EASLEY — Even though the recession has hit Pickens County hard, there are several local businesses that have still been very successful, in large part due to the community spirit found throughout Easley.

“The people have just been wonderful,” said Dawn Cahill, owner of Le Bella Day Spa. “Without them, there is no way we could be here.”

Le Bella Day Spa is a salon that specializes in haircuts, manicures and pedicures, and spa treatments for all ages. It is located on S. B Street and has been owned by Cahill since last March.

“We’re hanging in there,” said . “We have a strong team and a good clientele, so if we all work together, we will be ok.”

Le Bella has been seriously hit by their sales of gift certificates, but is still doing well thanks to a new building and haircut sales. Cahill also gave credit to her customers as one of the main reasons for Le Bella’s continued success.

“If I had to name one thing that has kept us open, it would be the customers. They are so understanding and we really appreciate them continuing to visit us,” said Cahill.

Joe Carrano, owner of Carrano Chiropractic, agreed wholeheartedly.

“It’s all about the patient,” he said.

Carrano has owned Carrano Chiropractic for eight years and greatly enjoys his work. His positive attitude and love of his work has kept his business running smoothly.

”I love this job, and I will stay open as long as I can afford to,” Carrano said. “If I could, I would do this job for free.”

Carrano Chiropractic has noticed a drop in business since the recession, and is trying to adjust for that by offering hours that do not require patients to take leave from work, such as weekend hours. Carrano’s flexible hours and success rate at treating people’s pain, however, is truly what has kept the business open through the past eight years and especially during this economic downturn.

Sweet Creations, a catering business on Calhoun Memorial Highway, actually opened during the recession, on April 1st, and has kept steady business since their opening. It specializes in cakes and ice sculptures and usually has fresh baked bread, sweets, and a regular lunch menu.

“We’ve felt it, but I’m not going to just close my doors because of the recession,” said Terry Mclees, owner of Sweet Creations. “We do what the community wants and that helps.”

The recession has certainly hit Sweet Creations, particularly in terms of their lunch menu. However, the custom baked goods are helping to tide the business over until the economy levels out.

Another local business that opened during the recession is Fratelli’s Pizza and Pasta, which serves authentic New York pizza and Italian pastas. Fratelli’s opened in January and has been very successful over the past five months.

“As long as you have something good to offer, you’ll be ok,” said Jennifer Diaferia, co-owner of Fratelli’s, of the recession.

One of the things that helped Fratelli’s is the fact that it did open during the recession. Being prepared from the recession from the beginning eliminated the possibility of big loans and free spending that could backfire.

“We have had to pinch pennies since the beginning, so that has helped,” said Diaferia. “We will know in bad times that we can make it because of this.”

All four businesses have survived and thrived through a combination of family and friends, mutual respect, and customers who are patient and understanding. It truly goes to show that communities come together to support each other during good times and bad.