Are you ready to feel beautiful? Then head on over to Lavish Lashes and Skincare, a new business located in the Waterfront Warehouse at 445 W Weber Avenue Suite 132. With several experienced and licensed estheticians and lash artists at your service, choose from lash extensions, facials, skin care and waxing to feel beautiful and confident in your own skin! Today, we decided to sit down with Jessica Ramos, owner of this new beauty business to bring you all the details. 

Meet Jessica, Owner of Lavish Lashes and Skincare

Jessica Ramos, the owner of Lavish Lashes and Skincare, is an experienced business owner excited about opening her most recent business in Downtown Stockton. Before setting up shop in Stockton, she, “jumped around from place to place,” and lived in the Bay Area, Hawaii, and Texas. Throughout her journey leading up to Lavish Lashes and Skincare, Jessica opened several businesses along the way that always reflected her interests. For instance, she owned a club promotion company and an event planning company. She shares, “I’ve always been business-minded,” and credits her success to her parents, particularly her father, who owned his own business and passed his skills and knowledge onto her. 

What Services Do Lavish Lashes and Skincare Offer?

Jessica tells us, “I love giving facials and doing eyelash extensions,” but that isn’t all, because, “I love to have a variety of services!” The talented estheticians and lash artists offer all different type of soothing facials, beautiful eyelash extensions, brow lamination, body waxing, and they even carry a line of skincare available for purchase so that you can continue to treat your skin even after leaving the shop. Jessica also shares that she’s working on including body sculpting to the list!

Is your interest piqued yet? Lavish would love to welcome you as a new client! Although they accept walk-ins, appointments are preferred. You can book an appointment by messaging them through their Facebook or Instagram pages. 

What Makes Your Business Unique?

Jessica notes two things that makes Lavish Lashes and Skincare special: their array of services offered to clients, and that they have space rentals for estheticians who are not able to have their own establishments. She loves, “helping them grow and letting them be their own boss and having their own clients.” If you’re licensed through the state board of cosmetology and are interested in renting a space yourself, you can contact Lavish through their social media pages.

Why Downtown Stockton?

Jessica is a city girl who loves the city life, so it’s no surprise that she felt comfortable setting up her shop in Downtown Stockton! Specifically about Downtown Stockton, she says, “I really liked the whole Downtown feeling. There’s been a lot of changes.” She also shares that her favorite thing about downtown are the historical buildings and the nostalgic feeling they bring.

Additionally, Jessica loves her location in the Waterfront Warehouse, and appreciates that the Warehouse is working on revamping their building and making it more modern. The various businesses also located downtown was a selling point for her, too. She credits the DSA’s Instagram page for helping her find all these other businesses, as she, “never knew there were so many diverse businesses in the area.” All in all, Jessica is excited to “welcome anybody to come in and try our services,” and is looking forward to, “getting more involved in making Stockton better. “

Grand Opening

Did someone say raffles, giveaways and FREE food? Find all three at Lavish Lashes and Skincare’s GRAND OPENING on Saturday, April 24th from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.! They’ll be giving a tour of the suite and will be giving away free services, like eyelash extensions! You wouldn’t want to miss this. Don’t forget your mask! 

Don’t forget to follow Lavish on social media:
Instagram: @lavish_lashes_skincare
Facebook: @lavish.lashes.skincare

Give their Esthetician, Lina, a follow on Instagram too!
Instagram: @aestheticsbylinaa

In honor of Women’s History Month, we’re featuring some of the faces behind downtown’s Women-Owned Businesses in this month’s blog! Below, you’ll meet some amazing female business owners, find out what inspired them to build their own businesses, and learn what they love most about being a woman.

D’lilah, D’lilah’s Cakery

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“I was inspired to open a business because I wanted to bring something fun to the area. Bring desserts people weren’t used to. Something fun for the young people. I also just really wanted to work for myself and support my own vision instead of building up someone else’s. One thing I can also say is by me taking a leap of faith, I’ve inspired other girls to do the same and follow their own vision, and I love that.”

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“My favorite thing about being a woman is the irrevocable strength we all obtain. We might be crying one minute and the next pulling it together to conquer whatever obstacle is in our way, and for that we are pretty bada** .”

Natalie Navarro, The Beauty Base

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“I love helping others feel more confident in themselves and opening in downtown has definitely helped reach a different audience to do so!”

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“What is there not to love about being a woman?! There’s so many opportunities out there for us now and if there isn’t, we’ll make it happen. I feel like all women have this certain drive of determination and I just love and admire that so much!”

Rima Barkett, BellaVista Rooftop & Events

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“I wanted to do something worthwhile in my life.”

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“[To be a woman] means to be someone who is not afraid to speak the truth for herself and for others. Means being compassionate, kind, vulnerable but at the same time tough and assertive. Being a woman is complicated but… magical. Because we, the women, we have the real power. When we will discover it the world will be a better place.”

Rosa Patricia “Patty” Ayala, UNIQO Salon

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“I am an entrepreneur at heart, having a business was always my dream , my beginning years as a stylist at my mothers shop in Mexico and traveling the world doing hair inspired me to one day have that ‘big city fashion salon’ in my hometown Stockton.”

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“Strong minded soft-hearted, they come together.”

Gwen Overton, Legendary Coffee and Books

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“Ever since I was a young girl, I’ve aspired to open my own business. As my interests in life changed, a few of my interests never did — my love and passion for people, coffee and books. At a former employment place, I started a coffee club where people would provide monthly dues to bring in good coffee and creamer. Little did I know, this would catapult my business idea to combine the three interests that never left my Spirit. In 2019, Legendary Coffee and Books was born. The same inspiration I had as a young child is the same inspiration I want to instill in every young person who walks through our café doors — If I could do it, you can do it too, and here’s how.”

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“My favorite thing about being a woman is our natural ability to make something fabulous. By design, we birth things into existence — life, success, businesses, a nation — our capacity to love unconditionally, our strength, power, beauty, spirits, and sisterhood. Women can do it all. Women have always made impactful contributions to this world in business, education, sports, politics, art, and finance, to name a few. I’m proud to be a woman and continue the incredible trailblazing legacy many amazing women have set before me.”

Marie Pease, The Freckled Moon

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“I’ve always wanted to own my own business. Doing what I love is my ultimate dream. Realizing working 9-5 for someone else wasn’t my idea of a great life. Creating and selling my creations was. I also wanted to prove to everyone that I could do it. Despite the odds stacked against me. Being a single mom of 4, working, raising kids and opening a business took determination and hard work. There were many obstacles but I overcame them and am living out my dreams. Set your goals and make it happen.”

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“I love everything about being a woman. I love how soft but hard we are. We are resilient, smart, kind, and powerful. I wouldn’t want to be anyone but me, a woman.”

Amy Sieffert , Goodstock Productions

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“Goodstock started in March 2015, with our flagship event, @stockmarketca. At the time, our mission was simple- to support local artists and entrepreneurs while fostering community connection, creative expression, and doing our part to promote the positive in Stockton. We didn’t anticipate that this one event would grow into a full-fledged events company. Since then, we’ve branched out into non-profit fundraisers, weddings, socials, and celebrations of all kinds. In 2020, we did our fair share of virtual events as well!

Our beginnings were pretty humble and involved literal blood, sweat & tears. We’ve been through the death of a friend and mentor, 2 partners, moving 3 times, becoming an LLC, growing from volunteers to interns to employees…. and now a pandemic.”

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“Not sure what the future holds, but this is certain- I’m proud to have brought this dream to fruition, to help others realize theirs, and to have done so as a woman.

Some things I love about event planning are the same things I love about being a woman~ proving assumptions wrong, challenging unrealistic standards and nurturing individuality… after all, event planning is basically the same thing women do every day- take ideas and turn them into reality.”

Check out our business directory for a complete list of women-owned businesses in downtown to help you plan your next visit into downtown!

Imagine: you’re in Downtown Stockton, and you stumble across a charming shop. One step through its doors and you’re met with a cheerful greeting and a plethora of shining trinkets, vibrant greenery in clay pots, stunning jewelry, and pleasantly-scented candles— amongst other treasures displayed on the shop’s shelves. As you browse, you feel the rays of sunshine that are filtering through the large, front windows. Where are you? None other than The Freckled Moon, a shop of unique gifts and baubles located at 219 E. Weber Ave.

The Freckled Moon is undoubtedly one of the most unique, art-centered shops you can find in the city. We first introduced them to you on our blog back in 2018, when they first opened their shop downtown. Now, three years later, we decided to pop back in and see how this lovely shop was doing. 

A Family of Creatives Own the Freckled Moon 

Marie Pease and her daughters, Raven and Aria, have always lived in California (Marie was born in Modesto and later lived in Riverbank), but the family didn’t move to Stockton until 2000. After selling art at events such as the Stockmarket, they decided to open their own brick and mortar in Downtown Stockton during 2018.

Marie loves to create and proves it in her passion and versatility for the arts. She creates macrame pieces, dream catchers, and curates crystals and spiritual-type items. Even though she has tried her hand at so many different kinds of art, she enthusiastically shares, “I love to learn new things!” To add to her current list of skills, she’s also learning embroidering and plans to dabble in pottery in the near future. 

The art and creativity genes definitely passed onto Raven and Aria, as they are also creators and help Marie run The Freckled Moon. This, “eclectic gathering of unique items and handmade items,” not only features the family’s creations, but they also source many of their items, such as handmade soaps and lotions, from local artists. How cool is it to not only support a local shop, but to support a variety of local artists?

The Journey So Far  

Marie tells us that she, “really love[s] Downtown Stockton!” She especially enjoys the historic and beautiful architecture found downtown and the, “great businesses down here.” A few of her favorites include: Cast Iron Trading Co,. Empresso Coffeehouse, and The Golden Rose Barbershop Co. She admits that foot traffic, particularly during the time of the pandemic, hasn’t been as heavy as she would have liked. Fortunately, she says that she’s started to see this changing, and hopes to see a steady increase over time.

How to Support the Moon 

How can we support the Freckled Moon? “Shop! Visit us!” Marie suggests with a smile. Times are undeniably tough during the pandemic, so out of convenience for their customers, The Freckled Moon also offers curbside pickup and local delivery. The best way to reach them and set this up is through direct message on Instagram. There, you can “DM us anytime!” And Marie will be more than happy to help you out! Even if you can’t pick up some new items for yourself at this time, you can still support this family-owned local business by sharing their posts on Facebook and Instagram.

Follow The Freckled Moon on Facebook and Instagram to be the first to see their newest products and stay up to date on the latest news of collaborations or events. They hope to see you soon! 

You’ve probably experienced the wonders of the Mexican Heritage Center and Gallery in Downtown Stockton at some point before (if you haven’t, the exhibits are calling your name!). The Gallery at 111 S. Sutter St., with its fascinating and vibrant art pieces, now houses something new on its second floor: One Eleven Web Design! One Eleven Web Design is a full service marketing company that offers web development, social media marketing, SEO services, ADA website work, and traditional print and graphic services.

Meet Eric Vaughn

Eric Vaughn, owner of One Eleven Web Design, was born and raised right here in Stockton. A graduate from Franklin High (Go Yellow Jackets!), Eric moved to Lodi and eventually settled in Acampo with his wife and two children. We sat down with Eric to learn more about his business and the journey that ultimately brought One Eleven Web Design to the downtown community- after all, he tells us, “this journey has been a crazy one for sure!”

What inspired you to create One Eleven Web Design?

Before solidifying himself in the world of web development, Eric spent 17 years in sales and marketing in the Construction Industry. What influenced his decision to leave this field? It all started when he was asked by Lodi Christian School to build their website. From this experience, he, “found something I really loved to do, so I stuck with it.”

In 2018, Eric changed the name of his business from Red Truck Designs to One Eleven Web Design, to indicate the focus of his company at the time: building websites. However, he says, “God has a funny way of taking your plans and really turning them upside down,” because immediately after the name change, clients started requesting brochures, business cards, social media, and other marketing materials for their businesses. Eric describes that these early customers significantly helped shape his business into what we see today, as it led him to realize that, “there was a real need in the market for a company that could help a small, local business bring all of their marketing together.”

What makes One Eleven Web Design unique?

One Eleven Web Design’s mission is to, “Help our customers elevate their brand and bring all their digital and print assets together to represent a cohesive company.” Eric further explains that they, “take a hands-on approach with every customer and fully manage their website and digital presence. Our customers can focus on their business, while we focus on their marketing.” This is important, Eric explains, because many web designing businesses do just that- design the website, but then not much else. The client would then be on their own to manage the website and all other marketing responsibilities. This can be too much for business owners who want to put more of their time and focus into the business itself. 

Why did you decide to open your business in Downtown Stockton?

When deciding where to move his business, Eric strongly considered two places: Elk Grove and Stockton. Since many of One Eleven Web Designs customers were located in Stockton and throughout Stanislaus County, though, “Stockton seemed like a natural fit.” Additionally, Eric shares, “I believe this is where we’re going to see the growth of businesses and entrepreneurs in downtown. I wanted to be in the middle of it. There’s an energy here and it’s exciting to be part of this community.”

What do you like most about downtown?

Eric cites the variety of businesses in the area, stating that he loves to, “get out of the office and explore all the restaurants and coffee spots here. It’s nice to be able to take a walk during the day and get out of the office for a few minutes. Although much of my work day is digital, I prefer to get out and be a part of the community rather than just ordering something from my phone.” We hear you, Eric, Downtown Stockton’s streets are lined with so many different local businesses that it definitely makes for great walking paths with many spots to explore!

Overall, we’re excited to have One Eleven Web Designs here with us in Downtown Stockton. If you’re in need of a website, marketing materials, or would like to inquire about their services, give their website a visit!

There are many things that await you in Downtown Stockton: a stunning new hairstyle, a vibrant plant, an intricate tattoo, and a delicious meal, to name a few. Now, with the addition of The Beauty Base, a new esthetic shop nestled in Suite G on 222 N. El Dorado Street, there’s a new reason to visit downtown: facials! With the adamant belief that, “your natural features are your best features,” The Beauty Base is ready to help you enhance your natural looks through skin, body, and waxing treatments.

Meet Owner Natalie Navarro

At only 21 years old, Natalie Navarro is one of the youngest entrepreneurs to own a brick and mortar business in Downtown Stockton. Despite her age, Natalie has amassed significant experience and training in the field of esthetics. She previously worked as a licensed lash artist, took extensive classes with Dermologica to become an expert with their brand and products, and became licensed as an esthetician in summer of last year after graduating from Paul Mitchell Beauty School in Modesto, California. Natalie shares, “before I became licensed, I always had thoughts of becoming an esthetician but was afraid of spending so much money on something I thought would’ve been just a hobby. But I took that risk and went after being a student at Delta College for two years.” 

After working with different beauty-focused companies like Amazing Lash and being home-based for a period of time, Natalie decided to expand her services to skin treatments and waxing. She received offers to work with other companies, but said they, “never felt right.” Instead, she decided to take the plunge and open her very own brick and mortar. Natalie’s genuine passion and dedication for esthetics shines through as she describes The Beauty Base, and even with her prior experience, she is adamant about, “working to further my education about skin whenever I have the chance to.”

Why Downtown Stockton?

After she decided to open her own shop, Natalie immediately knew she wanted to stay local—after all, she was born and raised in Stockton and lovingly shares that, “Stockton is home.” She adds, “being downtown was a bonus!” While hunting for the perfect home for The Beauty Base, she came across the available space on El Dorado Street and, “instantly fell in love and got the space immediately afterwards. After that I had a blank canvas to work with and I just love how everything came out. I look forward to work every single day and I can’t wait for what’s to come in the future for The Beauty Base!” 

The Downtown area is also very nostalgic for Natalie. She fondly recalls visiting the downtown movie theater with her family while growing up and says, “I would have never thought that I’d have a place over here.” When it comes to the downtown community, she shares, “I just love it. Everyone is so friendly and welcoming.” In October of 2020, the The Beauty Base officially opened its doors!

What Makes Beauty Base Unique?

Not only is The Beauty Base the only esthetics shop in the area, but there are several features that make this particular esthetics shop unique. Along with typical treatments like body/face waxing and facials, Beauty Base also offers Vajacials, which is a Brazilian wax followed by a soothing skin treatment for the area. Natalie shares that many clients have expressed their surprise and delight for this treatment, and that its one of the most popular services they offer.

Additionally, services are very tailored to clients based on their specific needs. Since many clients tend to be unsure about which treatments would work best for them, The Beauty Base will, “formulate a [specific] treatment,” based on their hair and skin type. For instance, The Beauty Base offers various types of wax—some are better for coarse hair, and some are better for fine hair. By offering tailored sessions lasting 30 or 60 minutes, the The Beauty Base eliminates any potential uncertainty and gives clients the best treatment possible. Learn more about their services on their website. 

Esthetic shops tend to have more female clients, but don’t be shy, men! The Beauty Base is ready to welcome you with open arms for brow waxing, or any other service you’d like!

Favorite Places Downtown to Grab a Bite and a Coffee?

“I’m not biased!” Natalie says with a laugh as she shares that her favorite places to eat and grab coffee are right around the corner from her new shop, just a short walking distance away. Nash + Tender is a favorite for her and her boyfriend, and they find themselves visiting the hot chicken joint, “like crazy,” (we don’t blame them!). Empresso Coffeehouse is their favorite place to get coffee, to the point where it, “feels weird not going there” in the mornings.

Natalie adds that she’s looking forward to trying more eateries downtown, and notes that many of her customers have recommended Misaki to her – luckily, that’s also a short walk away!

Make sure to follow The Beauty Base on Facebook and Instagram to stay updated on specials, services, and to join in on any giveaways they may have in the future. Oh, and don’t forget to visit their website to book your next appointment—gotta look fresh for the holidays! 

Visiting downtown now comes with an additional perk: a new coffee shop in the heart of downtown’s Courthouse Plaza called Plaza Perks! Established by Parents By Choice, a nonprofit agency with the mission of bringing hope and healing to children, youth, and their families, the café does more than serve delicious coffee and refreshing drinks: it provides foster youth with work experience and job opportunities by not only employing them, but by creating and maintaining a positive environment for them to strengthen their work and social skills.

We’re excited for this new addition to the downtown community, so we spoke with Plaza Perks manager, Cynthia Buenrostro, to learn more about the café with a heart for foster youth.  

Meet Cynthia

Cynthia Buenrostro is Plaza Perks’ enthusiastic manager with a passion for helping foster youth. Her previous experiences working in cafés and restaurants made her a perfect fit to manage the new café. She shares that the reason Plaza Perks opened was to, “give former and current foster youth job skills and employment opportunities and to serve up good coffee in the area.” It’s especially important that these opportunities are available for foster youth, because it can be challenging for them to gain work experience and job skills before aging out of the foster care system. Cynthia further explains that they, “need to learn to interact,” and “gain some confidence,” to prepare them for their futures.  

Why Downtown Stockton?

Cynthia believes that Plaza Perks’ presence downtown will, “enrich our community, make a difference,” and, “bring some life to downtown.” However, she admits that prior to the decision to open in Downtown Stockton, she wasn’t too familiar with the area and had no idea what to expect. Fortunately, she quickly realized that she enjoyed “the vibe.” She especially appreciated how supportive and excited the surrounding community was to see a new business opening among them.

Plaza Perks isn’t the only new business to call the Courthouse Plaza home, though. Recently, Parents By Choice also moved their offices and programs into the first and second floors of the building. Learn more about their move here.

What’s On the Menu?

Plaza Perks proudly serves coffee supplied from Cat & Cloud, which they say is, “some of the best quality coffee beans you can find.” Their menu also boasts a variety of options, such as specialty espresso, blended coffee, tea, smoothies and juices, and Lotus drinks. Lotus, Cynthia explains, is a popular drink in the Eastern U.S. that hasn’t yet met widespread popularity in the West- but it’s only a matter of time!

Lotus is a cleaner, healthier energy drink handmade with real fruit juice. Any time you’re feeling tired and in need of some energy (those Monday mornings are the hardest!!), toss out the Red Bull, pop into Plaza Perks, and treat yourself to a Lotus Energy Sparkling Refresher! With flavors like Guava Punch, Pineapple Cloud, Blue Lagoon, and Red Lotus, it’ll be a tough decision (we suggest trying them all!). And oh, did we mention they also have Grab & Go breakfast, lunches, AND a seasonal drink menu (Frankenstein Lotus, anyone?). As if their drinks didn’t already sound like a good enough reason to drop by, Cynthia shares that Plaza Perks emanates a, “really fun environment; we want to make you feel like a friend when you walk in!”

So the next time you’re craving coffee, tea, a Lotus Energy Sparkling Refresher, or even some friendly conversation, pop into Plaza Perks and know that you’re not just supporting local businesses, but local foster youth, too.

Don’t forget to follow Plaza Perks on Facebook and Instagram to be the first to know about their new drinks and special offers!