Why Small Businesses Matter
Shop small, do big things for your community
Why Small Businesses Matter puts a spotlight on the local merchants who donate their time, talent, goods, and services for the betterment of our community. The shop local movement spreads virally as local businesses who are “tagged” have the opportunity to share their story!
You're IT Song Tae Kwon Do Academy!
Three questions with Tae Ho Song, founder of Song Tae Kwon Do Academy.
Why did you start your business?
I benefitted greatly as a child and an adult from training in Tae Kwon Do. I became an instructor and eventually opened my own martial arts school in Fairfield 15 years ago. I understood the benefits of Tae Kwon Do such as exercise, mental discipline, and stress relief were important to people of all ages - they are needed now more than ever before.
What is your best-selling product/service?
Our best-selling service is our classes for children, teens, and adults. They learn to punch and kick as well as forms, self-defense, sparring, board breaking, and bo staff weapons training. We offer a curriculum that makes strong bodies and strong minds through cardio and strength training as well as a flexible schedule of classes 6 days a week to allow students to train when it works for them.
Have you "reimagined" your small business?
We have had to adapt to the challenges of the pandemic. During the shutdown, we videotaped our curriculum and gave live Zoom classes on Facebook so that our students could continue to train. Once we reopened last June, we instituted a cleaning regimen to keep our students safe and adhere to all state and federal safety regulations.
We also offer a unique service. We live stream classes online. Family members are still not permitted to sit in the waiting area, so they can watch the classes on their phones or other devices as can grandma and grandpa or other family members. It has been challenging, but we are proud to have been able to support the Fairfield community through a difficult period and hope to do so for a long time.
We would like to nominate Turnpike Spirit Shop - "The owner raised money for local small businesses during the shutdown and we would like to repay his kindness."
Song Tae Kwon Do Academy is located at 1869 Black Rock Turnpike in Fairfield. Visit Song Tae Kwon Do Academy online here, and make sure to check out their Facebook and Twitter pages as well!
HamletHub thanks Fairfield County Bank for making our Why Small Businesses Matter series possible!