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Small businesses are relying more than ever on your support as they creatively cope with COVID. Here's the second of a series of stories about their survival.

When COVID-19 became a global pandemic in March, all of us were suddenly navigating uncharted waters. However, San Juan Islands businesses have responded with compassion and ingenuity during these tough times.

This is the second of a series of stories to highlight how businesses on Lopez, Orcas, and San Juan Island have coped, giving you a chance to get to know and support them and all businesses in staying "San Juan Islands Strong". Travel to a different island to holiday shop, or, use this new local holiday gift guide to find the perfect Islands-inspired gift. From estate-grown wines to products made with island botanicals, nothing says the San Juan Islands more than items hand-crafted here.

We also encourage you to share stories with us of businesses that have created magic in their own ways, we know more stories are out there.

You don't have to travel far to have a total escape. Sometimes, it's found in your own backyardâ€¦

Story 2: Pelindaba Lavender Farm -- A natural balm

Pelindaba in the Zulu language means a "place of great gatherings," a nod to owner Stephen Robins' South African heritage. By nature, Pelindaba has embraced their guests and invited them to "great gatherings" every summer, including their July lavender festival. This season, however, they had to focus more locally and think creatively to stay open safely and respectfully.

Although the festival was canceled, the lavender was still in bloom and the farm became a calming mecca for those seeking a fragrant retreat. "We consciously created a feeling of safety at the farm," said owner Stephen Robins. At the Gatehouse farm store, a one-way path meandered through the old farmhouse with distance markers ensuring each visitor had the opportunity to safely see and experience the variety of locally made lavender products. Outdoors, the farm's over 20 acres provide ample space to enjoy the fields of lavender at a social distance.

In an inspired move, the sale of ice cream and other refreshments was moved out to a tent amidst the blooming fields of lavender where tools were shared for harvesting one's own lavender from cutting fields.

Business Challenges:

As with many island businesses, sales have been "a mixed bag and it was initially hugely difficult to find summer retail workers," related Robins. On the bright side, however, while Pelindaba's stores had to temporarily close in the spring, their internet sales "went through the roof." And, Pelindaba's Gatehouse farm store sales were strong all summer until fall when it closed for the season and the Friday Harbor store reopened.

And, keeping the business on an even keel has also had its challenges. "When staff expressed concerns about whether we would be able to survive," Robins reminded them, "The fields aren't going away - go smell the lavender." Although the gatehouse store is closed and the lavender fields have faded, the fields are always open to visitors and this summer many locals expressed gratitude for the farm remaining open to the public.

You can pick up Pelindabaâ€™s product at its Friday Harbor store or order items online to experience one of nature's most calming plants. For more information: www.pelindabalavender.com

The three local Chambers of Commerce, the San Juan County Economic Development Council, and the San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau ask islanders to continue to eat, shop, stay and play throughout San Juan County. A strong economy builds a strong community.

Watch the Story of How Pelindaba Lavender Came to Be