It was one thing to open a business for the first time and learn all the necessary steps, from signing a lease to buying equipment, along the way.

But Brian and Sandi Royes also opened their Wilmington smoothie shop during the COVID-19 pandemic in May 2020. 

“It was all happening in the middle of that crazy stuff,” Brian Royes said.  

Through the months, they’ve developed a loyal following for Kalethy Living, and its fun, nearly 100% vegan approach to smoothies, smoothie bowls and toasts.

Like us on Facebook:For more on the Wilmington food scene, head to Port City Foodies

But they also noticed that not every small business was having the same success and started a social media campaign last September.

"Local businesses are closing....We have been fortunate to have your support, opening in these crazy times, but we want to make sure other local spots are receiving that same love," they said in a post. "We are using our platform to say this, 'We are making a promise to visit local businesses every day next week and a practice every week afterwards!' Will you do the same?" 

When news came earlier this month several restaurants were closing, they decided to continue their campaign. This time, it's the #kalethylivingshoplocalchallenge, which they hope will be an annual tradition. 

Background:More than 30 restaurants closed in the Wilmington area since the COVID-19 pandemic began

Each day this week, the couple plan to visit a local business, post to social media, and share their experience. Kalethy Living is also offering a 10% discount to shoppers who bring in a local receipt from the previous seven days.

According to the Small Business Administration, when shoppers go to a local business, $48 of every $100 spent stays in the community. That’s compared to $14 out of every $100 spent at larger retailers and big box stores. Unfortunately, as many as 20% of new businesses close within a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.  

“We want to to highlight some of the businesses that we support,” Royes said. “We truly believe that the foundation of the economy is local. Maybe this is something our followers will do, too. We can start growing a circle of support.” 

Last year, for example, the couple visited and posted about The Plant Outpost, Sweet D’s Cuisine bakery, and Wilmington Compost Company, which they started using as a part of Kalethy Living's mission to be environmentally friendly. 

"More people started following on social media, and following along on our journey," said Riley Alber, founder of Wilmington Compost Company. "It allowed for a lot of cross-pollination between the businesses."

As a result, they could raise more awareness composting, and how they take local food waste and ultimately return it to the land. Wilmington Compost also works with local businesses, many of them restaurants, with compostable packaging. 

"It's been hard, some of the hardships businesses have faced and continue to face," Alber said. "But I also think that the Wilmington community is one that pulls together to support each other."

More:West-coast style energy drinks, ice cream highlight new Wilmington coffee shop

For this year's shop local challenge, Brian and Sandi Royes have already visited Three Friends Coffee and plan also support Las Margaritas Bar y Grill, which is a neighboring business in the shopping center at 4719 New Centre Drive with Target. They also hope to visit Aunt Kerry’s Pet Shop and Elderberry Tribe. 

"At a local business, you are treated with so much care," Royes said. 

They started the smoothie shop in an effort to move away from the corporate world, and realized their daily smoothie habit was the best vehicle for their entrepreneurship dream. It was a difficult process, but ultimately satisfying, he said.

The menu includes a variety of smoothies, like the Matcha Mango and the Café (made with cold-brew coffee), as well as dishes like avocado toast and chocolate strawberry toast. Kalethy Living also specializes in acai and smoothie bowls. The signature item is the Mermaid Bowl, which has fruits like pineapple and pitaya, along with blue spirulina, granola, strawberry and coconut flakes.

“We really have a whole tribe of people who are loyal to us. We are lucky to have this support,” Royes said. "You really can accomplish a lot with some determination. That’s what I’d like people to know.” 

Allison Ballard is the food and dining reporter at the StarNews. You can reach her at aballard@gannett.com.