Dealerz Choice: Vibrant Makers

Posted on October 6, 2021 by digitalgear

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By Ben Sanchez

Colorful clouds hang from the ceiling inside the Dealerz Choice store tucked away behind the Plaza Perks Cafe on the main floor of the Courthouse Plaza. The cloud colors cycle through blues, purples, and greens.

A projection screen flickers with pop culture content on the empty back wall of the shop. Rows of collectables sit side by side on shelves and vibrant colored custom apparel hang on clothes racks inside the space.

The Courthouse Plaza vibes are different nowadays in downtown Stockton. You can feel it when you swing the double doors open with an aroma of coffee and food lingering in the air. The bleeps and bloops of arcade noises emanate from the lower level. Yes, an actual arcade space is active on the lower level of the Courthouse Plaza with a painted mural on the wall. Random canvas art fills the lobby next to old photographs of downtown. There is a lot of history along these walls.

Businesses are open to sell their wares and services with decals spread across display windows. The hallway pinboard is filled with flyers promoting the latest events throughout the downtown area. A line of people wait to grab coffee to go and others, like myself, just happen to stumble into a unique interior mall structure in the heart of downtown Stockton.

Meet Michael Allen, Owner of Dealerz Choice.

From the outside, you would think walking through the doors lead to one main floor as you enter the building. The plaza is actually a 3 tiered building with lower and upper levels for office and work space. Michael Allen, owner of Dealerz Choice, hangs up new tie dye shirts and hoodies on the clothes rack. “How’s it going?” says Allen. We sat down to talk about the name and concept of Dealerz Choice.

The shop is not just selling collectables. The idea is to provide a platform to makers and artisans who have no storefront and give them a space to showcase their products.

Allen has been an entrepreneur all his life. When he started thinking about a business, he teamed up with local maker/artist, Alexander Garza, to develop an idea for a storefront that encapsulated all of their interests. With Garza creating art, they thought a co-op space for makers would be an ideal choice in downtown Stockton. “We needed a tangible space to show off what we can do — I wanted a space to show what he (Alex) can do. We had something to work toward and build on rather than do everything at home,” says Allen.

What is Dealerz Choice? Watch the video here!

https://youtu.be/SrxRh68wSNg

Pop-up shop.

With new ownership at The Courthouse Plaza in downtown Stockton, Allen inquired about a new space opening on the main floor. “The Courthouse Plaza is a really great space — a cool atmosphere being renovated with major changes coming up for the building,” says Allen. Eventually, Dealerz Choice appeared like a rolling cloud, similar to the decor hanging from the ceiling.

Allen shared his vision for the business and along with Garza, they create a positive atmosphere in the downtown scene and within the Courthouse Plaza. “There is a lot of foot traffic happening downtown and we want to help add to that with what we do here in our space,” says Garza.

The business provides a fresh perspective with the pop-up shop trend. However, the pop-up shop is here to stay. Makers and artisans constantly seek new avenues to locate spaces to sell wares and build brand awareness. A temporary pop-up for a maker can be a great stepping stone to owning a brick and mortar. Now that all the cards are in place, Dealerz Choice can offer the space to makers. “We want to be the place for local artists and vendors,” says Allen. “Vendors pay a monthly fee to utilize the space and we help promote their brand.” The businesses downtown, specifically with retail shopping, continue to see consistent growth in the surrounding area of the Courthouse Plaza. Ideally, Allen is looking to collaborate with as many individuals who are interested in being a part of the revitalization in downtown.

Onomatopoeia.

Customers may inquire about the cloud decor in the shop (they make custom clouds to order), but the logo is actually an onomatopoeia.

It is a jumble of all the things we are into. A little bit of everything.
It is eye-catching.
Michael Allen

Why downtown Stockton?

The Courthouse Plaza was a great opportunity to create a space here for vendors. We have amazing potential for future events in downtown.

How can the community support you?

Reach out to us on social media and stop by the shop. Stay in contact and share our upcoming events and vendor pop-ups.

How did you come up with the name of the business?

Dealerz Choice was kind of a joke at first, but we ran with it. The z is a trendy, retro thing. We were into shapes and the organization of letters.

There is a lot of foot traffic happening downtown and we want to help add to that with what we do here in our space.
Alexander Garza

Vendor pop-up.

Did you know you could pop-up at Dealerz Choice?

“I want to continue providing a phsyical space for vendors and makers,” Allen says. While Dealerz Choice has only been open a few months, the shop hosted a large vendor pop-up on Stocktoncon weekend, collaborate with artists for a launch party, and continue the momentum by promoting future events at Courthouse Plaza.

Address: 306 E. Main St. STE 208
Phone: 209.353.9004
Hours: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Monday – Friday

Huddle x Launch Pad: Inevitable Destination

Posted on September 15, 2021 by digitalgear

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By Ben Sanchez

The first floor of the historic Belding building on the corner of N. San Joaquin and Weber Avenue has large display windows for onlookers who will spot art hanging on the wall, and one small room with vinyl records on shelves. In the corner of the small room window is an ‘On Air’ sign facing the street.

Modern furnishings and plants populate the room to round out the space with a uniquely woven design of the Launch Pad logo placed along the side entrance wall.

Upon my arrival, a woman waited to enter the appropriate passcodes at another entrance to the main floors of Huddle x Launch Pad. I helped her contact Eric Bodary, Facility Operations Director, who maintains the front desk on the second floor.

Eric Bodary, Facility Operations Director.

We keyed in our not so secret codes and a signal was transmitted up to Bodary, who greeted us through the intercom. “I was expecting you. Come on up, I’ll buzz you through,” he says. The door buzzed and we all walked through the lobby waiting for the elevators to carry us up to the main floor.

Elevators ding on arrival and we took a ride up one floor to chat with Bodary about the coworking space in downtown Stockton. Bodary grabs mail for the woman and we say our goodbyes before venturing off on a tour of the second and fourth floors.

When I asked Bodary about Huddle x Launch Pad and how he explains the concept of coworking to people unfamiliar with it, he says, “We are like a rental office on steroids — we offer more than just a rental space.”

What is Huddle x Launch Pad? Watch the video here!

What is coworking?

For anyone unfamiliar with the term, coworking is a shared, professional workspace. However, several cowork spaces offer additional services including kitchens, meeting rooms, photo studios, private offices and more. Huddle x Launch Pad provides all of this within the coworking space downtown making it accessible for entrepreneurs in Stockton.

The unique element about coworking is the people working in the space. During my time in coworking spaces across California, my experience with freelancers opened up a collaborative avenue of information and ideas. It creates a community.

There is something special and meaningful behind it that inspires your work. The people may not be familiar with you or the scope of work you do, but in a short period of time, the conversation is filled with high energy. A vibrant atmosphere encourages any freelancer renting a space for the day. It feels rejuvenating to meet others in the field working on similar problems. The unique interconnection between people creates a wave of positivity to discover solutions to those problems. The entrepreneurial spirit courses through the veins at these facilities with a modern feel, but containing an element of nostalgia within the historic framework of each building. This theme is similar to other cowork spaces I’ve visited from Sacramento, San Francisco, Tracy, and San Jose.

Let’s make magic.

While we waited for the Community Manager, Matt Amen to arrive, Bodary shared his insight on being a part of the space where he met Matt in 2016. “I actually started at the original location on the first month they opened,” he says. “I signed up as a member, shifted over to helping out until finally being hired on.” Bodary is the guy working in the background, where Amen typically handles the front end of the business from tours to speaking engagements. The duo created magic by bringing more people into the space through events and community gatherings.

With the Stockton coworking space gaining national recognition for their work, Launch Pad reached out. The team partnered with Launch Pad over 2 years ago, and their grassroots efforts set the stage for expanding into the first floor of the Belding building. “Launch Pad was created out of New Orleans in a need for small business space after Hurricane Katrina,” Bodary says.

Matt Amen, Community Manager.

We head back down to the first floor just as Amen rides up on a bicycle. The timing was impeccable. “This is exciting,” he says. “I’m excited for what we can do in this place.” The small podcast room is readily available for entrepreneurs ready to dive in and create content on the first floor. While the conference room is still being prepared, furniture is placed and ready for entrepreneurs to start their dream.

Amen has been busy in the background working diligently on providing a comfortable space for small business owners and entrepreneurs. “I wanted to help build a space I felt comfortable in and that the community can feel comfortable in,” he says. “I got to see this place grow and be a pillar in this community, especially our entrepreneurial community.”

Why downtown Stockton?

Downtown has a rich history. There are wonderful buildings and people here.

How can the community support you?

Check out our space. People are looking for something historic and new at the same time.

I wanted to help build a space I felt comfortable in and that the community can feel comfortable in.
Matt Amen

Create.

Did you know Huddle x Launch Pad has a photo studio on the 4th floor?

“We are calling it Studio 419,” Amen says. While the studio has only been open a month, the feedback from people who used the space has been positive. With incredible natural lighting and additional equipment for photographers on-site, the studio and first floor expansions are key milestones for Huddle x Launch Pad.

Address: 110 N. San Joaquin St.
Phone: 209.323.4389
Hours: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Monday – Friday

Wall 2 Wall Fashion: You will find it all

Posted on August 2, 2021 by digitalgear

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By Ben Sanchez

Hanging signs emit flickering lights to grab the attention of people passing by on South San Joaquin Street in downtown Stockton. A row of mannequins line up outside a storefront showcasing a unique fashion style to passersby peering inside a large display window. The spinning disco ball glimmers above the historic doorframe architecture, now occupied by a new small business.

Wall 2 Wall Fashion by Santana, is hand-written on the whiteboard sign outside the shop. An arrow points to an old vintage door at the storefront. The large audio speakers emit a soulful sound as I ventured into the space. I noticed the high ceilings and immediately understood why the shop is aptly named Wall 2 Wall. Sante Gayle, owner of Wall 2 Wall Fashion, greets us behind the counter. “Welcome to Wall 2 Wall gentlemen,” says Gayle. He reaches for a high-reach garment hook to place clothing along the wall. “I can display all of these unique pieces from wall to wall in this retail space — that’s where the business name originated from.”

The clothing is vibrant and seasonal with an array of women’s designer clothes that customers can view up to about 30 feet. From accessories, shoes, and jewelry, you can “find it all at Wall 2 Wall,” says Gayle. Along with men and women’s apparel, he does custom orders for clothing designs to accompany the accessories inside the shop. With neo soul beats in rotation playing from his Xbox One, we got to vibe with Gayle on how he started his business, the vision for Wall 2 Wall, and a brand new storefront opening soon in downtown.

Meet Sante Gayle, owner of Wall 2 Wall Fashion.

Gayle, born and raised in Stockton, lived off of American Street. He spent a majority of his life in Stockton before he went to college, played basketball, and traveled the world with AND1. While he toured to other countries playing basketball, Gayle had conversations with his uncle about his experience as an entrepreneur.

After completing his basketball journey, he started researching how to build a small business in downtown Stockton. “I decided to take a step toward being an entrepreneur here and building something where I live,” says Gayle. ”Downtown is nice because of the people — I wanted my store here to help my people and beautify my city.”

Design and Inspire.

Throughout his experience, Gayle sold a variety of clothing from hats to jerseys. He developed a plan to start his business before launching Wall 2 Wall Fashion last year during the pandemic. With insight and inspiration from his uncle, he continued forward, studying fashion trends and learning what it takes to operate a successful business.

From casual to dress apparel, Gayle originally stocked inventory with a more uniform, work savvy look, specifically for women in business. However, that trend has shifted toward a sexy, sophisticated, and intelligent style. “Women come in for seasonal fashion designs. Lingerie or a swimsuit look during the summer is what they look for when they visit my store,” says Gayle. “We give people a personal tour of fashion — they can pick and pull from any kind of idea to design something unique.”

Why downtown Stockton?

Downtown is about the people. Beautifying my city is exactly what I want to do.

How can the community support you?

The best way to support us is to come down and experience Wall 2 Wall.

What is different about Wall 2 Wall?

There hasn’t been a shop like this in downtown for a long time. Our location, clothing, accessories, and customer service with clients offer a welcoming experience for people who live near the downtown area. We offer women and men’s apparel, along with plus size clothing.

Our walls go 30 feet up to give people an optimal view of the designer clothing in our space downtown.
Sante Gayle

Make it unique.

Did you know Wall 2 Wall Fashion carries limited designer clothes?

Gayle works closely with his clientele to assist in their fashion choices, offering a unique custom look for any season.

While he manages several businesses, Gayle is actively involved in his community coaching at local schools and programs passing on knowledge from his experiences playing basketball around the world.

Address: 31 S. San Joaquin St.
Phone: 209.313.8811
Hours: 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Open 7 days a week

Farout Foliage: Plant Paradise

Posted on July 3, 2021 by digitalgear

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By Ben Sanchez

As sunlight starts peeking into the large windows at Farout Foliage, an array of plants soak up the sun on a breezy day in downtown Stockton. The window displays on East Market Street feature a variety of plants that line the floors, shelves, and tables inside the storefront. Before opening the door, you are greeted by more succulents placed along the sidewalk. Each row of plants gives off this feeling as if they are trying to reach out to you. Large, leafy plants sprout up from containers hoping clients will pick them up to take home. A woman gently wipes each leaf, arranging the intimate space before opening hours. “Hey there! Thanks for stopping by,” says Nessie Huffhines, owner of Farout Foliage.

Huffhines offers a warm welcome to her first storefront establishment in downtown Stockton. In 2019, she operated a small pop-up space at Weberstown Mall. “I was in the mall for half a year in 2019. After December, I felt confident enough to expand. I eventually found this cute place downtown,” she says. “We have been here for about a year now, coming up in July.” The storefront opened in early February of 2020 until the pandemic forced small businesses to close. During this time, she planned accordingly in order to adapt through the pandemic. “It was difficult and stressful, but gave me time to think about strategizing my business accordingly with the new space,” she says.

Art prints of Léon: The Professional lean against the wall waiting to be framed for the shop. The art prints spark a memory from my recollection of the film. She vividly describes scenes from the film, specifically with Léon and his plant. “Do you remember that movie? He always had the small plant with him. When they moved to each hotel, he would carry it and care for the plant throughout the film,” she says. Her pop culture reference exudes a passion and friendship to spark our next conversation about the surrounding plant life she submerges herself in on a daily basis. We sat down with her to talk more about the business, her vision, and day trips to California nurseries.

Meet Nessie Huffhines, owner of Farout Foliage.

Throughout her travels, Huffhines has collected 500 plants for her own personal collection. Born in Torrance, California, she moved to Stockton around age 11. “I’m an L.A. girl… but I grew up in Stockton,” she says.

While she never intended on building a business around plants, her husband suggested investing in something you are genuinely passionate about for your business. “I knew I wanted to start a business. My husband said to focus on the plants. It was spontaneous — plants were the last thing I thought of.” she says. “Now it has evolved into something I never imagined.”

With the collection of plants growing at home, Huffhines curiosity for exotic succulents extend across California. She planned trips to southern California visiting nurseries in San Diego for cacti before venturing off to Folsom, Daly City, Vacaville, and San Ramon. In between researching nurseries and developing the business, she juggled different names for the shop before deciding on Farout Foliage. “I was working another job at the time… I had a coworker who was a big hippie lady. She was awesome! She always said ‘farout’ when she thought something was cool,” she says. “I thought about that moment — I felt it went with my theme for the business.”

Plant Life.

Her passion for the preservation and presentation of each plant is evident inside Farout Foliage. “I’m always learning and growing. When I visit nurseries to pick up plants, I inquire about the details and learn from others’ experiences with each plant,” she says.

Although the storefront is limited, the space emits a relaxing aura that is a great escape from the frantic, fast paced life. “It is a very cozy, welcoming environment,” she says. “I always look for lush, healthy plants to display. I want to find something people would want to take home and brighten up their day.”

Nestled between a few midsized plants, one small plant on the shelf with interesting leaf patterns captured our attention. She calls out the plant name without hesitation. “That’s a string of turtles!” she says. Each plant, accompanied by handwritten labels, offers a small insight to the nature and origin of the plant. As we observe the space, Huffhines can name every plant across the room. Whether it is a snake plant, Monstera, Zebra Haworthia or Blue Torch cacti, each unique plant needs a different type of care from the owner. “Almost all the plants in my shop I own at home. I share my experiences with customers on how to care for each of them,” she says.

What’s the best advice someone has ever given you?

Always be honest. Be honest with your customers and be more of a friend to them.
What is more comfortable than being with a friend?

Why downtown Stockton?

I have always been interested in where I live and what it has to offer. I wanted to be part of the movement.

What is your favorite plant?

Right now I’m really in love with my begonia maculata!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hC_7psWnruo&ab_channel=DowntownStockton

Always be honest.
Be honest with your customers and be more of a friend to them.
Nessie Huffhines

Hang in there.

Did you know one of her services is interior plant design for home and office space?

Huffhines knowledge of plants extends beyond her shop, visiting other businesses and clients to evaluate what type of plant arrangements would thrive in interior spaces. From plant care to placement, her consulting advice and ideas can bring more life to your work or home space!

You can inquire about plants, maintenance, and additional services by contacting her via phone or social media. See a plant featured on her social media? Send a direct message to custom order.

Address: 239 E. Market St.
Phone: 209.313.8811
Hours: Monday – Friday | 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday | 12 – 4 p.m.

Martinez Tailor Shop: From Mexico to California

Posted on June 9, 2021 by digitalgear

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By Ben Sanchez

On the walls of Martinez Tailor Shop inside the Courthouse Plaza, next to a dressed up male mannequin bust, hang photographs of a young boy dressed in a suit. A small frame propped on the counter showcases a picture of a man on the phone dressed in a suit. Ignacio “Nacho” Martinez points to the photo on the counter. “Did I tell you I’m working on a short film?” Martinez says. His shop is tucked away in a corner of the plaza, just past Plaza Perks coffee bar. “I always wanted to be a secret agent,” he says, looking behind the shop door at a photograph of himself dressed in a James Bond suit. “I loved Sean Connery — he was the best James Bond.”

The well-suited young boy in the photograph is now a professional tailor, entrepreneur, and accomplished mariachi. Upbeat music blares from his smartphone with YouTube playing the trailer for his next project, The Case, starring Nacho Martinez. The trailer shows a montage of Martinez training in martial arts. “I practiced Taekwondo when I was young. In my city of Uruapan, there were two brothers that taught me,” he says. Martinez can now add acting to his repertoire of skills. Along with music on Spotify, and music videos on YouTube, Martinez spent time talking about the tailoring trade, adventures in Mexico, and his journey from Pleasanton to Stockton.

Meet Ignacio Martinez, owner of Martinez Tailor Shop

Ignacio Martinez began his tailoring journey with needle and thread at an early age in Uruapan, Michoacán. His mother suggested he start learning at six years old. By the age of 12, Martinez had all the tools he needed to apply his tailoring skills for the people in town. Hemming and sewing a variety of clothing out of his home, he started building a clientele in Mexico.

During this time, Martinez ventured around the town and found a mariachi band practicing for their next performance. The band asked Martinez if he would like to sit in during practice and try singing with the music. Martinez discovered he had a natural talent to sing. With support for the mariachi band, Martinez acquired his charro suit (traje de charro) and performed for crowds in Mexico.

Martinez pursued his passion for singing and traveled to California, where he refined the love for both of his crafts. He spent over 15 years in Pleasanton working for Nordstrom doing alterations to clothing, suits and dresses. In 2004, he moved to Stockton to apply his craft with several shops throughout the Central Valley before opening his own shop in downtown Stockton. When he is not behind the sewing machine, Martinez suits up to perform with mariachi bands throughout California and Mexico. With natural charisma and talent for tailoring, he continues to build clientele serving the community throughout San Joaquin County.

Alterations & Services

“I always tell my customers anything that a machine can sew, I’ll do it!” Martinez says. “I do garments, shirts, coats, and dresses for ladies.” While general alterations are popular with dresses and suits, he explained that leather is a specialty. This particular skill sets him apart from other tailor shops. “There is only one chance to do the alteration — leather is more complicated, but I specialize in leather and they (clients) can come in for that service,” Martinez says. For inquiries, you can contact Martinez by phone or through Facebook. He accepts walk-ins and is currently open from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. in downtown Stockton inside Courthouse Plaza, 306 E. Main Street, #209.

“I always tell my customers anything that a machine can sew, I’ll do it!”
nacho martinez

Beas Auto Sales Corporation, 30 Years in Downtown Stockton

Posted on May 1, 2021 by digitalgear

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Beas Auto Sales Corporation is a family-owned and used car dealership that exclusively offers Electric Cars, Plug-In Hybrids, and Hybrids to build a cleaner and healthier community. Located at 744 E. Miner Ave in Downtown Stockton, they’ve been proudly serving San Joaquin County for 30 years. This month, we sat down and spoke with Humberto Beas, Vice President of Beas Auto Sales Corporation, to learn more about this environmentally conscious business that has called Downtown Stockton home for the past three decades.

Meet Beto

Humberto “Beto” Beas, is Vice President of Beas Auto Sales Corporation (not to be confused with Humberto Beas, his father, who is the President of Beas Auto Sales!). Beto grew up in Stockton and attended elementary school, high school, and college here, before completing his degree in Chile and soon after attaining a Masters Degree at the University of Nevada, Reno.

While pursuing an education, Beto was always interested in the car business. After amassing significant experience in the car industry and spending a few years teaching elementary school Spanish, Beto came to work as VP at his family’s dealership in 2010. In addition to his leadership at Beas Auto Sales Corporation, Beto is also the current president of the Independent Automobile Dealership of California, which is an organization that represents all independent car dealers in the state. There, he’s helped pass important legislation and ensure that independent car dealerships’ voices are heard.

What Makes Bea’s Auto Sales Unique?

Beas Auto Sales strives for quality, integrity, and honesty. Their mission is to provide the highest quality preowned vehicles on the market, and they work to, “build a healthier community, one driveway at a time.” Beto shares, “independent dealers get a really bad rep, but I’m most certain our dealership is distinguished because we do right by people. There’s a reason we’ve been in business this long.” Additionally, their selection of exclusively electric and hybrid vehicles sets them apart from other car dealerships in the county.

Because of ongoing construction on Miner Ave., Beas Auto Sales Corporation is currently closed. Despite the temporary closure, which has been in place for the past few months, Beto is excited for the new and improved look of Miner Ave., stating that it’s turning out to a be, “a beautiful, beautiful place” and that the area, “will be vibrant. Whole new street, whole new downtown!”

During the 2020 pandemic, Beas Auto Sales adapted to the challenging times by transitioning to home deliveries. Recently, 70 to 80% of their business is done through delivery. Visit their website to learn more about how this works!

Why Downtown Stockton?

Bea’s Auto Sales first opened in Downtown Stockton on October 16th, 1991, and have been a solid piece of the downtown community ever since. Why Downtown Stockton? Beto answers, “Downtown’s always been a historical and important place.” He continues, “we’ve always loved downtown – there’s something about it that never died out – it’s only going to get better.”

30-Year Anniversary Celebration

This upcoming October, Bea’s Auto Sales will be hitting a huge milestone – their 30 year anniversary! To celebrate, they’ll be hosting a 30 Year Anniversary Party, and you’re invited! Stay tuned for more details. Make sure to follow them on Instagram and Facebook to stay updated and to be the first to receive important news.

UNIQO: A Unique Salon in Downtown Stockton

Posted on March 29, 2021 by digitalgear

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UNIQO is a beautiful, modern salon located at 36 N. California Street in one of Downtown Stockton’s historic buildings. This month, we sat down and spoke with Patty Ayala, the successful owner of UNIQO, to learn more about her, UNIQO, and how this gorgeous salon found its way to calling Downtown Stockton home.

Meet Patty Ayala!

Rosa Patricia “Patty” Ayala is the talented and creative owner of UNIQO Salon. Born and raised in Mexico, her passion for hairdressing ignited within her at an early age as she watched her mother work her hairdressing magic in her salon. It was then that Patty, “started playing in my mom’s shop — playing with hair.” She cherished having a creative space, and soon also found a love for fashion and photoshoots. Later in her life, she and her family decided to move to the United States, where Patty, “pursued my passion, which was hairdressing.”

After settling in Stockton, Patty attended Marinello School of Beauty, which was located in Downtown Stockton’s Waterfront Warehouse at the time. Her affinity for the business side of hairdressing made her determined to own her own salon in the future. After graduating from Beauty School, she worked in several salons and even went on to receive an advanced education. Patty traveled to places like New York and London and was, “getting taught by people and companies I [she] looked up to.” Impressively, her journey didn’t stop there — she also worked for several hair companies and as an instructor before opening UNIQO.

The Message Behind Uniqo

Since Patty believes that it’s “important to represent who I am and where I come from,” it isn’t surprising that UNIQO’s name is inspired by the word único, which is the word for “unique” in Spanish. But wait, there’s more to the name! Patty explains that the “U” in UNIQO is a reminder that the entire experience is catered to “U” – the guest, the community, and the stylist. This is why she and her team work hard to ensure a welcoming, relaxing environment in their beautiful, modern space where customer service is the number one priority.

What makes this hair salon so unique? Patty confidently answers, “because we challenge the status quo.” She continues, “it’s a hair experience [and] self care is so important.” (Fun fact: UNIQO is also known for their signature hair massage for every client!) Not only does Patty and her team offer the best experience for every client that walks through their doors, but Patty also truly cares for her team, too. She works to create an environment that helps to cultivate careers in hairdressing and develop professionals in the field.

Why Downtown Stockton?

Despite traveling around the world and amassing substantial experience in the hair and beauty industry, Patty decided to open her salon in her hometown: Stockton. After being inspired by the new, trendy businesses that were opening in the downtown area, she thought to herself, “how can I create something different in my hometown?” After working up the courage to meet with Ten Space, Patty “took a leap of faith and took my dream to Downtown Stockton.” Patty’s search took her to 36 N. California Street, the location of a beautifully historic and spacious building. Since October of 2017, the gorgeous space has been home to UNIQO.

Patty’s Experience As A Downtown Business Owner

Patty has high praise for Downtown Stockton as she enthusiastically shares, “[its] been an amazing experience because there are so many cool, young entrepreneur business owners in downtown,” and, “the energy that flows here is incredible!” Before the pandemic affected businesses last year in 2020, Patty remembers the liveliness of downtown, from students and city employees walking around to busy restaurants. She also appreciates the supportive network that exists between downtown business owners and says she’s made, “amazing relationships with people here.”

Patty has an important message for business owners, creatives, and artists: “believe in the city and take the risk to create your dreams in Downtown Stockton!” She wants to encourage prospective business owners to become part of the downtown community, because it’s the “perfect location” and there’s “zero competition” since, “businesses are very supportive with each other.” She continues, “Stockton has so much potential — but people and artists leave the city. Let’s keep the talent in Stockton!”

How Can We Support Uniqo?

The pandemic greatly affected businesses, and UNIQO was no exception. For the first time since their opening, they had to close down for most of 2020 — so they had to get creative! They now sell professional, high-quality hair care products and gift cards. Patty is currently using her creativity and eye for fashion to design tote bags and merch so you can, “support by buying! [It’s a] good time to support small businesses!”

With their recent reopening, the best way to support UNIQO is by booking an appointment to get your hair styled, colored, or cut! If you’re not sure what you’d like done, you can even book a hair consultation. Rest assured, the UNIQO team is well versed in the latest hair trends and offer specialties from hair extensions, color corrections, blowouts, barbering and curly hair. if you haven’t visited the salon yet, now’s your chance! The chic, modern interior, filled by the natural light filtering in through the large windows is the perfect setting for your next hair appointment. Oh, and did we mention the relaxing ambiance and friendly team awaiting you?

Book your appointment today and get social with UNIQO! Find them on Facebook, Instagram, Tik Tok, and LinkedIn.

UNIQO owner Patty Ayala discussing a hair style with a client

Kimberly Warmsley’s Therapeutic and Trauma Services

Posted on April 14, 2019 by digitalgear

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By Andrew Rocha

Self-care and mental health are highly important to living a happy and fulfilling life. No matter where you work or what you do, it is imperative that you take into consideration your mental and emotional well being.

Kimberly Warmsley is in downtown Stockton to help those in emotional distress. Her business, Kimberly Warmsley’s Therapeutic and Trauma Services (KWTTS), is located at 31 North San Joaquin Street and provides a welcoming and friendly atmosphere to those seeking help and healing.

Services

So what does Kimberley and KWTTS do to help those in need? “I am a licensed clinical therapist and I provide clinical services, like one-on-one individual counseling, group counseling, and to businesses [I provide services for] emotional distress, stress management, relaxation tactics and techniques, and team building dialogues. I do ‘lunch and learns’ where I go to hour meetings, so if you have a business training, we will provide a lunch and we will talk about whatever topic you would like us to explore with your team.”

In addition, “I also do a free service for the community called “Coffee with Kimberly”. So community members who may not have insurance… can come into the clinic to talk about any topic that they want to.” Kimberly Warmsley is a member of Stockton community who recognizes that there are people who genuinely need help and cannot be ignored. With KWTTS, she is offering a helping hand to anyone in distress, regardless of their background.

Why Downtown?

When asked why Kimberly chose the district for her business, her response was, “Downtown is centrally located. You have the bus routes that come from every element of the city, so that people who may not have cars can get here. The atmosphere, the vibe of downtown, being connected to other resources and agencies, to be able to work collaboratively, was important to me. I would not have it in any other area. Even if you look at the population of kids downtown. Downtown is home to a lot of schools, so I’d like to be available to the youth.”

Kimberly Warmsley and KWTTS wants to demonstrate that kindness and optimism will make a tremendous impact on downtown Stockton. She and many others have the same goal to make the community a better place to live and play, and as long as everyone plays their part and puts in the effort, downtown Stockton will never be the same. To learn more about Kimberly Warmsley and KWTTS, visit www.kwtts.com