St. Charles woman adds ‘You Got This’ trophies to cards, gifts for staff
An owner of a Mexican restaurant in St. Charles said she was having a rough day after letting go some of her employees she couldn’t afford to pay anymore because of the decline in business during the pandemic.
As owner Kim Lawson of La Mesa Modern Mexican continued through the evening shift, a customer turned her tears into happiness as the woman handed her a trophy featuring the message “You Got This.”
For the last three weeks, St. Charles resident Kristen Cornelio has visited 24 businesses in St. Charles, Batavia, Geneva and Aurora to hand out trophies to try and remind business owners to stay positive during a time when many say they are struggling to keep their doors open.
“We’re in a fight for our lives right now as far as keeping our employees,” Lawson said. “This was a really sweet gesture and I really needed it that day. With all the new mandates and the holidays coming, I’m trying to keep my staff employed and I really just needed a boost that day.”
Cornelio said she was inspired to give back and try to promote local businesses during the holidays after realizing how hard businesses are being hit by the pandemic. At each business, she gives a trophy, a card and either a large tip or a gift for the staff.
“Everyone has been really appreciative and it’s just a little thing, but it has the power to make people stay positive,” Cornelio said. “These restaurants normally rely on holiday parties and events with co-workers, but now you can’t gather, so they are really handcuffed.”
The trophies were donated to Cornelio by Patty Donahue, owner of Geneva-based Image Awards, Engraving & Creative Keepsakes Inc. The gold trophies show a cheerleader and were chosen to symbolize residents cheering on local businesses.
At Geneva-based Cafe & Barr, Cornelio knew the owners appreciated the TV show “Friends” and have a similar couch as the show’s coffee shop Central Perk. She gave the owners a “Friends” trivia game and wrote that whenever the staff need a pick-me-up, they can bond over the game and boost their spirits.
Cornelio thanked the business for always displaying local artisan gifts and hosting open mic nights. During the coronavirus shutdown, the store did live open mic nights through social media for customers to tune in at home.
In Aurora, she visited and gave a trophy to Charlie’s Silver Spoon Creamery right before the business posted on Facebook they were temporarily closing and will return next year.
Cornelio started her own social media business to market small businesses in the area and she realized a lot of people cannot afford marketing costs right now.
“It helps me use my talents and these are all places I’ve been to myself or with my husband that really have a positive staff and give back to the community,” Cornelio said.
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