The businesses of Downtown Long Beach. They can become embedded into the fabric of our neighborhoods whether it’s through our own personal routines, offering must have products or shared experiences between the owners or their employees and the customer.
The DLBA is committed to spotlighting these job creators, helping to tell their stories in a variety of ways including through our newsletters, marketing campaigns and social media pages. While their businesses vary greatly, they all have one important thing in common – passion for what they do.
We encourage you to also share the personal stories and visit the storefronts including those owners highlighted in May that celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage month.
If there’s a Downtown business you think is awesome, please let us know. Reach out via email to DLBA’s Communications Manager, Michael Berman at MichaelB@dlba.org.
Rachelle Llanes, Wildflower Beauty & Brows
429 E. 1st St.
www.wildflowerbeautyandbrows.com
- What inspired you to start your business?
I was inspired by all my clients who have supported me throughout the last 16 years of my career as a makeup artist. It has always been a dream of mine to start a business where I’m able to implement my degree in Psychology with an emphasis in Women’s Studies and Child Development, reaching out to the community and helping out any way I can. The first year working in the beauty industry has really impacted my life giving me the privilege not only to beautify, but to learn each person’s story at a different level. It inspires me to do better and help people feel good about themselves inside and out. Seeing my mother struggle raising my siblings and me is also what inspires me to work hard towards my goals. I never thought as an immigrant from the Philippines I’d be where I am today.
- What is something you would like the community to know about your business?
We specialize in makeup, cosmetic tattooing, and brow styling, and recently opened up a storefront on 1st Street (East Village Arts District).
- What are your plans and goals for the future of your business?
Our plan is to have an art collective space for POC [people of color] artists/business owners and hopefully have pop-ups monthly supporting the community.
4.What is the best way the community can support your business?
The best way to support our business is to give us a follow on Instagram/Facebook and share with your friends and family.
- If you have employees, how many people do you employ?
We currently have two employees and are looking to bring one more in!
Nick Farkas & Kelvin Tan, Churriño Gourmet Dessert
345 The Promenade N.
www.churrino.com
- What inspired you to start your business?
Churriño’s story is full of passion, hard work, and good flavors! It all started 4 years ago when Nick and Kelvin – Founders – met while in College in Palo Alto, CA, and a long-lasting friendship was formed. Nick from Brazil, and Kelvin from Burma, always spoke about their dream of starting their own business: a dessert shop. After a lot of research, trial and error, sugar, and sweat, the idea of bringing real Latin Churros to America was perfect. Time allowed the concept to flourish and in 2017, Nick and Kelvin founded Churriño Gourmet Dessert. They combined their rich traditions, culinary skills, and family tradition to develop a personalized menu full of flavors, passion, and culture.
- What is something you would like the community to know about your business?
Our business believes in diversity and inclusiveness. We believe in creating a space that is safe for all and treats that are delicious and simply delightful.
- What are your plans and goals for the future of your business?
With the support of our community, we are planning on expanding and taking the flavors of Churriño around the globe! We are also offering catering services for small to large events starting this June 2021.
- What is the best way the community can support your business?
The Churriño community means a lot to us. You can support us by ordering online or stopping by the shop and trying our delicious churro treats, coffee, and gelato.
- If you have employees, how many people do you employ?
4
Maral Malikyar, MaralDesigns
455 E. Ocean Blvd.
www.maraldesigns.com
- What inspired you to start your business?
My passion for fashion.
- What is something you would like the community to know about your business?
I handpick all of my inventory and sell one-of-a-kind items.
- What are your plans and goals for the future of your business?
Continue my small business in East Village Long Beach. I love this town.
- What is the best way the community can support your business?
By shopping small business before they go to big shopping malls.
- If you have employees, how many people do you employ?
I employ 4 young people through the Pacific Gateway Program.
Michelle Qazi, 6th And Detroit
105 Lindern Ave., Unit B
www.6thanddetroit.com
- What inspired you to start your business?
6th And Detroit began as an Etsy shop in 2015, when I was finding a lot more vintage treasures than my own home could house. I wanted to be able to share my finds and have them easily accessible. As soon as the Etsy shop grew attention, I wanted to bring it to a storefront so I could carry larger furniture and people could see items in person. Every single piece, I find is something I would put in my own home, so the shop is very personal.
- What is something you would like the community to know about your business?
6th And Detroit carries vintage home furnishings and supports fellow small businesses. The brand is very mindful about creating less landfill waste by reusing and recycling when it comes to decorating your home. Everything in the shop is carefully curated, quality checked, and has accessibility in mind. I’m also very proud the shop is Filipinx owned, mom-owned and LB local-owned.
- What are your plans and goals for the future of your business?
My goal for the shop is to expand its branded line with a collection of eco-friendly pillows and blankets. We currently have 6th And Detroit candles and towels, which is a special staple in the shop. I also strive to continue to support other small businesses by hosting pop-ups and events at the shop.
- What is the best way the community can support your business?
Spreading the word and visiting us is a great deal of support. For the past 5 years, we’ve been extremely grateful for the community that has allowed us to grow organically. We wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for that support and community love.
- If you have employees, how many people do you employ?
I love being present in the shop, so I am there most days of the week. On days that I’m with my family or sourcing, I rely on my team which I consider family. My team consists of Marissa, my shop associate who is essentially my right hand, and Casey and Christel, in-store photographers that create all the beautiful content for Instagram and special projects.
