forward with this interview I want you to understand the human Jess is. Jess radiates sunshine, and if you’ve met anyone with such a calmness about them, a connection to themselves with such a gentleness and respect - you know what I mean. Connecting with this project Jess had brought a different and holistic view on the novel coronavirus. Our entire interview loomed with a sense of positivity and healing. 

Jess is a highly educated human, having their undergrad at Russell Sage with a focus in sociology, global cultures and inequalities - focused on gender studies. With an internet persona as “Ms. Retro Dixie”, Jess explains what that means which also ties into who they are as a human. “‘Ms’. Is an ode to the feminine about me, I don’t abide by social construct, I am me. The ‘Retro’ is symbolic of a throwback age, vintage. The one era I was most drawn to in studies relating to gender, family, social constructs- was the 1950s. While there was discord in this time period, there was nostalgia - the idea people wanted to try and grow through difficult things. I’m not saying someone shouldn’t leave things if dangerous or violent, but there is a part of staying and working through things that makes you grow and explore yourself. Retro pulls back layering of stereotypical femininity. The ‘Dixie’ part of it was the slower culture and way of being from my childhood. When i started to get into the industry -modeling type things- they had a name for that and it stayed. The short of it: an ode to feminine ideals and flipping them.”

Jess has a gorgeous studio in the heart of Troy that is extremely inviting and every bit a part of who they are. You walk in and there is life everywhere from gorgeous plants to sunshine radiating through the large windows. There is art all along the walls from past tattoos done, to collected pieces Jess has purchase, to gifts and inside jokes from clients. “If anyone is in here (my studio) and they want to engage in a conversation with me, they hear all of these things I’m built on…at the end of the day it doesn’t matter what anyone thinks, you have to be what you are. If you go into the origins of everything built up around us, it’s three things: mercury, salt and sulfur.” What Jess is describing is known as the Principals of Alchemy.  In Alchemy, Salt, Sulphur and Mercury are believed the contents in all matter. In these three principles, Salt is referenced as the body, Sulphur is active energy of the universe representing the soul, and Mercury was the principle of fusibility - the ability to ebb and flow representing life itself.  It’s believed in the study of Alchemy that in order for the energies of Life to transmit their influence into matter, these three principles are needed. 

Myself as a person, I’ve always believed everything happens for a reason and we have to be self aware to take things good or bad as a lesson. This being part of why I understood where Jess was coming from with their take on the COVID-19 pandemic - it’s seen to Jess as less of a tragedy and more of an enlightenment with a basis around higher truth. “I strongly feel we are going through a mass awakening right now. As a society, we are coming to realize that truth exists higher than what we have believed it to. In order for a system like that to develop and come about - where you can’t have corruption, lies, distortions and false information. We are experiencing a real life Tower Card.” The tower card in Tarot is what is being referred to- it topples. “We are very much experiencing a falling of a that system. It is showing that unity is stronger than lies and extortion… the people will prevail and they always do. Goodness will always prevail.”

The current state of our world with this virus is truly a reset for society and nature. “Its interesting because the word ‘corona’ means crown. In the system of our 7 chakras, our highest chakra is the crown chakra which is about openness and access to ultimate truth. We are going through a coronavirus right now, which substitutes crown and what we are going through is an energetic cleansing of our society. Its not about people getting sick because they’ve done something wrong - not at all. It’s the fact whatever deep fears there are for people, people are confronting those fears on their own level. If you don’t like being alone- there are many people forced to be alone right now (quarantine). In turn, it’s a reminder to all of us as a populous to reach out to those people who have a hard time being alone and remind them it’s okay to be alone, it’s okay to deal with those emotions while being alone. If people are refusing to see the good in society, they are being confronted with so many people who want nothing but to do good for other people. That is absolutely what this is about - this is about unity.”

It’s not a coincidence there are reports across the world that smog is evaporating, you can see the bottoms of bodies of water.. the world needed a hard reset because of everything we have been taking for granted.  It’s unfortunate we are losing lives in the process, but we have to believe in this greater message, utilizing human connection - again what this Pandemic Project is all about. 

From the perspective of a small business owner, a professional, Jess is also feeling the sting of unemployment. “I wanted to slow down a bit, but not stop. Rent is still due, I still haven’t gotten unemployment yet.”  The biggest struggle personally for Jess - and many others in industries that are being ordered to be closed- is financial. “Other than ONE stimulus check that doesn’t cover bills, I’ve been out of work for over 4 weeks. (at the time of the interview)” Small business owners are undoubtedly suffering the most.  “I’m thankful that I’m healthy, I’m happy, I have time to reflect on things and I’m grateful I’m in a peace of mind to do so. Not everyone has those things. Yes money is a piece of paper, but a loosery. Working slave to a paper piece is not the point of existing. We didn’t come here to slave our life - we came to learn, connect with others, to come together. It’s hard when you’re trying to do all of that and getting these messages that you’re being punished as small business owners, waiting around for the other shoe to drop. Now I have to go pay all of my rent for a space that I’ve not been allowed to use.”

This coming from an understanding of Governor Cuomo’s Mortgage Moritorium that does absolutely nothing to protect renters, but allows mortgage forgiveness. “Small business owners are renters, not owners of their properties most of the time. So now my landlord gets a freedom to not pay their mortgage, but people who are struggling have to pay (rent)?”

Jess and other small business owners we have talked to have said that their landlords are making deals with their tenants that they will be charging the missed rent spread out over the next few months which is not helpful as many small business owners are making little to no income during this pause.  At the same time, Jess says when these thoughts creep in to “recenter, hold faith, and remember when we have health and happiness, things are going to be okay.”

Those thoughts in additions to new hobbies are what is keeping Jess positive. “As an artist, I’m always busy with my projects - I don’t do a lot of free drawing and I thought I’d use a lot of this time to do that but I haven’t. I’ve been learning to make my own kombucha! I’ve always been a juicer, so that’s something that’s always been a love. I’ve grown veggies here and there but now I’m doing it in different ways - it’s giving me self love.” As I’ve said in other interviews and to people that I’ve talked to - I genuinely hope people are taking this time to heal themselves. A higher healing so to say - do things that you normally “didn’t have time for”. Do things that serve you - make you happy. Do nothing at all and that is an okay way to cope with this. Overall, self love is the key to positive mental wellbeing, especially when the world is in shambles. 

On that note, Jess agrees. “I want people to do better for self love. It all starts internal. I think that people need to take time before responding to any circumstances. I think people need to feel what they’re feeling right now that is good. For instance, if it’s a sense of peace, people need to ask themselves ‘what takes away from my peace in the way I was living’ and they find a way to integrate more of that peace in their world when things go back.” Jess tells us in their household, there is no news on the television. “….people need to trust how they feel, their intuition vs what is being fed from a media source. This past summer (2019) I stopped watching the news entirely and still do not. I think that contributes to my peace of mind and well being. I think not taking things for face value and peoples opinions, but seek your own truth while trying to understand others - instead of passing judgement, research things and learn. That sounds utopian, but there are bits that people can pull out.”

From Jess, people can pull something out no matter what you believe in. No matter if you believe in ‘higher powers’ or energies of the earth.. whatever your own rock is. At the end of the day, we are all tired mentally and physically. This time in our lives is hopefully one we won’t see again, but in order to do that we need to fix our relationships with ourselves - foster it. We need to take care of our planet, and each other. We need to lead with truth and find human connection through all of our likeness and diversities. My interview with Jess was insightful, and left me feeling a sense of calmness. A sense that I was on the right path. Before I left, they read my Tarot and pulled for me the “Courageous Peony” - you can see in an above picture. This card was interpreted as the unique and creative. I don’t believe this is a coincidence.

When the world comes off Pause, you’ll find me in Jess’ chair. 

For more information and to see some of Jess’ work, please support small and follow on instagram @msretrodixie .

// Please note all quoted statements above are those of Jess LaChance and not reflective of Faiella Studios.

Joshua Whelan - Nine Pin Cider

Meet Joshua Whelan (he/him), Director of Sales and Marketing for Nine Pin Cider, New York's First Farm Cidery located in Albany, NY. Nine Pin is a staple of Albany for many and completely sourced from their community using Upstate NY apples.

When I first moved to Albany in 2018, Nine Pin had stuck out to me. I’d worked for a company down the road and it’s bright signage and stylish space caught my eye every time I’d walk or drive by. It wasn’t until Earth Day of 2018 I had my first interaction. Nine Pin and other local businesses were sponsoring an Earth Day Clean up in downtown Albany, and handing out free drink vouchers for whomever of age that participated. Never being a big cider man growing up, but being adventurous, I gave them a try. Their crisp and refreshing beverages on that hot day hit my pallet and from then on, I liked cider. My taste buds aren’t what ultimately sold me on Nine Pin though. What made the interaction was how much of a community business they were, and how their staff made you feel while in their establishment. Over the years it’s been promising to see them participate in so many community events, such as Pride where last year they had released a cider with a rainbow can. That being said, small and local businesses need our support more than ever. Therefore in doing this project, I had no doubts I wanted to speak with Nine Pin. With their history of giving back to the community, it’s time the community gave back to them. Josh expressed his gratitude to us in his interview. “(I) Thank everyone who has come out and supported Nine Pin during this time! Every order means the world to us. Not only financially, but it motivates us too.” 

The community Nine Pin created, runs deeper than people who work together - they are family. “I got involved with Nine Pin when I was still in college. My older cousin Alejandro del Peral had the idea for the business and told me about it while I was visiting him for a ski weekend. After tasting one of his cider test batches, I instantly fell in love with the product and told him I'd like to be involved!” Joshua has been with Nine Pin most of his adult life, and has seen the company grow in many different directions over the years, but this pandemic is unlike anything else and as a result has changed the way businesses like Nine Pin operate. “I am trying to stay in touch with our customers constantly to let them know when new and exciting ciders are available. As a marketing guy, it's actually been a fun challenge. “

Josh is very much so an extrovert, who like many of the individuals we have interviewed, has had a personal problem with the lack of human contact. “ Zoom and FaceTime are nice, but nothing beats being in the presence of your loved ones.” There is no damper in spirit though, and Josh has been successful in adapting by ”trying to stay as active as possible.” He and his fiancee are local to Albany, he tells us. “My fiancee and I get out to Washington Park at least twice a day to walk our dog Nala.” Nala is such a sweet, beautiful lab mix and the “unnofficial” cider dog of Nine Pin. (I encourage you to follow all of her adventures at @nalaoveralbany on Instagram, by the way.) 

Being an extrovert professionally as well, Josh has a hand in planning activities the business participates in.  “My biggest struggle is not being able to plan fun, social activities for people to attend at the cidery. Coming up with event ideas is one of my favorite parts of my job, so being unable to do this has been hard.” On the other side of that, you can bet Nine Pin will be having many incredible events once the Pause on the state is over. The fun ways they’re connecting with consumers during this time is concocting and bringing back various flavors of ciders as well as promoting Cider Cocktail recipes available on their website . Try your hand at bartending at home! Right now is the perfect time to try something new, and supporting your local favorites in the meantime is a win-win. 

“The pandemic has taught me not to take things for granted…..It also has taught me to take things day by day. Every day, new challenges await so you have to be ready for them and flexible when things don't go as planned.” That message alone is extremely important for people to remember. At the of the day, we are all human and we are all trying to survive the best way we can. Some days, you’re not going to be as flexible when things take a turn, and that’s okay. It’s okay to do nothing. It’s okay to do everything you can think of (within being safe per CDC guidelines right now.) No way of dealing right now is the “right” way. We have to just continue to uplift and champion other humans. Businesses are working hard to be creative for their consumers, ensure sanitation guidelines are adhered to, and bringing you the best product possible

In the Faiella household, we try and eat dinner from local restaurants once a week. We opt for supporting local shops for what we need as well, that includes liquor stores, or from their online shops.

“My most important message to people is that if you have the means to do so, please support local companies right now. This goes for local restaurants, breweries, cideries, gift shops, even corner stores. I know that the impulse right now is to go to the big box stores and to stock up on toilet paper and other supplies, but don't forget to also try and spend money at all of our independently owned businesses. We need it now more than ever.”

Support, shop, and enjoy small and local - like Josh said, if you have the means to, do so. These businesses are here for you to share in their passions year round. By joining forces when the world is vulnerable, we emerge stronger together.

You can find most of what Nine Pin has to offer right at the tips of your fingers. Their website has a map of their farm sources, along with the cocktail recipes, and a complete list of their product available for pickup at the tasting room, or local delivery. 

You can find more information at ninepincider.com , or @ninepincider on Instagram - see you in the tasting room!

// Please note all quoted statements above are those of Mr. Whelan and not reflective of Faiella Studios.

Ashley Lightbourn

Meet Ashley Lightbourn (she/her), a certified nursing aide in the Capitol Region. CNA’s like Ashley are right on the front lines of this global crisis. They are being worked especially long hours, and seeing the darker side of the situation, but standing firm in their positive faith. Nursing facilities are amongst the top populations of virus infested areas, as most - if not all- of their patients are high risk being elderly or having pre existing conditions. “My biggest struggle during this quarantine is finding a balance. I work overnight and then I come home to my 3 year old who is usually up and ready to play! I have been picking up a lot of shifts so just trying to balance getting rest and being a mom has been a little more challenging these days.”

Ashley, like many of the humans we’d talked to for this project that are still going into their jobs everyday, have children at home. “My daughter has a compromised immune system and in the end, she always comes first.” Between home schooling, making sure there are disinfectants available in the home, and child size masks - parents still have to teach their kids “normal” things like how to tie their shoes. Parents all around are doing their best at giving their kids the most “normal” year of their lives, when this time has been anything but normal for any of us. 

Human touch is extremely underrated, and right now the thought of it is so far from the front of our minds. Not only because we don’t want to contract COVID-19, but because there are literal laws and boundaries that prohibit us from doing so outside of our immediate households. Health care professionals that work directly with patients, are used to providing that sympathetic touch. The hand on their shoulder that “everything is going to be okay”.  They are that person to provide the hug, handshake, or even sit  at their bedside at times when there is no other family. “I have just been a lot more aware of what I touch and what touches me. Working with my residents, I wouldn't mind sitting with them and holding their hands or siting near them but now I try to keep a little more of a distance or wear my gloves to hold their hands which to me hinders the comfort that the hand holding could offer.” The emotional stress this puts on the workers is just as - if not more- taxing as physical labor. 

That said, there is not all grim and gray in Ashley’s story. Leaning on faith has been a saving grace (no pun intended) for her, like many people. “To stay positive I listen to my favorite gospel songs. 'My response' by Phil Thompson has been on repeat.” Ashley tells us, “I believe God has paused the world for a reason and its important to figure out what the reason was.” Self introspection has been helpful to some, but if that’s not your path, that’s okay. 

Reading these stories from other humans is meant to bring us together more… shed light on human connection and likeness through all walks of life and professions. That being said, the project is also to shed light on how we are all diverse. Whether it be what keeps us positive, whether it be things we enjoy doing, or whether its reading stories about struggle, it will all bring us together in one way or another. 

Struggle isn’t always negative, sometimes it’s the catalyst to what makes us grow and there is no shame in that. There’s this quote somewhere about diamonds. Diamonds are only created while under immense pressure, so as Ashleys optimism aligns with that. She has faced this virus head on, and still keeps her positive aura that radiates in the pictures above through her ear to ear smile. “The pandemic has taught me to continue to believe in myself and to be okay with leaning on others when I need help.” The community The Pandemic Project, co workers, families, and the world has created is a beautiful thing and I’m grateful to be a part of it and meet these incredible humans. 

In the words of the great, late Bill Withers…. “we all need somebody to lean on.” 

Thank you Ashley and all the CNA’s working day in and day out to care for, and nurse our loved ones back to health.

// Please note all quoted statements above are those of Ms. Lightbourn and not reflective of Faiella Studios.

Rebecca Garrard

Meet Rebecca Garrard (she/her), Campaigns Manager for Housing Justice at Citizen Action of New York. Rebecca fights for equality for New Yorkers every day, to ensure all people regardless of walk of life receive fair and equal housing. Citizen Action of New York is a grassroots membership organization that advocates for various different causes such as housing justice, ensuring our children have a quality public education, ending our current system of mass incarceration and establishing a new system of justice to name a few. They work with the vision in mind to treat others with love, respect and dignity and each person is able to reach their fullest potential if we work together.

Today is May 1st, and for many New Yorkers that means that rent is due. Citizen Action of New York amongst various organizations, are calling for a rent freeze. They are advocating for those that can barely afford to put food on the table for their family and create an equal society.  “In New York we have tenants who are unemployed - with 100% of non essential workers ordered to stay home” Garrard tells us. The White House sent a stimulus check to qualifying Americans mid April, but on top of feeding family and various bills collected, most people who are deemed non essential are struggling to get by.  Now more than ever - COVID 19 is effecting not only NY populations, but all humans. 

“We had a housing crisis prior to COVID-19, and this pandemic has created a humanitarian crisis of housing. People will be facing eviction as of June 20th. We expect mass evictions, displacement, and homelessness as of then.” This pandemic and the novel coronavirus has completely ripped apart the country’s economy, leaving workers who are deemed “non essential” to spar with the economic fallout. What Rebecca means above is there was a small win last month for tenants, residential and commercial. Last month a state eviction moratorium passed in New York and is in effect until at least June 20. Initially, a New York Chief Administrative Judge announced a suspension on court eviction hearings, but there was a small loophole which allowed landlords to proceed. Governor Cuomo took wind of this loop hole, enacting a statewide eviction moratorium for 90 days.

“We have over 90 thousand New Yorkers alone in shelters - who when people are being told to stay at home to stay safe - these people don’t have a home to stay in.” Advocacy organizations led by humans like Rebecca are taking their part in Tweeting, virtual lobbying, and participating in caravan car rallies outside the New York Capitol to shed light on these issues.  “We need to take emergency action to house these people.” 

At the end of the day we need these warriors like Rebecca to fight for the public of New York. As stated above, Rebecca is with an organization who is one of many fighting through this pandemic, in solidarity. People like her are often overlooked when you think of the word “essential” but in the worlds of the humans Citizen Action fights to protect, they’re essential everyday - just like our previously interviewed Luke Grandis of VOCAL-NY. We can’t stop the compassion for other humans… the homeless can’t stay home, and vulnerable communities become more vulnerable.

The glimmer of light in this pandemic is not lost on Rebecca, though. She tells us “..to stay hopeful in a moment where it would be easy to recoil in a hole - for humanity to crawl in a hole and lock themselves away, there’s this collective action and urgency we see across New York where people are banding together and standing up for change. This change is not just for themselves, but each other, and that is a beautiful thing.”

In closing, let’s all look to help other humans during this time. Whether you agree with the politics on either side of the fence, I think everyone can agree people deserve to be safe, warm with a roof over their heads and food in their bellies. Human connection is what we need to heal our world. We need to want the best for other humans, and now more than ever extend a hand where it’s needed. Whether it be landlords helping tenants, friends helping friends, or families relying on each other. Remember that at the end of the day everyone is stressed and tired. There’s a difference between rallying for causes, and being aggressive to get your point across. We all put our pants on the same way. So, let’s listen to peoples stories, validate them and do all that we can to help each other, it’s the only way we will survive.  I’ve said the following before, but it rings true through this pandemic. Whether it’s our significant others, our health, our friends, or a complete stranger- look towards uplifting others and realize there are organizations you can become members of to champion their goals and mission.

Thank you Rebecca and the folx at Citizen Action for all of the work you do, being there for humans of NY.

For more information on Citizen Action of New York,  please visit citizenactionny.org or follow them on instagram & Twitter:  @citizenactionny. 

// Please note all quoted statements above are those of Ms. Garrard and not reflective of Faiella Studios.

Lauren Caldwell - LaRose Media

Meet Lauren Caldwell (she/her) owner and founder of LaRose Media. "I fell in love with film at a very early age and knew it would become my passion." Lauren creates artistic video content for companies small and large. "My favorite part of film production is telling a story and bringing it to life in the editing room." Her 9th grade cinematography teacher Mr. Hanley told her something that would change her life, he said 'Once you fall in love with cinematography, you will never watch a movie the same way again.' "He was right," she said. "I was hooked! I loved how all the pieces fell together, how the framing and light influenced a scene and how a cut could change the dynamic all together." Over the last ten years she has built LaRose Media from the ground up. 

Like many 'non essential' business in the area LaRose Media has been effected by the pandemic as well. During the summer and fall season, Lauren relies heavily on the wedding industry. Weddings for 2020 are now being rescheduled to 2021 or they are being cancelled all together. "It has been difficult income wise but I like the slower pace. As a creative person, I like not having a time limit to how long I can sit down and create. I can wake up, feel inspired and not have to go work on a wedding day timeline or gear up to shoot a long wedding weekend. I'm enjoying this to be honest." 

The positive outlook Lauren has is not uncommon. Taking this time to reset, refocus and recenter is an important part of growing a business or mourning the loss of one. Lauren has her own share of struggles with this pandemic - professionally and personally. 

"The biggest struggle professionally has been losing the income that I thought was guaranteed for the summer and fall. Not knowing where that will come from now is for sure the hardest part." Fear of the unknown has been what many people are struggling with. Not knowing what the world will be like on the other side of the pandemic is eerie. What will the 'new normal' be? "I don't like coming out and saying 'I'm having a great time!' I know how serious the situation is - people are dying. What I like is having the extra time with my family, the time to take care of my home, the time I have to spend with my dog and as an artist having all the time to create - uninterrupted." Lauren lives with her sister and boyfriend Blake who are both essential workers. She helps them with lunches for work and tries to have dinner ready when they get home after their long stressful days. Doing what she can to ensure that some 'normal' is still around at the end of the day. 

Dave Matthews is a huge passion for her entire house. Anyone who is a big fan of DMB knows they are more than a band, they are a way of life and for Laurens' household that statement could not be more true. During quarantine Dave has live streamed a few concerts from his home making for a very happy Lauren. Jokingly, I commented about the 2020 concert season. She typically travels to see him during summer tours and has 5 DMB concerts lined up for this July. "I don't want to talk about that! I'm still on a hope and a whim!" she exclaimed. 

During this entire interview, a smile never left her face. We were standing in the Empire plaza in downtown Albany. She wanted to get a few shots for a short piece she's producing regarding this pandemic and its affects on the 2020 wedding season. It was the first nice day we have had in Albany for a while and the sunset did not disappoint.  Currently 'NY TOUGH' is illuminated on the Corning tower. Lauren, along with many of the humans highlighted in this project are the inspiration to this new mantra. We are truly NY Tough. Tough is more than just physical. It is a mental endurance, it is a maturity to look at this pandemic with a 'glass half full' mentality. Tough is admitting that is is okay to not be okay. It is doing the best you can, everyday and pushing for a better tomorrow. "I'm taking out of this pandemic what I hope a lot of other people take as well...that everything can change in a second. You could wake up tomorrow and life as you know it could be completely different. So always remember what is important, the people in your life, your social connections, love - don't take any of it for granted." 

As a fellow creator, being able to continue to create during this time of uncertainty has been extremely grounding.  Thank you to everyone who continues to champion others passions. We say that a lot here at Faiella Studios and we mean it. Continue to support your creative friends. Like their posts, comment on their content, leave reviews and share their works! There are many ways to show love and support now and after this pandemic ends. To have creative vision is a gift and we must continue to uplift each other. And as Lauren said, don't take anything for granted. 

Thank you Lauren and LaRose Media for continuing to create and document the world through your lenses, your creative input truly makes the world a more beautiful place. LaRose Media offers a wide range of production services for businesses small and large. Content creation, documentary style film work and editing are her passions. For more information on the company, to see what projects she is currently working on or for any questions related to booking please visit larosemedia.com. You can also follow along on Instagram at @larose_media. 

// Please note all quoted statements above are those of Ms. Caldwell and not reflective Faiella Studios.