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| 6 Inspiring Business Survival Stories Against All Odds. |
In times of crisis, businesses worldwide have faced significant challenges. However, some have shown remarkable resilience, adapting and thriving despite the odds. Here are six incredible stories of businesses that survived and even grew through adversity.
1. DIZENGOF99 Café: Reinventing Israeli Cuisine Delivery
Owners: Zhenya Tsyupko and Galya Nikolaeva
Before the pandemic, the DIZENGOF99 Café operated as a dine-in restaurant specializing in Israeli cuisine, with delivery as a secondary option. But when lockdown hit, they had to close their doors and focus entirely on delivery. Orders soared, prompting them to create their own delivery system, relying on staff and themselves for deliveries.
They adapted their menu, cutting expensive and hard-to-transport items like seafood, but adding simpler, customer-favorite options like hummus and chicken patties. To further engage customers, they offered special vouchers, allowing diners to redeem food post-lockdown. Their quick adaptation allowed them to thrive even when faced with such adversity.
2. Zoom Photography Sessions by Yana Lukyanova
Founder: Yana Lukyanova
As a business photographer and blogger, Yana faced the sudden halt of in-person photo shoots. Inspired by another photographer's remote sessions, Yana decided to offer Zoom photo sessions. She set a reasonable price and found creative ways to help clients capture Instagram-worthy photos using minimalistic setups like white shirts and natural lighting.
Despite the challenges of directing shoots remotely, this pivot allowed Yana to continue working. She also ventured into food photography for delivery services and provided remote consultations, proving that even photographers can find innovative solutions during a lockdown.
3. BO.big: The Dog Training School That Went Online
Founder: Anastasia Bobkova
Specializing in behavioral correction and mental health for dogs, Anastasia's hands-on training business took a hit during quarantine. However, she quickly adapted by launching an online project, bobig.ru, providing valuable knowledge to dog owners.
In addition to online consultations and courses, she launched a paid course called "School for Adopted Dogs," teaching owners how to train their pets effectively. Anastasia's digital pivot also extended to collaborations with pet stores and manufacturers, providing expert guidance on dog accessories.
4. Rock the Cycle: From Spin Studios to Virtual Classes
Founder: Oleg Rudakov
Oleg's spin studios in Moscow and Saint Petersburg offered in-person cycling classes, with live training statistics and coaching. But with the pandemic forcing closures, they had to pivot quickly. They started by renting out their spin bikes to clients and moved their training sessions online via Zoom.
In addition, Rock the Cycle launched a streaming platform, offering paid and free content, and attracted over 100 participants for their first live stream, raising 12,000 rubles. The brand's adaptability ensured they kept the wheels turning, even when their physical doors were closed.
5. Femalemafia: Online Self-Defense Training
Founder: Lia Pantsalashvili
Lia, an expert in Krav Maga (a self-defense system), used to run in-person classes for women and individual clients. The pandemic forced her to reimagine her training methods. Transitioning to online classes, she adjusted her techniques to focus on solo exercises and muscle strengthening.
To help her students practice at home, Lia even delivered training equipment to them. She now conducts regular online sessions, finding ways to maintain engagement and provide valuable defense skills to her students despite the challenges.
6. Howard Loves Craft: From Niche Bar to Online Hangouts
Founder: Roman Rodin
Opened in 2016, the Howard Loves Craft bar built a reputation as a cozy, niche venue for craft beer lovers, hosting live events and lectures. When the pandemic hit, Roman realized he needed to find new ways to connect with customers.
He launched Twitch streams, offering three types of live content: bar talk shows, art streams, and World of Warcraft gameplay. These streams not only entertained but brought in over 70,000 rubles in donations, helping support the bar while also keeping their community engaged.
These stories showcase the resilience, creativity, and adaptability of businesses in the face of adversity. Whether through digital innovation, customer engagement, or simply finding new ways to operate, these entrepreneurs proved that it's possible to survive—and even thrive—despite the odds.
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