CUMMING, Ga. — The Gibson family, like many small business owners, took a risk in 2014 when they launched their furniture refinishing company. Two years later, they moved into the storefront of their dreams selling home decor and featuring local art at The Gibson Co in the Forsyth Collection. Owner Clarissa Gibson says the last four years have had their ups and downs, but nothing compares to the last month.
"It's been absolutely terrifying. We've never experienced something like this before. No one has. Where we aren't allowed to even try. Try to keep our doors open," says Gibson.
Similar to other small business owners across the state, Gibson has been struggling with what to do since hearing Georgia Governor Brian Kemp's order to reopen the economy. And while Gibson says she does have concerns about reopening, she has to do what's right for her.
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"I think at some point we'll all have to go back to normal life and I think we all have to make that decision for ourselves...and do what is right for our families, company, and customers," adds Gibson.
Gibson explaining that she and her husband, Mark Gibson, believe in always making the 'heart' decision.
"Regardless of what others are doing and regardless of our finances, we need to make the decision that feels right in our heart and not let our surroundings influence that," says Gibson.
While the small business owner says her husband and her have not decided on an official date to reopen, they feel that it will be sooner rather than later.
"We are speaking with our customers and we haven't heard any negative feedback. I think I'm just ready to get back to doing what we love," says Gibson.
The Gibson Co. relies on 'heart'
Other area businesses say the social distancing guidelines will prevent them from re-opening, including Marie's Italian Deli.
"We used tape measure to even see if it was possible to keep the six-foot distance, and it just doesn't work for us. No one would be able to get up and get a drink or use the restroom," says owner Karen Smith.
The deli owner adds that she doesn't feel like the public is ready to deal with all of that confusion inside of the dining room.
"Our curbside service has been going really great, and I think we'll just stick with that for now," adds Smith.
Marie's says 'it just doesn't work'
The restaurant owner says that she'd like to reopen her dining room once all restrictions are lifted.
"I'd like to wait until we didn't have to worry about social distancing, but I just don't know if and when that will ever happen," says Smith.
The deli that originally held out on closing its doors in late March says they just want to make sure they are not putting their staff at risk.
Governor Kemp is one of few governors in the country to announce plans to open parts of the economy. On Monday, Kemp announced that he would allow certain non-essential businesses to resume operations on Friday, with restaurants being permitted to serve dine-in customers next week.
On Thursday, President Trump expressed his concerns with Governor Kemp's decision, saying that the businesses Kemp plans to open are in violation of the phase one guidelines.
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Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms has also expressed apprehension saying, "It is the Governor’s prerogative to make this decision for the state, but I will continue to urge Atlanta to stay at home."
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