Women-Owned Businesses in Long Beach’s East Village
The East Village Arts District in Downtown Long Beach has fostered a tight-knit community of women-owned businesses. These independent shops and eateries contribute to the neighborhood’s authentically creative vibe as owners network with each other to create events and help build a community of women entrepreneurs.
BYO LONG BEACH
Julie Darrell opened BYO Long Beach (431 E 1st St) in 2017 after seeing global environmental challenges and realizing meaningful change requires community action. Operating under the motto, “Refill over landfill,” she offers environmentally friendly household and personal care products focused on reducing waste. Customers can refill their own containers with bulk lotions, soaps, shampoos, cleaners, shower gels and loose tea. Darrell’s business has helped customers refill more than 100,000 containers.
HELLBENT SILVERSMITH
Ani Gabrielson’s Hellbent Silversmith (433 E 1st St) is a studio dedicated to handcrafted sterling silver pieces and custom work. Gabrielson creates original designs while also welcoming the public into her workspace. She hosts group silversmithing workshops and private sessions where participants learn techniques and craft their own pieces, offering a hands-on creative experience that connects the community with the art of silversmithing.
VICTORIOUS BARBER STUDIO
Opened in 2003, Vicki Moreno operates Victorious Barber Studio (426 E 1st St) with her son who is also a barber. Specializing in creative hair art and designs, the shop offers fades, twists, dreads, clipper shaves and razor lining, among other services. Clients can make an appointment in advance, but walk-ins are also welcome.
RECIRCLE HOME
Known for their eye-catching window display of Himalayan salt lamps lined up on custom triangular wooden shelving, ReCircle Home (501 E Broadway) is an independent shop selling crystals, home decor, and magical goods. Christine Parsley owns ReCircle Home with her partner Darian, who constructs the shelving units and other products available at ReCircle in their home workshop. They regularly host night markets and workshops for making wreaths and flower crowns.
WAX N’ BLUSH
Larissa Plascencia Olea is the owner of Wax N’ Blush (435 1st St), a studio centered on self-care and high-quality waxing services. Her path into the beauty industry began organically as friends sought her beauty advice, eventually leading her to work as a freelance makeup artist. Inspired to pursue a more fulfilling career, she left an unfulfilling job to open her own studio. Today, Wax N Blush uses organic, cruelty-free wax and offers vegan, organic products tailored to different skin types.
MAKE COLLECTIVES
Kat Engel started MAKE Collectives (430 E 1st St) with her husband Matt after they bought a home in Long Beach and their interest in decorating led to restoring vintage furniture. As they collected treasures, they joined forces with Kat’s sister Desiree to open a store that would house the business as well as Kat and Desiree’s vintage womenswear venture, La Femme Vintage. The joint lifestyle shop offers clothing, housewares, vintage vinyl, jewelry, plants, and other delightful goods.