Coping With Quarantine: Promoter and thrift store owner Tiesha King

Coping With Quarantine is a recurring feature that examines how people across Greater Lansing are being affected by the coronavirus. City Pulse aims to interview a diverse cast of residents as they adjust to a new lifestyle under the measures taken in Michigan to curb the pandemic. If you are interested in being featured, please contact ashleycitypulse@gmail.com

SUNDAY, March 29 — Tiesha King, 46, of Lansing, is the owner of an entertainment company, Dark Art of Michigan, and a thrift shop in REO Town Marketplace, Thrift Witch.

Both of her businesses were immediately affected by the coronavirus. Large gatherings were banned and nonessential businesses soon followed. Her husband, tattoo artist Sean Peters, also had to close his tattoo shop, and now the two are stuck at home together.

“You see all of this stuff online and you’re not sure what to believe. I know everybody else at the REO Town Marketplace was struggling with what to do,” King said. “I made the decision to shut down a little bit before everybody else did, because I get sick easy. I wasn’t trying to take any chances.”

With both of her businesses temporarily closed, King has been consulting loan options. As a first-time business owner, the situation has her nervous. 

“It’s nerve-wracking. When I get something sent in the mail — and they’re asking me for all of my business and personal information — I have to ask, ‘Is this legit? Or is it a scam?’ It’s scary,” King said.

King said she’s been stuck inside for weeks and has adapted many coping mechanisms to avoid the dreaded quarantine-induced cabin fever. As a medical marijuana patient, taking a break to smoke helps quell her anxiety.

“Being able to smoke has lowered my anxiety level. I run hot; I can get anxious. But right now, I am in a good place,” King said. “I have a fridge full of food, a roof over my head and a bunch of ’80s video games.”

Hanging out with her cats and dogs has helped too. “I’m part of the pack now,” King laughed. 

King is now looking ahead to the future. Once large gatherings are permitted and the pandemic dies down, King hopes to book a large fundraiser for The Avenue, which hosts her Dark Art of Michigan performances. 

“I want to make sure they’re taken care of,” King said. “It’s all about making sure everybody that’s part of my family of friends has what they need.”

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