Bruin-Owned Businesses: Gift Ideas 3
G
ive the gift that supports Bruin entrepreneurs! From stocking stuffers to experiential presents, these unique and eco-friendly gift ideas are a thoughtful and creative way to make someone's holiday bright. Be sure to scroll to the bottom and explore gift ideas from previous years.
Italian Olive Wood
Owners: Chris Arranaga ʼ82, MBA ʼ85, and Jen Arranaga ʼ95
Location: 4100 Flat Rock Drive, Riverside CA 92505
Phone: 951-353-8133
Website: https://italianolivewood.com/
Email: ciao@italianolivewood.com
About:
In 2021, co-founders Chris Arranaga and his wife Jen purchased a farmhouse that dates back to the early 1100s. Situated on a property that spans 17 acres and nurtures over 300 olive trees with about 4 acres of virgin forest, the property is located in the heart of Tuscany just outside of Florence, Italy. As the couple set about bringing the villa and property back to its former glory, they discovered a significant number of Italian olive wood trees that had fallen. They had the idea to share the beauty of that precious old wood with their friends and family back home and met with local artisans to hand-carve boards from these fallen trees.
Review:
"These olive wood serving boards are absolutely beautiful. I love that they are sourced sustainably and each is uniquely crafted by local Italian artisans. I have four and plan to use them for all manner of purposes - for charcuterie, cheese, chopping, and even as individual sandwich and chip plates. I bought them for gifts but am struggling with which ones to give and which to keep.” - Jayne B.
Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa
Owner: Ariel Ben-Zeev, MBA ʼ00
Location: 11 Railroad Ave., Danville, CA 94526
Phone: 925-885-6040
Website: https://handandstone.com/
Email: spa@handandstone.com
Social: @handandstoneusa
About:
Our philosophy is simple. Consistently deliver the highest quality professional massage and facial services at affordable prices seven days a week. Guests entering Hand and Stone Massage and Facial Spa will be enveloped in soothing aromas and sounds while leaving behind the stress of deadlines of hectic schedules. Hand and Stone Massage and Facial Spa offers deluxe experiences perfect for both the spa beginner and seasoned veteran seven days a week with convenient hours. Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spas feature several treatment rooms, including private sanctuaries for couples.
Review:
“Professional, accommodating and friendly place. My masseuse Natasha will work on my painful areas with a little firmer massage if needed. Natasha is very detailed and focused on my sore areas while giving me a wonderful full-body massage in a very quiet and relaxing environment. My other masseuse Maricar is very thorough and also gives a relaxing massage. Both masseuses start on time and end on time and have never asked me to buy anything. This has been my go-to massage place for over four years and the place, Natasha & Maricar are one of the best! Highly recommend!” - K. W.
Rothstein Jewelers of Beverly Hills
Co-Owner: Janet Rothstein ʼ79
Location: 8950 W. Olympic Blvd. #209, Beverly Hills, CA 90211
Phone: 310-858-3800
Website: https://www.rothsteinjewelers.com
Email: rothsteinjewelry@aol.com
Social: @rothsteinjewelers
About:
Rothstein Jewelers have been called the "best kept secret in Beverly Hills" and have 20 years of experience. They have custom-design engagement rings, wedding bands, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, music and more. Come up to our store and become part of our family.
Review:
“Rothstein Jewelers is the place to go. They are helpful, friendly, knowledgeable, very reasonable, and most importantly, extremely trustworthy. My friends and I have been going to them for years. I have bought beautiful new jewelry, they have repaired and re-set jewelry, and they have even pierced my daughters’ ears. They always listen to what I want, and if they don't carry it, they'll either find it or have it made. Janet found a setting for me that she knew I would like. It was perfect and it didn’t cost a fortune, either. Janet takes the time to get to know the customers and make sure the customers are happy!” - Bonnie G.
Rise Academy of Dance
Owner: Nicole Cohen ʼ06
Location: 633A N. Pacific Coast Highway, Redondo Beach, CA 90277
Phone: 424-257-8946
Website: https://www.riseacademyofdance.com/
Email: RiseAcademyOfDance@gmail.com
Social: @rise_academy_dance
About:
This holiday, give the gift of dance! Enroll your loved ones in our recreational track for a fun experience of learning and improvement. For those aspiring to dance professionally, our pre-professional and competitive tracks will set the stage for a spectacular journey in the dance world. Regardless of the student's path, Rise Academy of Dance will provide high-quality instruction in a supportive environment that will allow each student to thrive in their own right. At Rise Academy of Dance, every student is given the attention they need to accomplish their dance goals. The studio offers a variety of dance styles for its students ranging in age from 2.5 years to adult, and creates a personalized path for each student to follow depending on their dance goals.
Review:
“Ms. Nicole is excellent (she comes with a pretty impressive dance résumé too). My daughter is learning great dance techniques and having so much fun while doing so. She is highly encouraging and caring towards all her students. I would recommend this studio. She specializes in jazz, mommy & me, cheer and is starting a competitive dance team.” - J D.
Blackbird General Store
Owner: Sharon Repass ʼ89
Location: 23504 Calabasas Road, Suite 2, Calabasas, CA 91302
Phone: 818-805-9205
Website: https://blackbirdgeneralstore.com/
Email: info@blackbirdgeneralstore.com
Social: @blackbirdgeneral
About:
Blackbird General Store is a modern general store established in October 2016. We are focused on unique, one-of-a-kind gifts and goods for the whole family. We feature a highly curated selection of apparel, jewelry, accessories, apothecaries, home goods, gifts, books, gourmet foods, sweets and so much more! Think of us as a hip, updated version of the “general store” concept of the past. We are a gift shop of exceptional quality and impeccable design, built upon a foundation of warmth and modernity. Here you will find something for everyone. We are specifically…general!
Review:
“This is the best little store if you're looking for gifts for someone, really anyone. They have all sorts of things from candles to unique items, to hats, to vintage T-shirts to baby gifts. The women are really nice and helpful. They do a great job wrapping everything so it's kind of a one-stop shop. I got a real Rolling Stones vintage T-shirt by Made Worn (which is really expensive typically) but it was 50% off in their store. Definitely check out this cute little store if you're in Calabasas” - Brittany F.
Studio SLB Lifestyle Photography
Owner: Shlomit Levy Bard ʼ94
Location: Mostly Southern California. Travel sessions available in Las Vegas, New York and San Diego.
Phone: 424-209-9149
Website: https://www.studioslbphoto.com/
Email: studioslbphoto@gmail.com
Social: @studioslb
About:
Founded by award-winning photojournalist Shlomit Levy Bard, Studio SLB Photography is a full-service custom photography boutique. We specialize in lifestyle portraiture, which is a hybrid of documentary-style and portrait photography, focusing on capturing the unique personalities and relationships of our clients. Shlomit's unassuming, relaxed approach enables her to bring out the best in the children, families and professionals she works with, and to put even her most camera-shy subjects (especially reluctant dads) at ease.
Review:
“Shlomit and her crew are professional and attentive to all of the details. They make the photo session fun and great photos are the result. Shlomit has a lot of ideas to help create the vision of the client. In this case, me! She understood what I wanted and needed. A great experience. Highly suggest!” - Michelle P.
Owner: Jean Seo ʼ99
Location: 287 S. Robertson Blvd., Unit 363, Beverly Hills, CA 90211
Website: https://evolue.com/
Email: info@evoluebeauty.com
Social: @evolueskincare
About:
Evolue was founded with a passionate, relentless spirit to heal the world from toxic skincare and to provide the best ingredients and results to everyone and anyone. Jean opened the very first eco-chic beauty boutique in 2007. Jean's Beverly Hills shop stocked the most popular green beauty brands, but her discerning Hollywood celebrity clients weren't satisfied with the results. So Jean researched what makes people age and formulated products with natural moisturizing factors that our body naturally produces but depletes with age.
Review:
“My experience with Evolué has been excellent in every aspect! Ever since I met the brand and they explained how my skin type worked, what products I needed and how to use them for deliveries they have been wonderful in my case! Always with 100% personalized attention, the products are a dream for my skin. I really recommend the brand 100%.” - Ana S.
Owner: Laura Laubach ʼ22
Services: E-Commerce
Website: https://www.transplantvintage.com/
Email: hello@transplantvintage.com
Social: @transplantvintage
About:
Transplant Vintage celebrates the crème de la crème in vintage treasures. Immerse yourself in the allure of ʼ60s mod, the rebellious spirit of ʼ70s rock 'n' roll and the opulent glamour of the ʼ80s. At Transplant Vintage, we curate a collection that transcends mere clothing; it's an ode to an era marked by revolutionary cultural shifts. Our pieces encapsulate the essence of that moment when music became a movement and style that dared to challenge societal norms. It's more than just fashion; it's an homage to your favorite Stones album, a glimpse of your mom's college days and the echo of the venue where you experienced your first live show. Each garment at Transplant Vintage is a work of art, meticulously chosen to evoke nostalgia and resonate with the passionate love for vintage music and style.
Review:
“The dress is absolutely stunning and in great condition. It was wrapped beautifully with a lovely note. It got to me super fast. The measurements were accurate. I found the perfect wedding dress - and it fits great! Thank you so much!” - Calaudia
Six Taste Food Tours
Owner: Sally Tiongco ʼ04
Location: Los Angeles
Phone: 213-798-4749
Website: https://www.sixtaste.com/
Email: info@sixtaste.com
Social: @SixTaste
About:
Our passion is food, fun and exploration. Our knowledgeable and irresistibly cool tour guides take you on a three- to four-hour historical and cultural stroll through Los Angeles while giving you a taste of the diverse dishes this city offers. Six Taste offers location-themed food tours that feature generous samples from four to seven of the best and most unique restaurants in each neighborhood.
Review:
“SixTaste was a great group activity! I enjoyed hanging out with Sally from the Valley and learning more about her personal experiences growing up in Los Angeles and how it related to each food destination. Everyone on our food journey was very nice and accommodating to our entire team. I look forward to participating in another food tour. Thanks Sally for making our corporate outing a success! You Rock!” - Brittany S.
F45 Training Arts District
Owner: Paul Ohshima ʼ98
Location: 300 S Santa Fe Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90013
Phone: 310-951-1896
Website: https://f45training.com/studio/artsdistrict/
Email: artsdistrict@f45training.com
Social: @f45_training_artsdistrict
About:
Functional training is the engagement in exercises that mimic or recreate everyday movement. These types of exercises typically involve the use of your full body and multiple muscle groups. This style of training builds and sculpts lean, functional muscle and all can be found at F45 Training. The fixed, 45-minute duration workouts exist to provide a timing structure to maximize our members' growth and progress. Our daily workouts vary the amount of exercise stations, the work time / rest time ratio and the number of repetitions through the "exercise circuit" of each day. This provides a challenging workout for our clientele that is always evolving and never the same.
Review:
“I really love this gym. It has quickly become the favorite part of my days and it is something that I look forward to. I started off dreading my life after these workouts, nearly passing out the first few classes I attended, but after a month of going consistently, I was hooked. I decided to take the plunge and commit to a membership because it's so close to me and super convenient, sometimes I sign up within minutes of the class start time. The workouts challenge and push me to grow stronger than I have been in a long time. The trainers are great and very personable, constantly pushing and motivating everyone to dig deep and get that one more rep in.” - Stephen L.
Edelweiss Flower Boutique
Owner: Elizabeth Seiji ʼ85
Location: 1722 Ocean Park Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90405
Phone: 310-633-8459
Website: https://www.edelweissflower.com/
Email: edelweissadmin@verizon.net
Social: @edelweissflowerboutique
About:
A Santa Monica florist with international, national and local award-winning designers, Edelweiss Flower Boutique has served the greater Los Angeles area for over 25 years. We're a family-run business and love serving our neighborhood.
Review:
“I have been using Edelweiss for the past few years to purchase my yearly Thomas Kinkade Christmas Village bouquet. They do such an amazing job on the arrangement and everyone in the store is so nice. They always go out of their way to chat with me and make me feel at home when I'm in the store. They have become my go-to floral shop!” - Nicholas M.
The Hängar
Owner: Corinne D. Weber ʼ99
Location: 2408 Lincoln Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90405
Phone: 310 - 392 - 6111
Website: https://thehangarla.com/
Email: thehangar.la@gmail.com
Social: @thehangarla
About:
An eclectic mix of new furniture and one-of-a-kind items, home decor, home accessories, original art and a vintage clothing annex.
Review:
“Okay, this store is seriously to die for! The owner, Corrine, is seriously a day of sunshine. This store is filled with love and thoughtful pieces. She has introduced me to so many amazing pieces of unique Bohemian chic furniture. Her art is also to die for and the artist came directly to our home to hang it! Corrine is so warm and kind and I am grateful I found this beautiful shop.” - Jennifer Y.
Artsy Voiceprint
Owner: Taline Levonian ʼ98
Services: E-Commerce
Website: https://artsyvoiceprint.com/
Email: support@artsyvoiceprint.com
Social: @artsyvoiceprint
About:
Artsy Voiceprint creates personalized soundwave art gifts from the memorable sounds in your life. Whether it's the big moments or the everyday "I love you." We take a favorite song, a special voice message, your baby's heartbeat in utero, or a dog's bark and turn it into a one-of-a-kind and meaningful art.
Review:
“I recently ordered a gift for my friend's 30th wedding anniversary. The product selection was fantastic, offering a range of options suitable for a milestone celebration. The website was user-friendly, making the ordering process a breeze. I appreciated the attention to detail in the product descriptions, helping me choose the perfect gift. The delivery was prompt, When my friend opened the gift, their faces lit up with joy. The quality of the product exceeded my expectations – it was not just an item; it was a cherished keepsake. I highly recommend it to anyone looking to make special moments even more extraordinary. Thank you for contributing to the joy of this milestone celebration!” - Bon D.
Cotton Candy Queens
Owner: Samantha Safari (Smitley) ʼ20
Location: Chattanooga, TN
Phone: 423-309-2481
Website: https://cottoncandyqueens423.com/
Social: @cottoncandyqueens423
About:
We take pride in offering fresh, flavorful cotton candy in a variety (many, many, many) gourmet flavors, including dye-free organic and sugar-free options! We enjoy live spinning and creating personalized, prepackaged options to suit your needs!
Review:
“Cotton candy queens did my daughter's third birthday party and were absolutely amazing!
The kids LOVED it and so did the adults. They were so sweet and creative with the flavors. An absolute hit for any party!” - Chelci L.
Jurassic Gallery
Owner: Danael Karlsson ʼ13
Services: E-commerce
Website: https://jurassicgallery.com/
Social: @jurassicgallery
About:
Jurassic Gallery was created by a family who love fossils, meteorites, and the natural beauty that comes from Earth. Their vision is to make authentic dinosaur fossils, meteorites and jewelry available to anyone. They are a small family business that has participated in the legal fossil excavation and preparation business over the last 20 years. They have sold full dinosaur skeletons, skulls and parts such as horns, feet, claws and other bones. They take great care in sourcing the sites they work and the bones they buy, as to abide by the country’s and international laws of collecting and reselling.
Review:
“I've only ever come across very few naturally prismatic shaped tourmalines as high quality as this in the many years I've been collecting. The pictures truly don't do this piece justice and I'm surprised no one has jumped on this sooner! I've been searching for an amazing Black Tourmaline pendant for a very long time - trying to stay away from those cookie-cutter pendants - and I've finally found an epic piece to wear. Thank you so much for the fast shipping and secure packaging. Love the packaging materials used.” - Kira
***
To submit a Bruin-owned business for future consideration, please send a note to connectfeedback@alumni.ucla.edu.
All Bruin-Owned Business Articles
- Bruin-Owned Beverage Businesses 2
- Bruin-Owned Businesses: Fitness and Wellness 3
- Books by Bruins
- Bruin-Owned Businesses: Gift Ideas 3
- Bruin-Owned Restaurants Part 3
- Bruin-Owned Businesses: Fitness and Wellness 2
- Bruin-Owned Photography Part Two
- Bruin-Owned Businesses: Gift Ideas 2
- Bruin-Owned Photography
- Bruin-Owned Art Galleries and Collectives
- Bruin-Owned Restaurants Part 2
- Bruin-Owned Gift Ideas
- Bruin-Owned Fitness and Wellness Businesses
- Bruin-Owned Event-Planning Businesses
- Bruin-Owned Apparel Businesses
- Bruin-Owned Beverage Businesses
- Bruin-Owned Restaurants
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