Women-Owned Business Cluster at Malibu’s Trancas Country Market • Malibu Times

Delve into “Why Trancas?”What kind of businesses are run by women there?

one of Malibu Times Reporter Judy Abel recently noticed that the number of women-owned businesses in the Trancas Country Market appears to be much higher than usual. I made it In total, our research found seven companies for her. This does not include businesses owned or co-owned by women. And while female tenants may or may not know this, Trancas Country Market is owned by a female, Walmart heiress Paige Laurie.

“[Trancas] It seemed more local to a small business than Malibu Country Mart or The Lumber Yard,” said Christine Berardi, owner of women’s clothing store Hiptique. “I like the neighborhood vibe here. You get to know your customers better.”

The ‘local vibe’ sentiment was echoed by Caytlyn McCloskey, a Malibu native and Sea Lily Florist owner.

“I grew up here in Malibu, so I’ve been shopping at this center for years. My heart is here and this is a special place,” she said. “My parents still live in Malibu, and she has been going to the nursery next door for 35 years. There is the goodness of community.”

McCloskey has been based in Trancas for 15 years, longer than any other women-owned business in Trancas.

“All other [female business owners] It came in with a remodel,” she explained. “The center is now aesthetically pleasing, with the ocean and sea breezes, and the Malibu name is here.”

Completed around 2014, local architect Doug Burdge’s remodeling and expansion of the complex was attractive to female tenants. According to Barge’s website, the center is a barn-style building “done in antique barn wood, a metal roof, and sliding barn doors for inside and outside retail activities, and is located in rural West Malibu. It was designed to capture the atmosphere…the center also has commons.areas, sycamore groves and walking paths.

Starting a business in Trancas has served as a starting point for at least some women-owned businesses. In other words, they started in her Trancas, built a successful business, and then expanded. Albertina’s jewelry store, owned by jewelry designer Winnie Johnson, is expanding into her second store in Malibu near her country mart. Nati’s women’s boutique first opened in Newbury Park, opened her second store in Trancas over six years ago, and now has new stores in Venice, Malibu Country Mart and New York. I’m here.

The seven female proprietors didn’t seem to persuade each other to come to Trancas Country Market.

“We know each other and it’s a small community,” says McCloskey. “We support each other by giving each other discounts and shopping at each other’s stores.”

Berardi explains that business owners don’t have many opportunities to socialize because they work long hours, but they do meet up occasionally for drinks and snacks.

“I have many friendships,” she said.

Not all women have families, but some still have children at home and have to juggle business and family time.

“I have a 16-month-old and a 4-year-old,” McCloskey said. “You have to juggle being a mother and being a shop owner. You have to hire a nanny, but the reward you get from making something positive is worth it.” You’re doing other worthwhile things, too.”

One thing these business owners have in common is that almost all of them have a fair amount of work experience before deciding to open a store and go solo. Nearly everyone had some entrepreneurial or sales ability along the way, and most were at least in their 30s when they started their businesses.

Anat “Nati” Winston moved to LA from Israel 30 years ago. While raising her two daughters, she began selling curated merchandise in salons from the trunk of her car, selling her own art and running a catering business.

Winnie Johnson of Albertina’s Jewelry Store obtained a BFA and co-managed a startup’s jewelry business. She spent five years designing custom bridal jewelry for top LA engagement ring shops and oversaw manufacturing high-end jewelry for two years. She specifically created the diamond encrusted gloves worn by Madonna on the cover of Cosmopolitan.

Melissa Smith, founder of SweetBu Candy Co., went independent after nearly 25 years in advertising sales for Time, Inc. and Conde Nast.

Katt James, founder of Shine Beauty Collective, is a trained esthetician, business manager, makeup artist, national trainer, account executive and buyer for various product lines including Bobby Brown, Kiehl’s and Estée Lauder. , has over 25 years of experience in the beauty industry. and Dr. Brandt. He works with plastic surgeons and dermatologists to develop skin care and anti-aging products.

Alejandra Deluca of Malibu Meditation Journey has 30 years of experience as an energy practitioner and has studied under various masters to provide meditation, yoga and healing arts services.

“I’ve been doing this for a long time. I have a rhythm and I’m establishing myself,” McCloskey summed up. “There is more acceptance [of women-owned businesses] I have more appreciation and support than before. It’s great to see women succeed. ”

Women-owned businesses in Trancas Country Market

• Albertina (Jewelry) – Winnie Johnson – (310) 457-8632: A full-service fine jewelry store for women and men, specializing in local designers, with a “classy and giftable” selection of silver and gold. are in stock.
• Hiptique (Women’s Boutique) – Christine Berardi – 310-399-6105: Hiptique’s selection has been carefully curated and our knowledgeable associates will guide you how everything fits and best suits most body types. Will guide you.
• Malibu Meditations Journey – Alejandra Deluca – (424) 402-1199: Private Sessions, Classes, Retreats, Ceremonies, Workshops, Lucia Light Immersion, Yoga, Breathing, Energy Readings and Balances, Sound Baths and more.
• Natti Boutique – Anat “Natti” Winston – (310) 457-3427: Clothing boutique for women and teens, selling in store and online.Focus on clothes that are comfortable, comfortable and affordable
• Sea Lily – Caytlyn McCloskey – (310) 457-8100: Eco-friendly floral design boutique and full-service florist. Also includes home decor, houseplant installation, succulent arrangements and custom holiday wreaths. Floral arrangements for weddings, business events and holidays.
• Shine Beauty Collective – Kat James – (424) 644-0667: Wide selection of high-end skincare and makeup products sold both in-store and online, along with facial treatments using state-of-the-art technology, including radio frequency. , Microcurrent, LED Therapy, HydraFacial. Lymphatic drainage, Guasha facial sculpting and more.
• SweetBu Candy Co. – Melissa Smith – 1.866.3SWEETBU: Nostalgic/old school candies, vegan candies, organic specialty chocolates, UK favorites and more. Beach gifts, candy themed toys, party goodie bags, candy “bar” catering, custom gift baskets (beach buckets) and more.

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