How important is it for Pacifica to have a community magazine focused solely on our community ’ s voice ?
“ So important because right now we don ’ t have any set platform for the community to share highlights , news , events , and resources . Being able to provide that outlet for Pacificans to depend on is going to help us express and showcase our values within and outside of Pacifica . We ’ re diversifying and have a lot of local businesses that embody these values , and providing that platform plays a key role in drawing new people in to experience our community with open arms .”
How have you come into Pacifica ’ s history ? Tell us a little about that .
“ I ’ m not necessarily trying to be a part of Pacifica ’ s history . I just want to have an impact on Pacifica ’ s history . Whether that is a mind-set we can extend to new individuals coming in that want to help contribute to our economy , or influence people to take the opportunity to give back in a philanthropic style , that ’ s the point . I want other cities to look at what we ’ ve done , who want to follow that map .”
You ’ re that humble leader and servant , and I love that . Who are some of the people who have influenced you personally and professionally ?
“ Personally and professionally , it ’ s been my parents . Both my parents worked multiple jobs and became individual business owners . Completing that and paying it forward by serving the community , donating to the right causes , and giving back to family members has really influenced everything that I do . We ’ re not here to serve ourselves but to serve humanity and lead the world to a better place .”
You are certainly a voice and guide in the Pacifica community . Tell me about all the boards you serve on . Also , how do you get away from it all from time to time ?
“ I sit on the boards of Pacifica Resource Center , Pacifica Chamber of Commerce , Fog Fest , and the Economic Development Committee . I also serve as the liaison between the Economic Development Committee and the Chamber of Commerce and manage the Business Improvement District for Pacifica . To get away , I like to go fishing on the pier because that ’ s where I lose signal .”
Your business is about having a healthy mind and spirit , and you ’ re obviously contributing to that as we ’ re coming out of COVID . What do you have to say to people trying to get where you are mentally and spiritually ?
“ I aim to encourage , to provide education , and to increase awareness that it ’ s all about self-care . Improving your quality of life is being able to maintain a healthy physical balance in your mind-set and physical environment . You are your best doctor and some of the holistic and homeopathic alternatives we offer support those initiatives . At the end of the day , nobody knows your body better than you , and you are the one who can get you where you want to be .”
Diversity and inclusiveness are words getting thrown around a lot these past couple of years . As a minority business owner , are enough things being done to support diversity and inclusiveness ?
“ History tends to repeat itself . From a business mind-set , I look at this as rebranding . From an affirmative action and social equity perspective , it is absolutely repeating itself , but there ’ s always room for change . Right now , it ’ s all about content , innovation , and personalizing experiences . As a minority , I ’ ve experienced the ivory tower , but it ’ s become a much more open market now where minorities can access the same resources that were only available to white men a decade ago . So yes , there ’ s definitely progression .”
“ Since COVID , the measure in business isn ’ t quantitative anymore . Everyone is more focused on a qualitative measure , a better quality of life . When we market Pacifica , we need to show what the people behind the businesses are doing to deliver this quality and to embody the high standard of living we have here . At the end of the day , we have the same goal and the same objectives . Instead of taking different routes , it makes more sense to align our efforts and work together to get there .”