The ‘Chaffee’s Got Heart’ Committee says that it is extremely proud of local businesses and individuals that have gone above and beyond by doing extraordinary things during these uncertain COVID-19 pandemic times. This week it honors Clean Republic for its virus prevention work.
From innovating ways to thrive despite trying circumstances, to showering struggling members of our community with generosity, to prioritizing the health and safety of our most vulnerable, these businesses and individuals, who have been nominated for this honor by fellow community members, have shown what it really means when they say: Chaffee’s Got Heart.
The Committee sat down to talk with Robin Vega of Clean Republic.
When asked how COVID-19 caused Vega to innovate the way she does business, she said “COVID-19 created a sense of urgency for our business Clean Republic as it’s a COVID killer. We learned a lot of lessons we won’t soon forget and most importantly we’ve got that pandemic pivot on lock.”
“For my other business CAUSE+MEDIC spa we learned that, especially in a pandemic, people need wellness. While the rules fluctuated for spa treatments, it felt really good having a place where people could come, feel human and pampered and where they could purchase healthy cleaning products, pretty face coverings, and CBD which is remarkable for our immune systems.”
Image courtesy of Chaffee’s Got Heart.
“For Coletrain Music Academy, we learned how important both music and technology are. During the pandemic, our school actually tripled in size. We moved all of our students to our Skype program and it worked pretty seamlessly. It’s not lost on us what a blessing it was that our businesses thrived during what was such a dark time for so many.”
“I would say the common denominator of the success we found with each of these businesses during such a volatile time was the people that made up each team,” she added. “A good rule for any startup is to hire people who can wear more than one hat and who are strong where you are weak, and then to know when to get out of their way. This was most certainly true during COVID-19.”
Vega then explained why she had decided to go above and beyond to contribute to our community.
“Because community is everything, and if the pandemic taught us anything it’s that gathering together and being there for each other is vital to our wellbeing. What the Chaffee County Community Foundation was able to raise during COVID-19 is a true testament to how this valley rallies. When everything felt so out of our control, I just wanted to do what I could and what was within my power. Donating my time as well as cleaning and disinfecting solutions was within my power. My partner Coleman offered free virtual music lessons via Facebook live every Thursday for 21 weeks because that was within his power. Buena Vista has some serious magic to it and we hope to always make decisions that are for the greater good of this community.”
When asked where she sees examples of the idea that ‘Chaffee’s Got Heart’ Vega said “Everywhere. From organizations and nonprofits who sprung into action to feed families and help small business owners. I witnessed heart in our county-essential workers at the grocery stores, post office, and restaurants, and let us never forget the countless selfless front-line workers who put their lives on the line every single day. I witnessed heart in my partner Coleman wanting to offer the gift of music because we know music is medicine for many and having a creative outlet while in isolation was imperative for mental health.”
Vega’s biggest takeaway from the past year is “That community is everything and there is simply no replacement for live music. I also learned that placing a priority on wellness and our immune systems is a must.”
When asked what else she would want the community to know about her, her business, her contributions to the community, and how they can get involved or support her, Vega explained “I often get asked how I can do so many jobs. I’m a partner and Vice President of Clean Republic, and the Co-Owner of CAUSE+MEDIC Spa located on East Main (in Buena Vista). I’m also the other half of Coletrain Music Academy. This might sound crazy to some to have so many business cards and email addresses and some days it’s maybe a little crazy to me.”
“The truth of the matter is, I like to be a part of cool projects and love working with passionate people who are making an impact in this world. Even though I do wear a lot of hats, at the core of everything I do is storytelling. That’s why it’s imperative that I find meaning and purpose in my work so that I can authentically tell each story and share the heartbeat of these products and businesses” she said.
“Knowing we are distributing healthy cleaning and disinfecting solutions that are good for human health and safe for the planet brings me purpose,” she concluded. “Knowing we are providing wellness, pain relief, and CBD education to our community and its visitors at the spa fills me up. And nothing brings me more joy than seeing what the gift of music does for our students at Coletrain.”
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