7 Vendors Now Open At Santa Monica's First Small-Business Marketplace

SANTA MONICA, CA — Pico Roots, billed as the city's first small-business retail marketplace, opened its doors this month as a hub for entrepreneurs selling everything from coffee to greeting cards.

The marketplace, located across from Santa Monica College, marks an effort by the Community Corporation of Santa Monica to create a platform that allows local small-business owners to grow and expand their businesses.

“We’re excited to open Santa Monica’s first small business marketplace and welcome seven amazing local entrepreneurs and their businesses,” said Tara Barauskas, the nonprofit's executive director. “Pico Roots will provide an opportunity for these businesses to connect with the broader Santa Monica community in a way that celebrates diversity, culture, and connection.”

The businesses are:

• Adey Gojo Coffee and Catering — Ethiopian food and coffee
• Tiny Bee Cards — greeting cards, stickers, stationary and gifts
• Lucky Bug Clothing — made-in-USA baby clothing and accessories
• Youthful Savings Marketplace — featuring youth vendor graduates of the My Own Business Challenge
• Santa Monica to Senegal — African clothing
• Queens and Kings — beauty parlor offering services and products to the African-American community
• Soleil Satnam — handcrafted Mala beats and gemstone jewelry

The Community Cooperation is an organization that restores, builds and manages affordable housing for people of modest means.

“Last year, Brunson Terrace brought much-needed affordable housing to our city, and now this same property has Pico Roots Marketplace to support and lift up small businesses in our city’s most underserved community,” Mayor Phil Brock said. “This city-funded project makes great strides in three of our five key strategic priorities: Addressing Homelessness, Economic Growth & Cultural Vitality, and Justice, Equity & Diversity. It’s a win-win-win.”

More information is available on the Pico Roots website.