Local Business Highlight: I'm Ok, You're Ok Vintage
I’m Ok, You’re Ok INTERVIEWED BY LINDSEY GOODROW Meet Ashleigh Morrisey, curator of I’m Ok, You’re Ok, a handpicked vintage business in Long Beach, California. Read our interview with this small business owner to learn more about the shop’s one-of-kind-items and the intentional care that goes into curating vintage. How long have you been in vintage and can you describe the moment you decided to make it your business? I’ve loved vintage for as long as I can remember, but never considered that love was something I could build a business out of. It wasn’t until mid-pandemic in 2020 that I really decided to take it seriously. With normal life on pause, I figured why the hell not! I started selling vintage that I had stockpiled through Instagram and within a few months was able to move into my first shop space and begin consciously curating and building a brand. What kind of items do you pick and sell? What is your style? I sell a little bit of everything in the shop, but tend to focus on clothing. I offer a selection of vintage for men, women, and children as well as home goods and trinkets. I would consider my style eclectic. I pick whatever I tend to gravitate towards so my personal style really comes through in the shop.Curating is such a personal and intentional experience, the shop truly becomes an offering from the heart. Once you pick something, what is the process like for making it into a marketable and sellable good? The process from pick to sell is different for every item. Some items are as easy as pick, wash, shoot, sell and others require hours of labor mending to be brought back to life. This year, I launched a line of hand printed vintage pieces and those require much more labor.Each piece is printed by hand with anywhere from 10-20 graphics thoughtfully placed to create the perfect piece. Where can we find I’m Ok, You’re OK vintage & goods? You can shop I’m Ok, You’re Ok Vintage in person at Casa de Luxe on Retro Row in Long Beach or online at okokvintage.com This month on December 17th we will be selling at the Long Beach Antique Market as well! We heard you recently visited Thailand. What was thrifting like there? I did! It was such an amazing experience, Thailand is a beautiful place with amazing people.I had the chance to shop at a market in Bangkok one weekend and wound up making some friends who sell vintage as well. I sourced around 200 tees and brought them home with me.It was definitely one of my larger picks, so needless to say I was *very* excited. I hope to visit again sometime soon, this time a little more prepared! Can you tell us more about what you picked in Thailand? In the lot of 200 tees there were a few 60s-70s pieces I had been on the hunt for for years. Amongst that lot was an old Long Beach Grand Prix shirt—which felt extra special to find so far away from home. It felt like a little nod from the universe that I was where I was meant to be in that moment. Was starting a thrift business easy or hard considering the established thrifting community here in Long Beach? Starting a vintage business in Long Beach has been a great experience. There is such a strong sense of community here that I feel really sets our city apart. Don’t get me wrong, starting a business is hard work no matter where you’re at but I do feel that the community here feels like a warm hug on those harder days. I’m very grateful to have so much love and support for OKOK in Long Beach. How does I’m Ok, You’re Ok stand out from the rest on the vintage in Long Beach? I’m Ok, You’re Ok Vintage has so much love and intention poured into it.I think that my customer base knows that and can feel it through my work which sets OKOK apart. Shopping small is such an impactful decision, whether or not that is the intention behind the choice.I really do my best to find the coolest, most unique pieces that I see potential in.Vintage is a business of breathing new life into otherwise forgotten pieces and I think my selection showcases the love and care that goes into curating it. We see you launched a website! Are there items available there that aren’t in the shop? How has it helped your small business? I did launch my website, finally! I have to pinch myself everytime I see it.The photos really brought it all together in a way I couldn’t have ever imagined (shout out to my photographer, Jay Diebel, for that!).I'm still finding my groove with pieces being both online and in store—but for the most part everything on the site is available to try on in store. With the website launch out of the way, what's the next big step for I’m Ok, You’re Ok? The website was a big check off the list for me! Now I’m going to focus on marketing and growing business.I’m really grateful for the growth that took place this year and am looking forward to more in 2024! Need gift ideas this holiday season? We’ve got you covered!Find something special for the kiddos, your loved ones, and even yourself from I’m Ok, You’re Ok Vintage.Head to the Long Beach Antique Market at Veterans Stadium on December 17th. Be sure to follow the shop on Instagram to stay up-to-date on the latest web drops!
Local Business Highlight: LineCheck Podcast
LineCheck Podcast INTERVIEWED BY LINDSEY GOODROW LineCheck, a podcast recording out of Long Beach, California, dives deep into the hearts and minds of individuals who shape the hospitality industry. This podcast serves as a platform for candid conversations, revealing the inner workings of your favorite restaurants, bars, and small businesses. From seasoned veterans to rising stars, each episode offers a unique glimpse into the multifaceted world of hospitality. Read the interview below with Brennan Villarreal of Linecheckto learn more about the stories, insights, and expertise offered in the incredible industry that shapes world culture. What inspired you to start a podcast focused on professionals in the hospitality industry? At first, Zarek Suque and I just wanted to make simple videos highlighting underrated food, beverage, chefs, and entrepreneurs. We did that for a little while until a close friend suggested we start a podcast. I never thought about doing one, but with Zarek as the brains behind the camera and everything else that goes into making a podcast, we decided to jump into it. In Episode 1, I talked to my partner Sasha Schoen about our ethos working in the hospitality industry. Everything unfolded from there. Can you share a memorable experience or encounter from your own background in the hospitality industry that motivated you to create content for this space? Having worked in the hospitality industry for over 12 years now, I’ve met plenty of interesting people. One of the most memorable guys I've ever worked with is a guy named Juice from Chicago. We worked together in DTLA. He was a simple guy. No car, no TV. Just books and dedicated to the game of cooking. We'd take a smoke break and talk about poetry and life. He mentored me on the line and made me better in more ways than he even knows. Anyone and everyone in the industry has an interesting story to tell. They don't have to be a famous chef, they can just be a line cook or a bartender with big aspirations. How do you stay updated on the latest trends and developments within the hospitality sector, and how does that influence the topics you choose to cover on your podcast? A lot of it has to do with my peers' involvement in the industry, reading Eater, but also just my own experiences from working in the industry.Mostly all the problems I see, or i would like to see change. I like to bring up these topics through conversation.I have a strong ethos that I would like to convey if I'd ever own a restaurant, and this is where I am able to discuss that. In your opinion, what are the key challenges currently facing the hospitality industry, and how does your podcast aim to address or discuss these issues? I really think mental health has been the topic of conversation. Working in the industry, as you may or may not know, is not the easiest. Especially when the show The Bear came out, I think the audience got to understand the pressure of the job. What is often overlooked is how this affects employees mentally. We should be open about how the industry is often toxic, with verbal abuse, hazing, and harassment. I always like to suggest that you check in on your friends and get help if you need it; like with therapy. Tell us about a particularly insightful or surprising interview you've conducted with a guest on Linecheck. What did you learn from that conversation? I talked to Chef Ben Quinn, who is from the UK and was featured on two Ted Talks—Good Food, Good Values and How to Create Life-Long Memories. He owns multiple restaurants and has a specific way of running his businesses. In this episode, we talked about his point system with his employees. It essentially is a way to understand how someone is feeling in their day without having to reveal too much. If your host says they are 2 points, maybe being a host that day doesn't suit them best due to the nature of talking to guests. You can let them find another task to make them feel more comfortable. I highly believe that a restaurant's character is not the business owner but the employees. I learned that making them feel empowered and nurtured is key to having a healthy business. I definitely encourage all business owners and chefs to listen to this episode. Can you share a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the process of producing your podcast episodes?How do you select guests, research topics, and prepare for interviews? I always have an endless list of people or friends that I reach out to. There are so many people to interview, and sometimes I get great suggestions. The list is so long that I sometimes wonder if I’ll ever be able to get around to all the amazing people who should be featured on LineCheck. Once we’ve selected who we will speak with, we build the interview and topics around them. We dive into their background and what they do. I used to jot down notes for each episode, but now I wing it! I always try to remind myself before each shoot to be as curious as possible. Their own knowledge will spark the conversation. I always get an adrenaline boost after each episode because I can’t wait to share the knowledge I learned. Do you only interview professionals in the hospitality industry? What factors do you consider when selecting a guest outside of those parameters? We interview mostly small business owners and hospitality professionals.We've interviewed other people who work in the industry, but it isn't their passion.The passion that they pursue is the most interesting part because they are working to exit the industry.I always find those people to be very inspiring, like Ashleigh Morrisey of OkOk Vintage, Lee Ackerman of Rose Park Run Club,and Evan Duran, a bartender who got sober and lost 180 lbs. What feedback have you received from your audience, and how do you use it to refine and improve your podcast?Additionally, how do you engage with your community beyond the podcast episodes? We've received a lot of positive feedback from our listeners, especially those working in the industry. I think fans of our guests also love to see their favorite chef, bartender, or owner get the recognition they deserve by hearing their voice. I think we get some love/hate for our opinions, but again that's just the internet. We support Long Beach, and we are proud to represent it, but the podcast isn't just to Long Beach. We aim to have listeners and guests from all over the world. Tune into LineCheck wherever you listen to podcasts or by clicking here. And get excited about these inspiring guests that will be featured on the podcast this month: Arturo Enciso of Gusto Bread 2/14 Mia and Justin Nguyen of Long Beach Mushrooms 2/28 Sue Ellen Mancini of Sad Girl Creamery 2/21
Local Business Highlight: Ambitious Ales
Ambitious Ales Offers Locals a New Point of Brew Seven years ago five guys had a vision. Bixby Knolls beer drinkers are sure happy that they did. Five guys had a vision. Their vision was to create an experience around craft beer that is unlike anything else. That vision included the idea of a neighborhood brew pub as a place where all kinds of people could come together and get to know their neighbors. In 2019, in the burgeoning Long Beach enclave of Bixby Knolls, the five friends — Garrett Carroll, Juan Carrillo, Jon Cuthbert, Jerome De Leon and Danny Karpinksi — finally brought their vision to life with the opening of Ambitious Ales. Co-owner and Head Brewer Garrett Carroll says the name conveys who they are as a company. “At our core, we are all extremely ambitious. From day one to now, from the types of beer we make, to the way we operate, to the fact that we opened the business with our own money and did the work on the building ourselves, we’ve shown that we look at everything in a big way. But at the same time, we like to keep things simple. It seem like a contradiction, but there’s a bigger meaning. We’re aiming for something larger than just our brand and our beer. We want to serve challenging beers, but make the experience inviting for people who are willing to try new things.” After experimenting with home brew and hitting on some unique flavors that became favorites with family and friends, the crew decided to turn their hobby into an enterprise. They began the (dare I say it?) ambitious tasks of engineering commercial grade brew systems, assembling funds, licensing and choosing the perfect locale. After scouring the region for the right venue, these fab five set their sights on Long Beach, where Jon Cuthbert had already been a resident for two years. “We spent a lot of time here already, so it made sense for us,” Garret said. “We fell in love with Bixby Knolls and everything that’s happening here. We began talking to people who own businesses in the area, and it spoke true to what we we’re all about. Community is what drives us.” They acquired a local landmark, the former home of Tuttle Cameras, which had occupied the location for 70 years. Garrett explained, “The building is so unique. It was built in the 40s and has a lot of character. When we first saw it, it was pretty dilapidated, but once we started investigating, we saw its potential.” Jon put his contracting skills to work and took the lead on redesigning the building to the team’s specifications. The result is a beautiful open-plan tasting room with exposed wood rafters and uncluttered lines. The generous use of natural finishes grounds the space with an earthy vibe, while huge windows let indoor occupants remain connected with the outdoors. Most importantly, a series of taps behind the bar deliver Ambitious Ales’ selection of cold and delicious microbrews. From their exotic Fleurs Belgian table beer brewed with chamomile, lavender and fresh strawberries, to their surprising Central Perk blonde brewed with Rose Park Roaster’s Guatemala Santa Isabel beans and Madagascar vanilla beans, you are sure to feel both challenged and chillaxed. In the spirit of inclusion, the Ambitious Ales quintet also decided to perfect their own Sarsaparilla Cold Pop and Cold Brew Coffee so underage youngsters, non-drinkers and DDs can hang out and enjoy the space too. “We get a lot of people who aren’t big beer drinkers coming back for more,” Garrett said. Ambitious Ales is one of many small businesses that are thriving in Bixby Knolls, a gentrifying neighborhood just minutes from downtown Long Beach that includes charming historic homes, a thriving business district and a vibrant community spirit. Since Ambitious Ales does not have a kitchen, it is collaborating with local eateries to offer everything from signature pizzas from neighboring Pow Wow Pizza to tasty Thai recipes from Aura Thai. Patrons can order from nearby restaurants and the food will be delivered to them where they sit at Ambitious Ales. After talking with Garrett about his vision, I felt compelled to experience it for myself. On my approach, I could see the patio was filled with people: families with children, young adults out for a night on the town, alongside more seasoned aficionados of fine brew. Through the gleaming plate windows, I saw people sitting together at communal tables playing boardgames, engaging in conversation, and of course — drinking great craft beer. I myself was ambitious enough to try four different flavors during my visit. My personal favorite? The More Better, a porter conditioned on organic toasted coconut and cacao nibs. Yum. Stop by and discover your favorite at 4019 Atlantic Avenue. Ambitious Ales is a place you’ll be welcome too.
Categories
Recent Posts
.png?w=1140)
