You Will Love These Spring Cocktails
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Try these delicious cocktail recipes from our friends at Sipsmith!
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Unique Success Story: Todo Verde
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We love Jocelyn Ramirez’s energy, enthusiasm and good vibes - which is why it’s been so rewarding to watch her grow her company over the past few years. Since starting Todo Verde in 2015, the company has more than tripled revenues (!) and fun fact, every Sunday at LA’s Smorgasburg they sell over 20 gallons of agua fresca!
Q & A with Todo Verde
When did you open your business?
Todo Verde started in 2015.
Why did you start Todo Verde?
I started Todo Verde because I wanted to create more access to healthy plant based options that were culturally relevant.
How has the business grown?
When I first started Todo Verde I had friends and family volunteer to help me run our farmers markets. We have now grown to a team of 10!
“I love seeing what artists and makers are producing to push trends in a certain direction...”
I heard you might be opening a permanent location… Is that true?
We are working on opening our first brick and mortar space in Boyle Heights in early 2020. We're excited to be open to the public several days a week and offer wellness skillshares and workshops led by our team and community partners.
How has Unique Markets helped you and your business?
Unique has been a great space to continue to build community and share our mission with the larger LA community. It's also pushed us to explore new menu ideas and expand on what our customers love. It's a space that allows vendors to share what they are most passionate about in a way where they can really connect to customers.
Any standout customers or fans?
We catered a yoga and meditation event hosted by Usher a few months ago, and my staff was freaking out! We've also served Jonathon Gold, Evan Kleiman, Marcus Samuelson, and Marcela Valladolid.
VIP & Chill at LA's Spring Market
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The VIP Lounge is ready for you… Hurry, limited quantities available!
Buy VIP tickets to LA’s Spring Market, May 11 & 12, to upgrade your experience - which we think is a perfect gift for Mother’s Day, wink-wink. When you buy VIP tickets you get access to the only lounge area at the market, exclusive just for VIP guests where you’ll enjoy:
Complimentary wine all day long, curated just for us by Wine & Spirits Magazine
Drinks from our sponsors without having to wander to find them or wait in line
A plush lounge area to sit, relax and rest your feet in-between shopping
An exclusive photo wall just for VIPs to capture the fun
Sweet treats and snacks
See you soon, buy your tickets here before they sellout!
Did Someone say Cocktails & Mini Bouquets?
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Sip ‘n Shop
Get ready Los Angeles - we are thrilled to share that Sipsmith Gin will be at our 10th Annual Spring Market, May 11 & 12! Visit them to make your very own unique gin & tonic using artisanal ingredients and garnishes, complimentary all weekend long.
Passionate about local makers, Sipsmith has partnered with Floraloom Studio, our fave DTLA florist, to create beautiful mini bouquets all Mother’s Day weekend. Yessssss! So they will be giving away a limited amount of mini floral bouquets each day!
Make sure to get your tickets now. See you soon!
Have a Truly "Unique" Mother's Day!
/For the past 10 years we’ve been holding our Spring pop-up markets on Mother’s Day weekend because witnessing so much love, positive vibes and creativity in multiple generations is so incredibly special. Full families come with grandparents and babies in-tow; dads bring their children and shop for the perfect gift, and we see a lot of mom/daughter and mom/son dates which is so cool. It’s amazing!
In honor of our 10th annual Spring market, we thought we should gather a handful of our favorite photos taken on Mother’s Day throughout the years of families, moms, dads, and kids. This is just some of the magic that takes place at Unique Markets. We hope to see you this May in LA, Minneapolis, Seattle and Washington DC…
And while you should buy your mom something special, we also think you should treat yourself 100%!
Unique Studio Tour: P.F. Candle Co Takes us Inside their Scent-sational Factory
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Photography by Grant Puckett
P.F. Candle Co., born Pommes Frites, was founded by Kristen Pumphrey in 2008. When the recession hit, Kristen lost her job and relocated to Austin with the dream of paying the bills by making things by hand. In 2012, after a variety of products, hours on the craft fair circuit, and another cross-country move, the P.F. Candle Co. signature amber jar line was launched. When demand grew her husband Tom joined fulltime and together they’ve grown the company from a second bedroom operation to globally recognized brand. Since 2013, P.F. has expanded from two people to a team of 25. With no formal business degrees or experience, this company has been built with the spirit of grit, passion, and DIY. The factory is located in Los Angeles where they design, produce, sell and ship all products.
National Nap Day: Get Your Sleep On
/It’s #nationalnappingday today, but getting a good night’s sleep every day can do some amazing things for your life… so we put together 10 of the best tips to help you catch some much needed zzz’s on the reg. (Did you know a moderately sleep-deprived body can act the same as an intoxicated body??? *takes nap*)
#TeamNoScreen
You already know this is what you should be doing… and trust us, we know it’s hard to put in practice. Whether you are trying to get just one more thing done before bed, or trying to relax by surfing social media… it isn’t helping your sleep. You really shouldn’t be looking at your phone for a full two hours before going to sleep. We know what you’re thinking… TWO HOURS?! Seems a little extra. But it’s not. You don’t have to go for it all at once, you can start with 30 minutes for one week, and gradually increase to the full two hours. Eventually, it’s going to feel second-nature and will do LOADS for your sleep.
Bonus tip: Activating night-mode for the hour before you put your phone down for the night can really help your brain. (It reduces blue light, which inhibits melatonin production.)
Catch some rays to catch better zzz’s…
“I wanna soak up the suuuun…” and you should! Getting outside during the daytime helps put your body’s circadian rhythm in check. Specifically, you should aim to expose yourself to direct sunlight within the first hour that you wake up. Going for a quick 30 minute walk is an easy way to do this! This will help jump-start your day and tells your body that it’s time to wake up, which will then make it easier to tell it to go to sleep later on!
Make sure your bedroom sparks joy
Have you been looking for an excuse to redecorate your bedroom? Well here it is: having a bedroom that you love will actually help you sleep better. If your bedroom stimulates stress, it’s going to negatively affect your sleep. Combat that by putting some thought behind what your ideal bedroom would look like, and then create it! Hang some of your favorite photos, get some toxin-reducing plants, paint the walls a nice relaxing color, reduce clutter, or display some inspo to keep you motivated. There aren’t any super-strict rules here, just make sure that whatever you choose to do improves your space and makes you happy. Time to get your zen on.
Bonus tip: In addition to ensuring you feel relaxed when you step into your bedroom, you should also make sure it’s dark, quiet, and cool when you are ready to sleep. Get some blackout curtains, make sure to regulate the temperature, and remove any excess noise before going to sleep.
If you’re going to get caffeinated, do it early
We’ve got nothing against a nice cup of joe in the mornings, (enjoy your coffee outside to practice tip #2!) But after 2pm… consider yourself cut-off. Studies have shown that drinking caffeine within six hours of going to bed can make you lose a full hour of sleep… ouch. If you already have too much to do and too little time, losing that precious hour will really hurt the next day. Instead of reaching for more coffee in the afternoon, enjoy a cup of decaf instead, or just opt for water and improve your hydration! Win-win.
Make your morning more peaceful by preparing the night before
In the words of Ben Franklin, failure to prepare is preparing to fail. Set yourself up for success by writing out your intensions the night before, and if your brain is really buzzing, you can even write your to-do list for the next day. This lets you empty out your brain and relax your mind before bed. Make things even easier for your morning-self by picking out your clothes for the next day, packing up your leftover dinner for lunch tomorrow, and preparing as much of your breakfast as possible.
Meditate
Meditating is gaining momentum everywhere and we are here for it. There are countless studies that show the positive effects that meditation has on both your mind and body. One of them: getting a better night’s sleep! It helps you let go of the day’s stresses and prepares your mind to truly relax. If you already have a favorite meditation app or resource, see what they offer for bedtime. Or if you are a beginner, you can start off by simply counting backwards from 100 and restarting every time you lose track. Easy.
Consistency is key
Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day will help keep your body-clock in check. This will naturally help you fall asleep quickly when it’s time to go to bed, and it will help you wake up with ease... eventually without an alarm. Talk about living your best life.
Your bed is for sleeping
Cue science… If you only use your bed for sleeping, you will practice positive Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Basically, it means that you’ll train your brain to understand that as soon as your head hits the pillow, it’s time to shut down and rest. Break the habit of eating or working from your bed… that will teach your brain that just because you’re in your bed, it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s time to sleep. Thumbs down.
When in doubt, sweat it out
Exercising regularly can dramatically improve not only your sleep quality, but your overall health. It reduces stress, helps you stay alert during the day, and releases endorphins to improve your mood. The magic number… 150. If you aim for 150 minutes of physical activity per week, (that breaks down to about 25 minutes/day,) you will see the benefits in your sleep.
R-E-L-A-X
This one might be obvious… but if you’ve had a particularly rough day, you may want to take some extra steps to give yourself some TLC with a little R&R. Take a warm bath, light your favorite candle, read a book, drink some tea, listen to soothing music… we’re getting sleepy just thinking about all of these relaxation techniques. Pick the one that works for you, and unwind…
Feeling sleepy yet? Us too. Leave us a comment and let us know which tip you think is going to help you most!
Sources:
1. https://www.sciencenewsforstudents.org/article/evening-screen-time-can-sabotage-sleep
2. http://www.sleepreviewmag.com/2015/05/light-therapy-better-sleep/
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/sunlight-and-sleep_us_59065bebe4b084f59b49fa5a
3. https://www.verywellhealth.com/the-importance-of-your-sleep-environment-3014944
https://bettersleep.org/better-sleep/the-ideal-bedroom/
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24235903
5. https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2017-47677-001
6. https://www.lifehack.org/397140/supercharge-your-sleep-by-meditating-before-bed
7. https://www.sleepfoundation.org/articles/healthy-sleep-tips
9. https://www.sleepfoundation.org/articles/study-physical-activity-impacts-overall-quality-sleep
Unique Studio Tour: Inside Artist Jeff McMillan's Long Beach Studio
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Artist Jeff McMillan was born in San Jose. He graduated from Art Center College of Design in 2004 with a BFA in Illustration. Since then he has been working as a freelance illustrator and a fine artist. He has exhibited in Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, as well as internationally. Jeff has worked with some pretty notable clients including Nike, Disney, Mountain Dew, Justin Timberlake, Mike Tyson, and Linkin Park. Jeff lives and works in Long Beach with his wonderful wife Liv, daughter Elsa, and two disobedient ex-pageant Siamese cats. As you can see, his studio is filled with creativity, art and inspiration… -Photography by Scott Simock
How Unique's Community Led Me to a Book Deal
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By Nicole Miyuki
After being in college for years surrounded by friends, spending eight hours in front of a computer at a full-time job was a hard transition for me. I needed a creative outlet.
I decided to combine two things I love, quotes and watercolors, and challenged myself to paint one quote every day for a year. I started a tumblr, called Grounded on the Daily, to share my work. It was an escape, a way to creatively express myself. Then friends and family began to notice what I was doing and started asking me to make prints for them. This was simply a creative outlet for me, selling my work never even crossed my mind!
Then I heard about this cool market called Unique LA and thought, “Why not try and apply, who knows what will happen?” I told one of my dear and talented friends, Jen B. Peters, an illustrator, and we applied to set up a booth together. I will never forget the day we got the acceptance email, and how excited we were! We had no idea what we were doing. Truly.
But here’s what I’ve learned: The energy you put out into the world, comes back around. Just going for it, putting my passion projects out there and connecting with people returned so much to me.
Because of that experience at my first Unique LA market, I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with many incredible people. And when I started to teach hand- lettering workshops, my first class was at the store of a vendor I met at Unique LA, Danni of Oh Hello Friend.
Flash forward to today, I’ve made hand lettering my career, taught to over 700 people, and now I am even a published author - say what?! How I went from this girl who needed a creative outlet, to making it my full-time job and writing my book, is still beyond me. But, what I can confidently say is that all this has been possible because of the people I’ve met along the way.
It’s all about people. Humans with beating hearts, who together can create a brighter more creative world.
So, thank you Sonja and the rest of the Unique LA team for being the people that said yes to me at my first Unique LA and for creating a space where people can share what they create, connect and collaborate.
Nicole’s book, By Hand: The Art of Modern Lettering was published in 2018.
Kombucha 101: How To Know If You’re Drinking The Real Thing
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Kombucha 101: How To Know If You’re Drinking The Real Thing
Social media influencers promote it. Health and wellness gurus drink it. Grocery store chains carry it. The kombucha craze has taken over. Yet, the trendy probiotic beverage that people can’t stop talking about actually has a whole history behind it’s effervescent conception. And it turns out, it goes far beyond the pop culture zeitgeist.
BRIEF HISTORY
In fact, kombucha came about in East Asia, dating all the way back to 220 BC. It is believed that in those ancient times, people would give one another (including the Royal Family) a SCOBY to create an “Immortality Tea” or “Long Life Elixir” as the ultimate gift of love.
THE REAL THING v. THE COMMERCIAL
Although kombucha is readily-available in most commercial grocery stores, finding authentically-brewed batches can be a harder feat than you might expect. To make sure you’re getting raw, unpasteurized kombucha, made in the vein of its sacred roots, evaluate your kombucha based on what you can SEE,TASTE,andFEEL.
SEE: Even if those floating strands at the bottom of your bottle alarm you, you should know they’re actually a living indication that your kombucha has been properly crafted. Those swimming strands are healthy live cultures that result from the kombucha’s fermentation process (which also creates those naturally-occurring effervescent bubbles).
TASTE: If the first sip tastes just like your everyday carbonated sugary soda (or smooth like a typical tea), then put the bottle down. Real kombucha goes through a natural fermentation process which creates those naturally-occurring effervescent bubbles and produces its signature tangy, vinegar-like bite. These unique, natural qualities make kombucha a great, better-for-you ingredient that chefs love incorporating into all kinds of recipes.
FEEL: Many facets of kombucha’s crafting tradition have varied throughout history (i.e. green tea vs. black tea), however the one thing that remains consistent is its reputation for healing. Because of its fermented nature, which naturally produces probiotics, polyphenols, enzymes, and a host of other nutrients, kombucha can help to maintain a healthy microbiome.
KEEPING THE LOVE ALIVE
Kombucha made its US-debut in the 1990s when GT Dave (of GT’s KOMBUCHA) started brewing his own batches at home after being gifted a Himalayan Mother SCOBY. Since then, every single batch of his kombucha has been created in the same spirit as ancient Eastern practice.
DID YOU KNOW?.
If you’re looking to try making your own kombucha at home, you can simply take some of the liquid and live cultures from your trusted bottle and use it as a starter to create your own batch – just make sure it’s a real, living & raw brew. We recommend GT’s KOMBUCHA Original.
Q&A with Pocket Square Clothing
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With no formal fashion training, founders Rodolfo and Andrew established Pocket Square Clothing in 2011 as a men’s accessory brand. They have been crowd favorites every year at our Unique LA markets, and we've watched them grow from selling bowties to being leaders in the world of menswear. Now with their very own retail store headquartered in Downtown Los Angeles, PSC has become an incubator for the Los Angeles menswear movement over the years.
Why did you start PSC?
We started Pocket Square Clothing as a vehicle to explore our own individual styles. We went in knowing nothing about the industry and designing accessories was frankly something we were very interested in. It just so happened that men’s accessories started making a huge resurgence, and we found ourselves in a nice niche to build the brand.
What makes your company standout?
We take a lot of pride in manufacturing and sourcing our goods locally. It allows us to contribute to our local economy as well as empower our local community of designers and makers. To date we feature a collection of handcrafted bow ties, skinny neckties, pocket squares and custom suits/shirting. We’re not afraid to experiment with our designs and incorporate color and textures.
At our Flagship store in DTLA is a multi-brand Menswear concept space that features over 30 Los Angeles lifestyle based brands and designers. Our offerings at the store range from custom furniture, suiting, neck wear, eye wear, basics and more.
Where do you find inspiration?
Pocket Square Clothing is inspired by the idea that everyone can move forward in life through style and etiquette, and the belief that clothing is a language that communicates one’s individualistic qualities. We frankly pull inspiration from our daily lives through art, music, entertainment, architecture, and culture all around us. This is very much a reflection of who we are and is our effort to tell a story, to inspire and be inspired.
When did you first sell at Unique LA?
The first show we ever attended was Summer 2011 in Santa Monica where we showcased eight pre-tied bow tie styles. Two months into starting the company we hadn’t had much success with several craft shows and like many startups, we began to doubt our viability as a business. To our surprise, we sold through most of our inventory and received a lot of great feedback from our customers. It was that Unique event that proved our business model could work and brought us on a journey to where we are today. We’ve done every Unique LA show since.
What’s been the most important thing you attribute to your success?
Less talk, more action.
What’s your best advice to someone starting a business?
Be humble: Learn what your weaknesses are and work on them, nd a partner or group who can ll in the voids and balance you, a path traveled alone is hard and not that fun. Be engaged: You are the brand, so put yourself out there. Be Resourceful: constantly create and learn. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or ask questions, analyze, communicate, experiment, and reinvent. Complacency is your enemy, and sometimes you are your own.
Find your customer: Get to know your customer base and build a brand people can rally behind.
Favorite quote:
Rodolfo: “Just do it” Andrew: “Today you, tomorrow me”
Desert island album: Rodolfo: Jardin by Gabriel Garzon-Montano Andrew: Take Care - Drake
Beverage of Choice:
Rodolfo: Michelada Andrew: Iced Green Tea
Recommended Reading for Creatives
/The Unique Team gathered a handful of our favorite books for creatives, entrepreneurial types and avid readers... These are not the actual book covers, these are custom-painted covers that Sonja Rasula created just for this project.
Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life
by Anne Lamott
You can find plenty of books about the art of writing, but if you want to cut to the chase and read one of the best, try Bird by Bird. Anne Lamott is a treasured author, and you’ll see why once you dig into this. If her writing style could be summed up in a song, it would definitely be Fleetwood Mac’s “Go Your Own Way”—and her way is a very good way to go.
The War of Art
by Steven Pressfield
If you’ve ever struggled with a creative block (so basically, all of us), you must read The War of Art. It’s a quick, practical guide to success in your creative endeavors. Bestselling novelist Steven Pressfield talks about the “enemy” that every artist must face: the voice within that halts your work. If you’ve ever struggled with ambition and creative discipline, this book is the kick in the ass you need to get over your fears and get on with your most important work. Whether you’re a writer, painter, or tech entrepreneur, this is a worthwhile and inspirational read.
The Creative Habit: Learn it and Use it for Life
by Twyla Tharp
All it takes to make creativity a part of your life is the willingness to make it a habit. It is the product of preparation and effort, and is within reach of everyone. Whether you are a painter, musician, businessperson, or simply an individual yearning to put your creativity to use, The Creative Habit provides you with thirty-two practical exercises based on the lessons Twyla Tharp has learned in her remarkable thirty-five-year career.
Steal Like an Artist
by Austin Kleon
A fabulous, quick 160-page read. You’ll even want to rip out the simple black and white animations throughout the book and hang them on the wall above your desk. When you read this book by author Austin Kleon, you’ll feel like you’re having a conversation with a good friend. The whole premise of this book is that the most important part of being an artist is being yourself. He also shares a hidden truth about creativity: nothing is truly original—and that’s more than okay.
Ingenius: A Crash Course on Creativity
by Tina Seeling
Imaginative. Innovative. Ingenious. These words describe the visionaries we all respect and admire. And they can describe you, too. Contrary to common belief, creativity is not a gift some of us are born with. It is a skill that all of us can learn. International bestselling author and award-winning Stanford University educator Tina Seelig has worked with some of the business world’s best and brightest, who are now among the decision-makers at companies such as Google, Genentech, IBM, and Cisco. In she expertly demystifies creativity, offering a set of tools and guidelines that anyone can use.
Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance
by Angela Duckworth
In this instant New York Times bestseller, pioneering psychologist Angela Duckworth shows anyone striving to succeed—be it parents, students, educators, athletes, or business people—that the secret to outstanding achievement is not talent but a special blend of passion and persistence she calls “grit.” Drawing on her own powerful story as the daughter of a scientist who frequently noted her lack of “genius,” Duckworth, now a celebrated researcher and professor, describes her early eye-opening stints in teaching, business consulting, and neuroscience, which led to the hypothesis that what really drives success is not “genius” but a unique combination of passion and long-term perseverance.
Q&A with Baluku Design
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Sharon Baluku founded her company, Baluku Design, on the idea of giving back. So she creates eco-friendly products, using sustainable materials and practices to ensure a safe environment for future generations; as well, Baluku Designs donates 10% of sales to education programs in Uganda. The high-quality home products and fashion accessories are inspired by her ancestral aesthetics - both African and Scandinavian.
When did you start your company?
For as long as I can remember I have wanted to work for myself. That notion grew stronger around 2014, though at the time I still didn’t know what I was going to focus on. In November of 2015, Baluku Design was up and running!
Why did you start Baluku Design?
Baluku Design started from wanting to create beautiful, unique, simple designs that I wanted to have, but couldn’t find out there. It also came from the urge to use my hands more, and not just be stuck behind a desk. I knew that I wanted to stay in the creative field, and most importantly challenge myself by doing something that I had never done before.
When did you first sell at Unique LA?
I first sold at Unique LA in Spring of 2016. It was my very first show, and I was extremely nervous and had so many doubts in my mind. But once I submitted the payment, I knew there was no turning back. The biggest surprise of that first show was that out of the 250+ talented designers, I ended up winning Best Table Design!
What did you do before becoming an entrepreneur?
Before I started my business I worked as an interior designer at a high-end interior design firm in Silverlake, CA.
What’s been the most important thing you attribute your success to?
The most important thing is also one of the underlying reasons why I started Baluku Design. With this company I have had the privilege of giving back; specifically creating educational opportunities for girls and women in Uganda. I’m committed to supporting their empowerment through education, and this is what keeps me going and continuing to love what I do!
Where do you find inspiration?
My inspiration comes from anywhere and everywhere! In general, nature is a big inspiration of mine; I’m always trying to incorporate more of it into my work through natural and sustainable materials, patterns etc. I think that there are endless ideas around us, and if we keep an open mind and pay attention to our surroundings, we can discover amazing things. Furthermore, a lot of it comes from my diverse background – because I have a Ugandan and Swedish background, and because I embrace both cultures almost equally, there is a touch of African and Scandinavian design influences throughout my work.
Advice to someone starting a business?
Make sure to educate yourself in whatever you decide to do.
Make sure you are comfortable being alone at times because there are lots of lonely nights when you are trying to start a business. You may lose friends along the way due to the time you have to commit to your business, and that’s okay because the right people in your life will stick with you no matter what.
Make sure to have fun!
What is the hardest thing about being a business owner?
To me the hardest thing about being a business owner is that I wear a lot of hats! I’m the designer, maker, photographer, and everything in-between that comes with owning a business. Also, time – always trying to find a balance between Baluku Design, my personal life, and my day job as an interior designer.
Who are some indie brands that people should be watching out for?
ILIA, a cosmetic brand that uses an ethical-sustainable approach. Each piece is filled with certified organic bio- active botanicals that nourish and rejuvenate the skin.
Favorite quote:
“Do what you have to do until you can do what you want to do.” – Oprah Winfrey
Desert island album:
A Seat at the Table by Solange Knowles
Beverage of choice: Green tea!
Celebrating 10 Years of Photo Booth fun with Oh Snap! Studios
/Since our very first event, we’ve been working with our friends at Oh Snap! Studios to create fun, interactive photo booth experiences for our shoppers. That’s TEN YEARS of amazing photos that show just how creative and silly the Unique family really is! We went way back into the archives to create this round-up of shots from the Oh Snap! galleries from throughout the years. We hope you enjoy! Don’t miss this year’s booth at our Los Angeles event!
Cheers! Our Fave Festive Cocktails
/Who doesn't love a good cocktail around the holidays?! We've rounded up our Top 3 favorite recipes for you to enjoy... Cheers!
Under-The-Mistletoe Punch
Michael Graydon and Nikole Herriott
