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19 | The IFP -H alton H ills | T hursday,M ay 27,2021 theifp.ca STEVE PAIKIN FROM TVO'S THE AGENDA Democracy is fragile. That's the thinking behind the Toronto Star and TVO partnership, The Democracy Agenda - an in-depth look at threats facing democracy here and abroad. Tune into TVO tonight @ 8pm or 11pm ET Stream on tvo.org Give the Star to the next generation Go to thestar.com/gifts or phone us today at 1-855-687-5915 comes with a $25 Ultimate Dining eGift card $99 for 12 months of Star Digital Access Graduation is a huge milestone. Now, a new chapter begins -- full of promise, full of hope. Set your new graduates up for the journey with a digital subscription to the Star. Empower them for the tests to come with trusted, reliable and balanced journalism, from reporters working around the clock to effect positive change. It's a welcome tale dur- ing a challenging time for small businesses -- the sto- ry of a hometown shop that's actually flourishing as pandemic restrictions wear on. But that's exactly what's happening at Tren- dos Interiors, a downtown paint and home decor re- tailer that reports business is booming as more people turn to do-it-yourself pro- jects during their time at home. "I sell all of the supplies for people who want to paint their own furniture," said owner Mary Beth Trendos, noting that this trend has really exploded since the pandemic began. The reasons behind the DIY craze vary, with some of Trendos' customers re- porting they finally have the time to take on the fur- niture makeovers they've always wanted to complete, while others have said they find painting therapeutic during times of loss. "A lot of my customers have also turned to paint- ing vintage or antique piec- es and selling them to bring in some extra money be- cause people's hours are getting cut, and money is becoming tight," she add- ed. The unexpected boom in sales -- paired with the store pivoting to an online retail model that provides products through curbside pickup and Canada-wide delivery -- took Trendos from thinking her business might not survive the pan- demic to a place where it's thriving. "My business has grown, so I've been very lucky. I'm shipping orders as far away as B.C. and out to Nova Scotia," she said. "People are so amazing, wanting to keep us (small stores) in business. And Georgetown is definitely a place where people want to support local and shop small." Once it's safe to do so again, Trendos is eager to begin welcoming local resi- dent for workshops and classes in her studio space. For further details visit trendosinteriors.com. BUSINESS DO-IT-YOURSELF CRAZE A WELCOME TREND FOR DOWNTOWN BUSINESS HOME PROJECTS HELPING TRENDOS INTERIORS THRIVE AMIDST PANDEMIC MELANIE HENNESSEY mhennessey@ metroland.com TRENDOS INTERIORS Address: 27 Main St. S., Georgetown Hours of Operation: Curbside pickup offered 2 to 6 p.m. Wednesday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday Contact: trendosinteriors@gmail.com Mary Beth Trendos is the owner of Trendos Interiors in downtown Georgetown. Allison Clark photo