During the pandemic, many people across Kentucky faced unexpected job losses and hardship. With the unprecedented events, a wave of creative entrepreneurs emerged with people launching businesses from home offices, kitchens, and garages. This was the case of Deedra and Onas Hanekamp who built a small business in the carport of their home in Floyd County, Kentucky, to repair bikes and sell books and local artwork.
The pair became small business owners when Onas, a certified bike mechanic since 1992, was laid off during COVID. Deedra, an author and a visual artist, had 15 years of experience in selling her books and her art. They decided to combine their passions under one roof: Hanekamp Manor Bikes & Books. Over the next two years they built their business, moving from the carport to a separate structure they hand built. Then the floodwaters came.
In the early morning hours of July 28, 2022, Deedra and Onas, along with many in the Garrett, Kentucky community were rescued by swift water crews from their homes as Beaver Creek rose and flooded their town.
(Courier Journal)
Later that day, Deedra posted a photo of their flooded home and business on their Facebook page: “Our family owned business and the dream to serve our community’s bicycling needs is still strong in our hearts. The flooding has washed away and destroyed so much, but not our desire to continue our business. Unfortunately at this time we will be closed indefinitely… Thank you to those who have supported our efforts to build this business. We hope to be able in the future to once more open our doors.”
After the flood, Deedra said they were stalled out.
“When the flood hit, we had no idea where to turn. Not just on a personal level, but on a business level.”
They needed support to know which steps to take next as they navigated FEMA and other resources available for small businesses impacted by the flood. They found Mountain Association’s Business Support program, which covered 100% of the costs for flooded small businesses who needed to work with an expert consultant on a project that would help their business succeed through this devastating event.
Deedra chose to work with Terry Salyer, a Mountain Association business consultant in nearby Magoffin County, on a business plan to strategize how to build their business back better.
“Working with Terry to see that going back to our business plan and getting back to the root of why we started this business: Why did we start this? What does the community mean to us and what are we bringing to the community?”
Alongside supporting their business plan and operational efficiencies, Terry helped them to analyze their costs of goods and services in order to develop a pricing model that support them as business owners and their local customers. This also led to the creation of marketing materials, an enhanced website, and a new initiative they are calling Community Days and the Garrett Beautification Project. Community Days is a series of events for 2024, where they are partnering with other small businesses and community members. They accept donations of clothing and other items that they give away for free, and offer discounted bike repair.
Deedra described her work with Terry as pivotal support as they recovered and reopened.
“I love the team feeling. You don’t feel like someone is telling you what to do – you feel like you have someone in your corner that is right there fighting the good fight with you.”
Explore Hanekamp Manor’s offerings, including Deedra’s books. Her most popular books are The Louise Green Series, which blends dark humor with mystery: https://www.hanekampmanor.com/ and https://www.facebook.com/profile/100063502785638
