Let's Talk Oakland // Round Up

Last night  I had the honor to speak on a small business panel hosted by Square and moderated by Jack Dorsey, Square and Twitter founder.  I sat on the panel with other downtown merchants Ari from Oakland Surf Club, Angela from Oaklandish, and Cortt from Awaken Cafe.  I was so thrilled to see the enthusiastic turn out. I love [most] entrepreneurs and small business people, they are a fun group of people that tend to be wildly energetic, a bit crazy, and full of ideas and passion.  It was also gratifying to realize that I am a part of such a vital community, many of the faces were familiar and I met so many other interesting people, all who are deeply in love with Oakland.

Over the course of the evening we talked about why we started our respective businesses, what success meant, what it is like to do business in Oakland, and how we collaborate and work with other small businesses.  It was so inspiring for me to meet so many enthusiastic people, see all the love and energy that is brimming over in Oakland right now.  It was such a huge honor, I thank everyone who attended and Emily from Square who so generously invited me to participate.  Here are some shots from the night:

 

Left to Right: Cortt of Awaken Cafe, Angela from Oaklandish, Ari from Oakland Surf Club, and Moi [hopefully saying something smart and useful!]

The absolutely stunning and incredibly helpful staff at Awaken

Barista Molly held down the counter like a boss

Mingling and mixing

Jack and Cortt getting the introduction from Emily, the hostess who planned the entire Let's Talk Oakland Event

Kerri [my total soul-sister and neighbor] from Marion + Rose's Workshop, Erin from Blue Chair Fruit Company, and Laura from Hawthorn Boutique, meow!

Me and rockstar Alyah from Show and Tell Shop in City Center, a must see if you love beautiful clothing

View from the panel

  

Lovely thank you gift from Emily and Square, Hooker Caramels from San Francisco... so dreamy!

L O V E + M E T A L

S P R E A D T H E L O V E