Be the Beautiful You at Natural Do

Posted on April 29, 2020 by digitalgear

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By Jessica Nguyen

Natural Do is a natural hair care salon located on 339 E. Weber Avenue in Downtown Stockton that specifically caters to individuals with kinky, curly, and wavy hair. Like the same suggests, Natural Do has a strong focus on “growing hair in the healthiest way possible.” Today, we’d like to introduce Valonne Smith, founder and CEO of Natural Do, share what makes Natural Do unique, and talk about what we all can do to support this business during this pandemic!

Valonne Smith founder, CEO of Natural Do

Recently, I had the opportunity to speak to Valonne Smith, the charismatic founder and CEO of the beloved hair salon Natural Do. Originally from the Bay Area, Valonne shared that she and her husband moved to Stockton seven years ago. Prior to the creation and launch of Natural Do, she used her expertise and passion to conduct local hair care seminars that educated and encouraged others about natural hair care. Because she received so many questions about how she maintained her hair, she decided to write her book Girl, Get Your Hair Back Too! The Ultimate Guide to Growing Your Hair Healthier, Fuller, and Longer. Interested in all the information this gem has to offer? Get the E-Book here! Writing a book was only the start—Valonne also realized that they weren’t any salons that focused on naturally curly and wavy hair in the area, so she decided to open her own! Thus, Natural Do was born. The salon officially opened in April of 2016, so last month marked their four year anniversary.

Why Downtown Stockton?

There are several reasons Valonne chose Downtown Stockton as the home for her salon. Among them, she shared, is because she’s a “city girl!” and it only helped that “downtown has a lot of buzz and traffic.” In the process of searching for Natural Do’s flagship location, she was introduced to the Downtown Stockton area through the Huddle x Launch Pad, formerly Huddle Co. Curious, I asked if she planned on opening more locations for this popular salon in the future. Valonne is open to the idea, but explains that she is currently giving all her love and attention to the Stockton location. We’re lucky to have her!

What Makes Natural Do Unique?

Natural Do strives to be a place where “curlfriends” (the adorable nickname Natural Do calls its clients!) can embrace, accept and love their natural hair just the way it is. They strongly encourage the use of natural and organic-based products and implement these methods and products into their services. Their hairstyles are 100% natural and hair extension free! Check out their Instagram page to see some of the gorgeous looks that have come out of the salon!

Natural Do is a membership salon, and memberships can be monthly or yearly. Their services are so sought after that they are typically booked 2.5 to 3 weeks in advance! Since opening four years ago, Valonne estimates that they’ve only been able to take 2 walk-ins, since their fully booked schedules make them difficult to accommodate. However, don’t be discouraged! Just call ahead for an appointment (once they reopen, of course).

Visit their website for more information.

How can we support Natural Do during this time?

Although Natural Do, like various other businesses during this time, has temporarily closed its doors, we can still support them! The best way to do this, Valonne explains, is by following them on social media. Valonne creates and posts “How-To” videos for hair so that clients and anyone interested can follow along and care for their hair from the comforts of their own home. Valonne sharing her hair skills for free? Yes, please! Keep that hair beautiful, even during quarantine! Additionally, social media is the best way for them to reach out to clients and keep in touch with the community. Give them a follow to stay updated on news and information:

Facebook: @naturaldo
Instagram: @natural.do
Tik Tok: @natural.do

Mural, Mural on the Wall: A Look Into Some of Downtown’s Murals

Posted on April 24, 2020 by digitalgear

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By Jessica Nguyen

If you’ve been to Downtown Stockton, chances are you’ve seen some of the murals that adorn the walls of the buildings downtown. Not only do these colorful murals allow for local artists to share their talents with the community, they also add life, inspiration and beauty to downtown. Their presence fosters a sense of togetherness and symbolizes the creativity, talent and dedication of our community. Oh and of course, they also look great in photos! So whether you’re searching for the perfect location for that next Instagram post or you’re just curious about some of downtown’s beautiful artwork, I’d like to share with you some of my favorite downtown murals!

Dear Stockton – 240 N. Hunter Street

Local artist Joel Munoz painted this piece in 2012 as part of the “Dear Stockton Project.” This project encouraged the community to demonstrate their love for Stockton through various forms of art. The powerful, white-lettered message on the mural that reads, “Dear Stockton, Smile. You are loved,” makes this one of my favorite downtown artworks, as it reminds us all that we are all part of a great community, who is, in fact, loved. The message really captures the spirit of businesses and so many individuals downtown who are all putting their energy and dedication into rejuvenating downtown and breathing new life onto its streets. If you are ever feeling down, take a walk and make sure to stop by this mural- it’ll help lift your spirits! (Plus, it’s right next to the movie theater, so go see a movie while you’re at it!).

Musical Legacy of Dave Brubeck- 20 N. Sutter Street

If you’re feelin’ jazzy, come admire the “Musical Legacy of Dave Brubeck” artist Anthony Padilla created to honor Dave Brubeck, a great jazz pianist and composer. It features the passionate members of the Brubeck quartet playing away on their instruments against a familiar Downtown Stockton backdrop complete with a golden evening sky. The musicians look so focused that you can almost hear the jazz tunes! Fun fact: Dave Brubeck attended College of the Pacific right here in Stockton from 1938-1942. Interestingly, he first wanted to study to become a veterinarian, but quickly switched to music soon after starting at Pacific- and we now how that ended up working out! The mural inspires us, and shows us that great things can happen when we pursue our passions. It’s not only a beautiful piece that aspiring musicians can appreciate, but for anyone who is working towards reaching their dreams.

Power Through- 215 N. California St.

This visually stunning piece adds a vibrant pop of color into the gray lot and surrounding buildings in the area. Street artist Astro Graft is the mind and artist behind the eye-catching piece that could be mistaken for an optical illusion. While working on the piece, Graft shared that the mural’s design was based on Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, a Psychology Theory that is often depicted depicted as hierarchical tiers in a pyramid. The mesmerizing piece could serve as a perfect backdrop for photos! Why not take advantage of the mural’s easy-access location and incorporate it into your next photoshoot? Plenty of people already have!

Kobe and Gianna Mural- American Street and Minor Street

The most recent addition to downtown’s family of murals, this beautifully crafted memorial piece of the late Kobe Bryant and his teenage daughter Gianna was painted by a pair of local artists: Daniel Paniagua and Kone Lathipanya. They both cited their admiration for Kobe- not just as a basketball player, but as a man and father. Both artists shared that the mural was also in memory of all the other passengers who were on that ill-fated flight earlier this year. We’ll remember them, and we’ll remember Kobe’s “Mamba Mentality”: may we never forget to keep working hard to master our passions.

Things to Do at Home

Posted on April 13, 2020 by digitalgear

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By Jessica Nguyen

Per CDC guidelines to stay safe amid the COVID-19 pandemic, many of us are staying home. As a result, our world is increasingly becoming even more digital. In Downtown Stockton, businesses and organizations have turned to virtual events and many restaurants and eateries have remained open to serve you delicious meals through pick up or delivery. In these unique and unprecedented times, our local businesses need our support more than ever! This is why we’ve compiled a list of downtown eateries that are still open for take out. A couple also offer Door Dash or Postmates (delivery services), meaning you don’t have to leave the comforts of your home for a tasty lunch or dinner! But first, we’ll be sharing a couple of virtual activities hosted by downtown organizations.

Fun and Educational Activities (yes, these exist) for Kids

Now that the kids are home from school, it might be a little challenging to find some educational activities that will entertain them. Luckily, downtown has two solutions: Visit The Children’s Museum of Stockton and the San Joaquin Public Library’s Facebook pages! The Children’s Museum of Stockton’s Facebook feed is full of fun, educational activities. From scavenger hunts, science projects, to easy and fun recipes, these hands-on activities are bound to keep the young ones entertained for hours! In addition, the San Joaquin County Public Library has live book readings. Kids will love these lively stories and will be captivated by the animated storyteller bringing the characters to life! The library will be announcing a live storytelling schedule soon on their Facebook page, so make sure to be on the lookout for that.

Virtual Activities/Events You Can Enjoy From the Comfort of Your Couch

Have you tried Walk With Weber, our virtual tour of Downtown Stockton? Narrated by knowledgeable and retired DSA Ambassador, Manuel Laguna, the tour takes you through downtown’s rich history by highlighting some of downtown’s oldest buildings! Learn about downtown and be prepared to be fascinated in the process!

Centro Community Partners works to provide aspiring and current business owners with advisory services and leadership programs that will help launch or grow their businesses. Interested in getting involved? There are two upcoming virtual events! First is Centro Community Partners Entrepreneur Bootcamp, where entrepreneurs can create their business plan in one weekend. Register by April 20th! In addition, there is a Centro Community Partners Basic Entrepreneur Workshop, where entrepreneurs will learn how to develop and improve upon their business plan while analyzing key aspects of their business. More details on how to register coming soon.

Don’t forget to follow your favorite downtown businesses on social media to stay in the know! Facebook and/or Instagram pages are great ways to find news and virtual activities or events.

Don’t Forsake Your Cravings

Craving Mexican Food? Chinese food? Greek food? Looking for a good burger or chicken sandwich? These don’t even cover all the variety downtown has to offer! Take a look at our list of open eateries and plan your meals for the day… or the week! We’ve also added a word search at the bottom if you’re looking for something to do! 🙂

Alfalfa’s – Take out/delivery
Downtowner – Take Out/Delivery
Moo Moo’s Burger Barn – Take Out/Delivery
Nash + Tender – Take out/Door Dash Delivery
Orlando’s Market and Deli – Take out only
Subway – Take out/Door Dash Delivery
Casa Flores – Take Out
Foo Lung Deli – Take Out
Misaki – Take Out/Door Dash
Papa Urbs – Take Out/Post Mate Delivery
Thai Thai – Take Out
Sunshine Hawaiian BBQ – Take out/Door Dash Delivery
Empresso – Take Out
Yasoo Yani – Take Out/Delivery for 10 or more
Kabob and Gyro House – Take Out/Door Dash Delivery
Cancun – Take Out
El Zarape – Take Out
Irma’s Place – Take Out
Maria’s – Take Out
Nena’s Restaurant – Take Out/Door Dash Delivery
Tio Pepe’s II – Take Out/Door Dash Delivery
Xochimilco – Take Out/Door Dash Delivery

WORD SEARCH: OPEN DOWNTOWN EATERIES

Kabob and Gyro House

Cancun

El Zarape

Irmas

Marias

Nenas

Tio Pepes

Misaki

Papa Urbs

Thai Thai

Sunshine Hawaiian BBQ

Empresso

Yasoo Yani

Alfalfas

Downtowner

MooMoos

NashTender

Orlandos

Subway

Casa Flores

Foo Lung Deli

If you are a downtown restaurant offering take out but are not listed above, please contact our Marketing Director, Alex McBride, at [email protected]. She will add your name to the list!