ARNOLD, Mo. — Just about everyone feels a little overwhelmed in a sea of sequins, silks and dollar signs. But recently, it’s the woman who’s used to all the glam who felt like she was drowning.
“I experienced a panic attack, multiple times,” explained Asmaa Hashimi, the owner of Artizta Bridal, Prom, & Pageant Shop in Arnold.
Like so many small business owners, Hashimi’s anxiety was due to COVID-19. When events were paused due to the pandemic, her bills were not.
“We were paying utilities, rent without income, and we had dresses sitting here sadly,” she explained. “Everything you are looking at, we own. So, we had already paid for it.”
Zero sales for weeks were a big hit to the business, which usually sells 600-700 dresses a season. Clients all over the country come to Artizta to browse and try on dresses in person, so even as small events picked up in Jefferson County, many of Hashimi’s sales remained slow due to restrictions in other areas.
After more than a year of relying on her personal savings and credit cards, business is back slowly and spontaneously.
“The customers we had, they were hesitant because they didn't know if they were going to have a prom,” said Hashimi.
Nicole Maxfield and her daughter, Eryka, of Cape Girardeau are some of those last-minute shoppers.
The pair skipped school and work to find a dress five days before Eryka’s prom night.
“I feel like it's such a big deal for each student because you don't get an opportunity until you're a senior,” said Eryka. “It's kind of like your one opportunity to just step out of your comfort zone.”
It’s also an opportunity the emotional mother didn't see coming from her only daughter.
“She’s not one to be into frilly things, so it took me off guard,” explained Maxfield. “To be here, it's magical. I can’t believe she’s this old.”
After a year of the pandemic, the unexpected acting as a reflection of normalcy.
“A lot of symbolism,” said Maxfield.