TERA is spotlighting Eagle Rock small businesses to support our neighborhood’s recovery from the pandemic – an effort that is incredibly important as the holiday season approaches.
For December 2021, we are spotlighting We Heart Eagle Rock, a small business collective founded in 2010 by Leanna Lin as a way to support and promote Eagle Rock’s amazing small business community.
Below is an interview with We Heart Eagle Rock steering committee members, Leanna Lin, Jess Castaneda, Dr. Betty Tupta, and Haley Solar:
What was the inspiration for We Heart Eagle Rock and how did you four connect up?
Leanna: I actually was inspired by the AMEX Shop Small movement and asked my shop friends on Eagle Rock Blvd. from Colorado to Chickasaw if they wanted to do a little Block Party! Back in 2010, it was The Green Bean, Kumquat, Lily Simone, Lady and I who met up to get it going. As the years passed and the shops changed, I was connected to these current awesome lady bosses ~ Tracy from The Green Bean passed on the torch to Jess, Dr. Betty and Haley each reached out to me about being involved.
Dr. Betty: I contacted Leanna one year because I wanted to be part of Shop Small Weekend. At the time the event was strictly only for retail shops and since I have a service-based business we didn’t see how it could work. However, we kept speaking throughout the year and I pitched the idea of offering a Health and Fitness Zone. Essentially it was an open house for the community to experience mini-sessions of what we offered, Chiropractic, massage, pilates, and other healing sessions. This turned out to be a great success and the community really looked forward to it. This year we have gone back to our roots, featuring retail businesses and especially those owned by women.
What was the importance of We Heart Eagle Rock’s Shop Small Weekend as we moved into the second year of the pandemic?
Jess: With such a strenuous last year and a half for all small businesses, it was more important than ever to celebrate all of the great local gems our community has to offer and to thank our customers for supporting us and allowing us to continue to serve them for another Holiday shopping season. The event provides an opportunity for all the neighborhood shops & restaurants to connect, collaborate, and come together to promote each other’s businesses, which has become even more important now in ensuring we survive and thrive as a small business.
Dr. Betty: My belief has always been that small businesses in Eagle Rock are successful because of all the support we receive from the community. Especially in these times, small Mom and Pop stores are vital in keeping a community financially healthy and prosperous and we need to help keep them in business. Now, two years into the pandemic we are seeing the trickle effect of it with supply chain difficulties and shipping containers in limbo. Small businesses are the backbone in any community and supporting them is supporting ourselves.
What are some of your favorite holiday gift ideas from Eagle Rock’s local small businesses?
Leanna: There are so many great gift options here in Eagle Rock! Educational kids gifts from The Green Bean, fine jewelry from Acorn, fashion trends from Haley Solar, cool music unisex tees from Midnight Rider, crystals from The Auric Fields, and definitely a plant from Folia when you’re invited to a dinner party!
Jess: Second that! Try Leanna Lin’s for an amazing selection of diverse book titles for the kiddos; unique & vintage goods for that hard-to-please jewelry lover from Owl Talk; gift baskets, quality wine, and artisanal treats from Milkfarm; and self care goodies or gift cards from Madre and One Down Dog.
What are the best ways that Eagle Rockers can help support local small businesses over the holiday season?
Dr. Betty: There are so many ways to help our local small businesses. Firstly, of course, you can shop with us. We honestly do a happy dance when you do. Secondly, recommending us to your friends and family also goes a long way and lastly, if you loved your experience then share it on any social media platforms you are active on.
Haley: Shop! Buy your gifts local, skip Amazon and get out to meet your local shops. There’s so much to offer in Eagle Rock! It’s not just the dozens of small stores you’re supporting but the thousands of vendors they stock! Think of how many lives your impacting when you shop local! Plus, let’s be honest… it’s so much more fun to get out and meet your neighbors rather than click online or deal with the mall!
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