When I first heard about California’s strict new vaccine mandate, my heart sank. As a small business owner myself, I could feel the weight of that decision pressing down on me from miles away.

Last week, I was chatting with my friend Lisa who runs an adorable little bakery in San Diego. She looked so tired and defeated over the phone. “It’s not just about us anymore,” she said, “the ripple effects are hitting everyone.”

Business owners across California tell similar stories of declining sales and struggling to keep employees on board due to new restrictions.

The mandate forces all workers in essential businesses to be vaccinated or face weekly testing. Many business owners see this as a massive burden on small enterprises that already operate on thin margins.

I started researching the details back when the first mandate was rolled out by the Obama-era administration during the H1N1 flu outbreak. Even then, it seemed like an overreach. But now, with all the vaccines and booster shots required, I can’t help but wonder if this isn’t more about control than public health.

Every business has different needs and unique challenges. Why are they not being given a voice or flexibility to operate in ways that make sense for their specific circumstances?

As someone who’s always advocated for natural wellness options, I’m also concerned about the long-term effects of constant vaccination. It feels like big pharma is pushing an agenda without considering all the potential consequences.

The other day, I overheard a conversation between two customers at my local farmer's market. They were discussing how to start their own small business and one woman said, “If we have to follow these mandates, there’s no way we can afford it.”

It’s heartbreaking to think about all the dreams that could be crushed by this kind of rigid policy.

I’ve started reaching out to other small business owners who are fighting back against these measures. We need to support each other and find ways to navigate these challenges together.

The natural approach has always been my go-to, and I’m finding more and more people turning to essential oils, vitamin supplements, and holistic practices for their health needs.

Maybe it’s time we start looking at the bigger picture and questioning what’s really best for everyone involved. Small businesses are the backbone of our economy – let’s not forget that while we’re trying to protect public health.