BOLO@

My Relationship with Clogmaster

I get my first pair of clogs in 2000. Clog master is  located on La Cienega Ave. just north of the Beverly Center. As I enter, a force of nature comes to meet.

“My name is Cecilia. I am here to fit you for your shoes” 

She is a big, husky woman with a booming voice. I smile. I like characters.

She shoes me what is available, recommending the utilitarian black clogs as I will be will be multi-purpose for me. 

I leave, very happy with my new shoes, my experience and knowing Cecelia.

I am a regular customer over the years. I sometimes bring in friends to buy.

In 2010, I learn that she is moving the store to Portland intending to visit Los Angeles once a month to keep her customers happy. I proceed to buy 2 pairs and, on her recommendation, take them when worn to be resoled by Sam at “Fast and Best Show Repair” in West Hollywood. (More about Sam in the future.) My clogs have 4-5 lives thanks to Sam.

We thread the rains elegantly. The day is clear, cool and sunny with clouds. The whoosh of the Gold Line coming by every 10 minutes keeps everyone on their toes.

Everyone makes sales. That is good. I note (in true sabermetric fashion) that the ratio of lookers to buyers are high. Paul of Urks Designs has a certain setup similar to EPIC. That makes me smile.

I have a great time talking with Cessa of Bency Co. Jewelry. The spirit that shows through her emails is out in full force. I like that. Kelly’s daughter, Charlie, (who Charlie’s Coffeehouse is named for) buys a bracelet.

I make a not note to invite more than one non-profit to each event and commit to bringing EPIC’s stand to the next market. I will sell other vendor’s items on consignment.

Other changes for next market, which has been moved to February 11 in anticipation of Valentine’s Day.

February 11 - Valentine's Day and Baby Toddler Fashion Swap

March 18 - Spring Fling and Woman's Fashion Swap

April 15 - Sartorialism Forever / Men's Fashion Swap

May 20 - TBA

I am also adding space for individual tables/no tent that will located in courtyard and sidewalk for $25.00

5 minute vendor interviews will also be recorded for promotional use. You will be given a copy for your personal use.

Photos from 1/21/2017 Market

1) RX Candles

2) Bency Co. Jewelry

3) 100 Graces

4) Undead Leather Works

5) My pull from the Goddess Cards from 100 Graces

6) Paul setting out Urks Design

7) More Bency Bracelets

8) Roving buyers

9) Sweet mannequin from Undead Leather

10) The ladies of Urks Designs

11) More Urks

Sitting here at Charlie’s replying to possible vendors for the January 21st event and sipping on a Teechino latte. The rains came in last night and rained hard. Lovely to sleep by the sound of raindrops hitting the roof.

I sit by the door looking out onto the parking lot. A pointsettia plants sits outside. I can see it shaking in a soft breeze though not strong enough to shake the droplets off its stems and leave. Grey clouds remain in the sky broken here and there by the blue sky. The sounds of coffeehouse purpose surround me...conversation, a bass heavy Pandora soundtrack, the humming of reefer units and, every now an then, the click and hum of a latte being made.

Kelly runs a good space here. Welcome and caring community vibe. The place sticks out like a sore thumb as it is not in a “commercial” neighborhood. There are 2-3 private businesses on the property, a spin studio and a liquor store across the street. That’s it. It’s warm and lovely though. Kelly and her staff are loved, the inside of the space is bright, light, active and relaxed. A definite home away from home.

The first market was lovely and chill. Can’t say I wasn’t freaking out in the beginning. “Will anyone show?” “Will anyone buy anything?” They came and they did.

I met Jamaal in a good way. We were both walking into the shop a week previous. I stopped and opened the door for him. He then surprised me by buying a latte for me in return. He stopped by during the sale. We chatted. He mentioned he knew some friends who may be interested in taking part. He want his way. 30 minutes later, Mike (barista and leather maker), mentioned to me that he was sitting out in front of his apartment selling pies and cookies. WTF? I went over to him and said, “Jamaal, get your ass over here” He gladly did and became our 8th vendor.

Traffic was steady and sales were the same. 4 hours into the market, we had all dropped into a lovely chill space. It was quiet with the muted conversation of customer/vendor interspersed throughout.  A large 4 foot high, Mayan temple shaped fountain contributed to the ambience.  The Gold Line Metro trains made there presence felt every 20 minutes...whooshing by with aplomb and purpose.

The market ended at 4:00. Take down for all the vendors was quick. Kelsea of “Raising Zola” e-mailed later how it was nice to be at a market where the vendors were actually cared for. I felt good.

Here are the stellar vendors taking part in our launch....

!) Urks Design (January, 2017)

2) Raising Zola

3) Bency Co. Jewelry (January, 2017)

4) Mortal Trend Clothing

5) Undead Leather Works

6) Black Orquid Jewelry

7) EcoCork

5 days away from the launch.

Here are the vendors.....

1) EPIC62 Men’s Leisurewear

2) My Refuge House

3) Raising Zola

4) EcoCork Handbags

5) Native American Images

6) Mike Zebra Leather

With more still coming in...

Welcoming “Raising Zola” to BOLO@ lineup

The past two days have been about inviting vendors, crafting messages, visiting South Pasadena Chamber of Commerce. Next up will be preapring application and linking BOLO@ to paypal account.

I moved to South Pasadena a year ago. It is a vibrant neighborhood of well cared for craftsman homes, slightly skewed streets, and runners. Lots of runners. I soon found charming coffeehouses nearby, namely a local spot named Charlie’s Cofeehouse. Kelly ( a runner ) owns the space. I liked her the moment I saw her. Sparkling eyes, inquisitive mind, and sincere. We struck up a conversation. I worked for her for a month and we soon became friends.

When I worked the month I asked her, “Do you have event’s here? Readings? Music? The parking lot would be great for a farmer’s market!” She replied in kind, “Yes, every now and then. Never had a market though. If you want to go for it, go for it. It is totally zoned”

First seed planted.

I soon joined the South Pasadena/ Marino YMCA to workout, spin, and have a private place to do yoga. There was a spin guide who would encourage the class to reach 100 RPM during stages in class. He would yell,  “ 90!!!! 95!!! 99!!!  BOLO! 

He would yell BOLO instead of 100!   I thought it was hilarious.  

A couple of weeks later I was picking up a latte at Charlie’s. I told Kelly the BOLO story.  The next day I walked into the cafe and greeted her with “BOLO” It fast became our signature greeting, expressed loudly and enthusiastically, customers be damned.

I wondered why he yelled “BOLO” and did some research. BOLO is modern acronym used by law enforcement meaning “Be on the lookout”  It had nothing to do with 100!

Beginning a market marinated in my brain. I worked farmer’s markets for many years, have produced many public events, and love people. Charlies is 800 feet away from where I live. There would be minimal prep required with the city and county. I would find the vendors (many who I already know) What a fantastic idea!

Kelly agreed.

So December 3rd, here we come!