A few weeks ago I went to downtown San Jose to brainstorm for my next San Jose scavenger hunt. I had lunch at the San Pedro Market and then went to check out the Moment pop-up shops that I have heard so much about. Moment is powered by San Jose Made. These dynamic micro-retail spaces are designed and programed to advance, grow, and celebrate emerging retailers. San Jose Made is connected with craft fairs, pop-up installations, creative retail and maker culture in San Jose and the Bay Area. There are four independent brick and mortar shops collectively called Moment run by all makers. I love how they are built into the San Pedro Market parking structure. The space is super attractive and has a nice outdoor space to hang out in.
The first pop-up shop is Empire In The Air, which is a community based clothing brand. It is a creative collective with the philosophy of "heads at cloud level". Their apparel carries the message that everyone can build their own empires. Empire In The Air also hosts events in the San Francisco Bay Area. I met the owner and told her about my idea of having a downtown scavenger hunt the end of this year or the beginning of 2019 and she was interested.
The second pop-up shop is Bobo Design Studio. This pop-up shop sells "lifestyle goods for bohemian rebels who seek wanderlust". This brand creates pins, patches, bags, and graphic apparel that are handcrafted in California. Their designs are inspired by places they have been to. I met the owner Angie Chua and she is awesome and inspiring. I told her about my past scavenger hunt and that I was planning a new one in downtown San Jose and she was interested in participating. It was flattering that she asked if I was going to Alt Summit in March in Palm Springs. I wish I was but maybe next year!
The third pop-up shop is "Fractal Flora", which is a floral and plant shop. This was the first shop that opened up at Moment. They offer floral design services for events of any size, along with floral arrangements sold year round. They also have stationery and gift items to go along with the flowers and plants. Fractal Flora also offers plant workshops. I met the co-founder and designer Sarah Lim. She is also interested in participating in a future scavenger hunt!
The fourth pop-up shop is Hapertas and Company. This is a menswear clothing and gift shop, with classic bespoke goods for the modern gentlemen. The current line includes small batch and bespoke neckties, bowties, pocket squares, cuff links, scarves, and leather goods. All items are handmade by owner/designer Jill Evans in a studio in Menlo Park. The pop up shop also has fun houseware and gift items for men.
After checking out the Moment pop-up shops I stumbled upon a mural that I have read about produced by Empire Seven. This mural is at the Harts Dog Park, which I have never seen before. The mural is created by Roan Victor. She is one of my favorite San Jose mural artists. I blogged about her mural in Japantown called "Reason to Stay" in my last blog post, which is on the back wall of Nichi Bei Bussan. Roan is a painter that works in watercolor, oil, and latex. Her work expresses often through flowers, linens, and obscured faces. She is also an owner of a brick and mortar storefront art gallery and art studio called The Arsenal. This mural was in the Pow Wow Festival for 2017. The Pow Wow Global Arts, Music, and Cultural Festival was on October 17th - 28th this year. This is a mural festival put on by Artistic Director Juan Carlos Araujo from Empire Seven Studios. Roan Victor's mural "Reason to Stay" in Japantown was featured in the festival this year. I am planning on having a mural hunt for my next scavenger hunt along with including the San Pedro Market Pop-Up Shops so stay tuned!
