Sensitive to the current needs of customers, Annabelle Santos, founder of Spadet and WEALF entrepreneur, has added a 75% alcohol Moisturizing Hand Sanitizer to her successful organic olive oil-based skincare line. Concerned about the spread of the Coronavirus, customers were looking for alternatives to current skin drying hand sanitizers on the market. To ramp up the production of her new product, Annabelle applied for and was awarded two emergency grants. Drawing on her experience, Annabelle has been called on as a voice for small businesses appearing on television to discuss what it takes for small businesses to survive during this crisis.

When Coronavirus hit earlier this year, Annabelle, like many small business owners, asked herself, what product her company could create to meet the need of the moment. In response, Annabelle developed the alcohol-based hand sanitizer made with  Spadet’s signature olive oil to moisturize the skin.

The hand sanitizer is a logical extension of Spadet’s brand and was an immediate hit with Whole Foods Market picking it up for 5 of their locations. Along with success, accelerating demand came several potential production roadblocks, including obtaining sufficient bottles and sprayers, price increases in olive oil, and efficient production of the product. To help meet the increased financial requirements to scale up Annabelle received two $10K grants, Verizon Pay it Forward, and Hello Alice’s COVID-19 Business for All Emergency Grant. Annabelle used the money to purchase the needed supplies and new equipment that will increase the brands production in the long run, making her temporary pivot a permanent change.

In May, Annabelle appeared on Verizon’s Pay it Forward broadcast with Janelle Monae and WPIX 11 news at 5 “The Rebound” and described what it takes to build a brand and how to pivot the brand to meet the moment. Watch the segments below, and visit the Spadet website to view their entire line, and enjoy free shipping and a free bottle of hand sanitizer on orders over $50.