Boulevard News – June 2018

Small Businesses Look Towards The Boulevard for a Place to Call Home

Taking a chance on new business ideas is increasingly out of reach for entrepreneurs in many of San Diego’s urban hubs. The Boulevard tells a different story, where property owners work with unique startups to welcome them into their prime locations. In 30ECB (the hub around 30th St and El Cajon Blvd) two businesses opened last month, showcasing such collaborations.

In May, Erin Bowman opened Soul Flow Studio artisan boutique, yoga and healing sanctuary. The opportunity to open a business in her own community where she can positively contribute to the local economy was ensured by a mindful property owner. Rather than letting the property sit vacant ahead of future commercial development, the property owner worked with Bowman to keep the space alive.

Erin is currently leading a placemaking initiative at the corner of Illinois St and El Cajon Boulevard that will increase lighting and bring a tidal wave of color and creative energy to the busy intersection.

Across the street, JuneShine opened as San Diego’s first Hard Kombucha brewery and tasting room. With a recent vacancy in North Park’s Brewery Igniter, property development company H.G. Fenton decided to experiment with “hard kombucha” creators Greg Serrao and Forest Dein. Serrao and Dein grew frustrated by the lack of transparent alcohol brands and options for those with active lifestyles. Putting together a team of brewers, adventurers and artists who share their passion for leaving a positive impact on the environment, they set out to create their own healthy alcoholic beverage, containing probiotics, antioxidants, and vitamins.

As new small businesses are celebrated by their surrounding communities, we expect to see collaborations between property owners and innovative start-ups continue along the Boulevard.

“We are so excited to offer this free event to our local communities,” said Carly Morales, president of the budding nonprofit Vegan in San Diego. “We hope the market offers emerging businesses with an avenue to reach the public and enjoy success, while the public enjoys a Friday night party with great food and free admission.”

The new night market will feature a total of 10 vendors, music and a beer garden. There will be five vendors selling food, two selling desserts, two offering goods, and one selling kombucha.

“The Boulevard Market raises its sights and profile in embracing good things growing on the Boulevard,” said Tootie Thomas, President of The El Cajon Boulevard Business Improvement Association. “On July 6, the compassionate community gathers to celebrate plant-based cuisine!” The El Cajon Boulevard has been supporting business improvement in the area since 1988, with more than 1,000 small business members including Anthem North Park.

Anthem North Park hosted San Diego’s first Vegan Street Fair Nights in May 2018, to a crowd of approximately 1,500. Patrick Murray, owner of Anthem Vegan, is fulfilling his dream of hosting local vegan events as a way to support and give back to the vegan community. The trio of partners hopes this venture continues to foster the supportive and collaborative nature of The BLVD’s previous market iterations while offering plant‑based fare for all.

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Salsa Sabado at Fair@44

SAVE THE DATE July 14th!! Salsa Sabado is located at Fair 44 on El Cajon Blvd between Fairmount and 44th. What used to be an empty lot is now flourishing as a community gathering space! Come check out this new hot spot and get some dancing in too!!!

5pm – Latin Dance Lesson by Melómano Entertainment! No experience necessary for dance lesson and no dance partner requited! Nice big dance floor for open air dancing!

7pm – Prize Giveaways!

GIVEAWAYS!!!
– 2 Free dance class passes to Melómano!

As always Café Dojo will be fueling us with drinks for purchase on site so come thirsty my friends!!  Its going to be a great evening!

Facebook: fairat44
Instagram: fairat44

 

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