Covid-stricken small business hoping to be next year by Les Somogyi Zuri Greer had high expectations last spring when he opened his custom tailoring shop in Olde Town Reynoldsburg. He came from a background of tax preparations, but quickly found his love for a business that he was having fun with custom tailoring, Persona Custom Clothiers, the makers of fine crafted suiting, shirting and custom footwear. Little did he know that a week or two after he moved into his new digs on Main Street, Covid was going to hit, and hit hard. So because of restrictions, he had to shut down. Even after reopening, he still never had his grand opening ribbon cutting. “We have cancelled and rescheduled our grand opening. I think we’re going to have a oneyear anniversary grand opening in the spring,” he said with a smile. He is convinced that his grand opening is in his future, and nobody, not even Covid, is going to rob him of that. Covid did a number of many businesses. Greer considers himself lucky that he wasn’t in the hospitality industry where the devastation may have been much more serious. Spring was going to be Greer’s “boom season.” With weddings, proms and other seasonal activities, it’s the time he has been accustomed to making his living. This year, all plans fizzled. He was lucky to have had some loyal customers who gave him the support he needed to survive. He said he has 10 Reynoldsburg Magazine Photo Zuri Greer puts up with hand sanitizers and many other inconvenient restrictions in his custom tailing business in Olde Town Reynoldsburg. He is shown here with one of his favorite jackets that he created and wore at a previous event. been the private tailor of many celebrities and athletes. But in addition, he needed to pivot the focus of his business on merchandise other than his highend customer creations. He began selling lower-end leisure wear, casual clothing that carried him through the rough times. “I have been treading water for months,” he said. “I am a little bit concerned. I’m hoping to have a clear view for 2021 in the spring.” His optimism is often echoed by other business. But the true measure of his own success is that after this spring, summer and fall, he is still in business, still smiling and still looking forward to his grand opening that he never had. Reynoldsburg Magazine • Fall, 2020 dapper
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