The monotony of mass-produced products and click-to-order life pales compared to the excitement of finding a hidden gem that sells unique items. Our small businesses aren’t just shops, they’re stories waiting to be discovered.
Looking for a handmade masterpiece? Yearning for a coffee brewed with passion by someone who remembers your name? It’s all here in Los Angeles and here are eight such businesses that make us love our city even more.
Sustain LA
5214 Monte Vista St, Los Angeles, CA 90042
Sustain LA empowers people to embrace eco-conscious lifestyles through zero-waste practices, inspiring a shift away from unsustainable “convenience culture”. This certified women-owned small business uses best practices and materials for its integrated approach to zero-waste living. They prioritize community support, offering employment opportunities for formerly gang-involved individuals.
Their refill station includes body care products, household cleaners, and plastic-free home goods. From natural face serums to soaps, their vast selection caters to every consumer. Moreover, DIY beauty gurus will appreciate refillable self-care items like shea butter, argan oil, and bentonite clay.
Broome Street General Store
2912 Rowena Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90039
Peter Graham and Sophie Esteban, NYC expats, bring a taste of the East Coast to Silver Lake with Broome Street General Store. Named after their former NYC address, this bungalow-style storefront offers a curated selection of home goods, gourmet kitchen items, and cafe eats, including the famed NY’s Gimme! coffee.
It’s floor-to-ceiling full of classics for her and him, French children’s apparel, fine apothecaries, and more. This general store is a lovely place for a coffee date, just don’t be surprised if you leave having purchased more than just a drink. Also, every purchase you make supports organizations that champion Equality, Sustainability, and Public Education.
Yoboseyo! Superette
358 E 2nd St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Yoboseyo! Superette, nestled in the heart of Little Tokyo, is a fresh addition to the city’s micro grocery scene. This Korean-owned specialty market has a range of gourmet pantry items and ready-made snacks.
Alongside staples, Yoboseyo stocks an eclectic mix of home goods, stationery, ceramics, cookbooks, and even hosts a DIY flower bar. The store carries goods from many local vendors, as well as products imported from Japan and Korea. Additionally, they carry a selection of healthy, ready-made meals for young, on-the-go professionals.
Skylight Books
1818 N Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027
Skylight Books is an independent bookstore that offers a selection of literary treasures, including rare journals, art books, and graphic novels. Their clientele, comprising local artists, musicians, and scholars, drives them to stay at the forefront of culture.
They curate titles in art, music, children’s books, California history and culture, film, photography, and more. Furthermore, their nationally recognized events program features acclaimed authors and local favorites. Certified as a Green Business by the City of LA, Skylight Books demonstrates its dedication not only to fostering intellectual growth but also to environmental sustainability and employee wellness.
Local Fixture
6728 Bright Ave, Whittier, CA 90601
Local Fixture is a great general store that makes you feel at home. Blending the essence of a store, coffee shop, and community hangout, it’s a cozy haven where locals gather. This curated space is packed with diverse offerings, including essentials for babies and outdoor enthusiasts.
Their goal is to bring unique products into Whittier that you couldn’t find anywhere else locally. They meticulously source their merchandise from local flea markets and stores that they personally admire. Beyond the good vibes and community kinship, a visit to Local Fixture is guaranteed a unique experience.
Kindness & Mischief Coffee
5537 N Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90042
Kindness and Mischief—K&M for short—is a community-focused cafe in Highland Park. K&M is a spot that has a friendly vibe, as well as a unique aesthetic contrast to the clean interior design you’ll otherwise find in many LA cafes.
Founded in 2016 through a successful Kickstarter campaign, K&M fosters a warm, inclusive atmosphere amidst the neighborhood’s evolving landscape. The cafe’s interior has a relaxed ambiance as it blends cozy handmade furniture with rotating local artwork. K&M serves specialty coffees from various roasters alongside handmade treats like Filipino-inspired pastries and sweet and savory treats by local bakers.
Wine + Eggs
3129 1/2 Glendale Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90039
Wine + Eggs is a small grocery and specialty shop in the beautiful Atwater Village. Since opening in 2021, it has become the go-to neighborhood spot for an array of quality goods. With a focus on organic and natural wines, the shop also offers beer, spirits, and other beverages.
Locally sourced produce, fresh bread from Bub and Grandma’s, and a selection of snacks are also available. Apart from food and drinks, the shop includes an assortment of homewares, fresh flowers, and cookbooks, making it a one-stop destination for both everyday essentials and unique finds.
Sunbeam Vintage
106 S Avenue 58, Los Angeles, CA 90042
Sunbeam Vintage began as a passion project, born from a desire to adorn living spaces with unique furnishings. Now firmly rooted in Highland Park and DTLA, Sunbeam Vintage’s team comprises local artists, musicians, actors, and decor enthusiasts.
They meticulously curate their collections to offer a blend of modern designs and vintage treasures. On top of that, their Sunbeam Exclusive Collection features bespoke creations made to order by skilled local artisans. If you’re looking for carefully selected pieces that marry quality, uniqueness, and affordability, look no further than Sunbeam Vintage.
Final Thoughts
While shopping at big-box stores and online can be somewhat more convenient, nothing compares to going into a local store, finding unique items, and receiving excellent customer service. The best part is that shopping locally puts money back into the community, so it’s a win-win for everyone. Give love and support to small businesses by visiting these and other local mom-and-pop stores that help make Los Angeles a special place.
Leave a Reply