First person in Pacifica: The surprising upsides of launching a small business during a global pandemic

(Photo by Kristen Philipkoski)

Nearly 100,000 small businesses have shuttered due to the restrictions put in place as the coronavirus pandemic spread across the globe. Yet here in our small town of Pacifica, CA, some new business owners have opened successful new brick and mortar locations.

As I've mentioned, Palmetto Avenue has enjoyed a revitalization of late, and 7.3.1 Designs is a major contributor. Longtime Pacifica resident Olga Munoz opened her doors at 1932 Palmetto Avenue on September 19, 2020, bringing a welcome attraction along the slowly growing promenade and shopping district. She has even hosted a socially-distanced musical performances, adding to the incresingly lively vibe of the Sharp Park neighborhood.

The community that Munoz already loved has becoem even more important and supportive as she has launched her shop. Below, Munoz describes the benefits of opening during a pandemic, how her career led to her opening 7.3.1. Designs, and why she loves Pacifica.

Kristen Philipkoski: What is your career background? Have you had a shop before? Is this something you've wanted to do for some time?

Olga Munoz: "I am a proud Cal gal, graduated from UC Berkeley with a double major in Political Science and Latin American Studies.I worked in City Government for 10 years during which time I decided to go back to school for myself and studied Graphic Design at UC Berkeley again. Art has always been part of my life, something I enjoyed. After leaving city government I became a graphic designer helping small businesses with their branding. A few years ago I picked up watercolor and through a friend here in Pacifica had an art show at our local wine bar. From there I started participating in art fairs throughout the Bay Area, showing at galleries closeby. Having my own art space was a dream—I had an online store and when the opportunity arose I took the next step to open my first brick and mortar place."

KP: It must have been daunting opening up a business during Covid, what are some of the obstacles you've had to overcome?

OM: "Since this is my first brick and mortar place, everything is new to me. I am learning as I go along. I have been extremely lucky to have people in the community lend a hand. Fellow business owners guided me to the city departments I needed to contact since I couldn't just walk into City Hall and ask— Pacifica government offices were closed at the time. Other business owners have connected me to local artists, community leaders like Vicky Moore, have been instrumental in promoting my gallery since I could not hold a big grand opening event. She found out about me and helped me promote my place with her local social media pages. I opened after the complete shut down so I didn't suffer the uncertainty of other businesses, but that is still a possible threat. One huge positive thing is how respectful this community has been, everyone wears a mask, putting on hand sanitizer is the norm and people understand if they are asked to wait before entering."

KP: How has business been?

OM: "I think Covid has shaken our core and made us consider where we spend our money, who we support. My vision is to provide Bay Area artists/makers a place to showcase their work. What I have heard from my patrons has been a conscious desire to buy local. When I mention I am the owner watercolor artist and have 10 other Bay Area artists showing their art, the response is overwhelmingly positive. Considering I can only have 1 to 2 people in the store at a time, I didn't know if we were going to be asked to shut down. I feel I am doing as good as can be expected."

KP: It seems pretty lively on Palmetto these days, are you getting lots of folks walking in?

OM: "Following up on the idea that Covid has forced us to look within, I think we have all had to re-discover our surroundings. During the week it's mostly locals that discover my space while walking with their kids or walking their doggies. During the weekends out of towners coming to Pacifica for its trails, stumble into Sharp Park Business District and discover the local cafes, restaurants, shops and my art space. This is still a quiet town, the difference is we are all walking a bit more."

KP: Do you live in Pacifica?

OM: "My husband and I made Pacifica our home almost 20 years ago. One thing that made me fall in love with it is that Pacifica is a town in its own right. People are born, grow up and make a living here. It's not a suburb of San Francisco. My neighbors go back multiple generations. My book club fellows went to school together or had their children go through school together. There are deep community ties here.

I watched and I am watching my neighbor's children grow up here. One of the blessings of opening this little corner art space is talking to all my neighbors and having people stop by just to say hello."