There are plenty of ladies throughout the Wheeling area who would argue against the Ditto Boutique being classified as “non-essential” during this pandemic, but owner Stacy Dietz locked up the shop even before Gov. Jim Justice issued the order.
As the principal of two public elementary schools in Ohio County, Dietz has been aware of the precautions necessary during a time when the biggest question mark is the biggest question mark. She assisted this week with the district’s administrators with the re-organizing of the meal distribution plan, and she’s worked more hours each day since schools were closed two weeks ago.
Doesn’t matter. This is one tough lady who has encountered her own personal pandemic while battling breast cancer, and yet here she is, a wife, a mother, an educator, a business owner, and a survivor.
How does it feel for the Ditto Boutique to be deemed a non-essential business?
We decided to close Ditto temporarily before it was deemed non-essential because of the average age of our employees and the transfer of money heightening the transfer of the virus. Although we did everything we could to sanitize the store, when you are dealing with the public, you run the risk of the germ chain, and it’s just not worth it to put people I care about in that situation, including my customers.
How did Ditto come to be, and can you say the business is a success so far?
Ditto was never a dream of mine, but I am a hometown girl and love when new businesses come, so one day, I was driving by the storefront on National Road and thought, “That is a great location for a little boutique.”
My mom had just retired as City Clerk of Wheeling and was losing her mind staying at home, so I pitched the idea to her. I trusted that she would be a great asset for a business like this because many years ago where TJ’s Sports Garden used to be, she worked with my Uncle Jimmy LaHood and Bonnie Boury at a women’s clothing store called The Gazebo. She always had style and knew exactly what looked good on all types of women.
The consignment part was my first idea, but to be different I thought we would offer new items, too, because some people are funny about buying consignments. The second part of the business plan was to make sure we donated to the YWCA if consignors wanted to donate what did not sell. We have taken things there, and they are thrilled with all of the stylish apparel we bring.
Everyone offered advice, and many said to prepare for a loss the first year; that did not happen, and I cannot even tell you how surprised I am with the amount of support and repeat customers we continue to have.
How worried are you about the students of Ohio County Schools not being able to acquire the meals from the school system? Please explain.
Ohio County Schools has been amazing for the families in our area. Dr. Kim Miller has been solid in her commitment to feeding the students of our county, and although we were worried about the virus spreading, the principals knew that feeding these kids outweighed our own fears of contracting the virus. We were given great guidance on how to have the families pop their trunks and place the boxes of meals inside. I will say that the hardest part was when a student ran up to hug me, and I had to tell them “elbow bump” instead. I think that there is a plan being developed to sustain the meals for our families.
What efforts are ongoing at this time to continue supplying online learning materials for the students of Ohio County Schools?
All administrators were given a grade level or resource area, and we met with our group of teachers via Google hangout. OCS developed a survey to see what families had access to the internet and who did not. We will be providing paper packets if they don’t, and we will continue with the standards necessary for the students to be prepared for the next level. Many educators will utilize screencastify to teach their lessons, along with Khan academy and several sites that teach and then have the students practice. This takes the pressure off of the parents. We are very aware there are different variables in every household, so grading is still being discussed.
How do you see this situation changing the way public education is offered in the future? Please explain.
Although my personal feeling is that kids need the socialization in a world where they are constantly staring at screens to connect, I do find that remote learning is a great tool for kids who may have a long-term illness, or for those who may want to take courses over the summer to lighten their load. This is a great format we are now able to test out. We had to think fast, and let me tell you that we have some very innovative educators within our school system.
Parents are cracking me up by saying how much they appreciate our teachers now that one-on-one learning with their own children has not gone so well. When thinking of the traditional classroom, imagine being in a classroom with 25 students with all different learning modalities! Like any job, it’s easy to criticize until you try it yourself. Overall, there has been a lot of good that has come out of this situation. I miss the students so much. Many of my teachers have been sending them birthday wishes and fun videos to make their days a little better. The kids will be fine; we will make sure of that!
