Oakland's Own - Surviving and Thriving in the Town

Oakland is a city with a rich history and culture, but it's also a city that has faced its fair share of challenges. From crime and poverty to gentrification and displacement, Oakland has had to overcome many obstacles over the years.

At Oakland's Own, we know firsthand what it's like to survive and thrive in this city. As Oaklanders born and raised, we have seen the highs and lows of our community and have learned to adapt and overcome the challenges that come our way.

One of the biggest challenges we face as a small business in Oakland is the high cost of living and doing business. As rents and property values continue to rise, it can be difficult for businesses like ours to survive. But we have learned to be creative and resourceful, finding ways to cut costs and stay competitive in a tough market.

Another challenge we face is the perception of Oakland as a dangerous and violent city. While crime is certainly a problem in some areas, we believe that Oakland is also a city of hope and possibility. Our brand represents the best of Oakland, its creativity, diversity, and resilience.

At Oakland's Own, we are committed to making a positive impact in our community, and we are proud to support local nonprofits and organizations that are working to address the root causes of poverty, crime, and displacement. We believe that by working together, we can create a more just and equitable city for everyone.

Despite the challenges we face, we remain optimistic about the future of Oakland. We believe that our city has a bright future, full of possibilities and opportunities. And we are proud to be a part of this community, representing the best of Oakland and helping to create a better future for all.

So whether you're an Oaklander born and raised or a newcomer to the city, we invite you to join us in celebrating all that makes this place special. Together, we can overcome the challenges we face and create a brighter future for our community. Thank you for supporting Oakland's Own, and for being a part of our journey.

Celebrating 4 Years in a Brick and Mortar and 8 Years in Business: A Journey of Passion, Hard Work, and Community

Oakland's Own is proud to celebrate 4 years in a brick and mortar store and 8 years in business. What began as a small family business attending local pop-up shows has grown into a beloved brand that represents the vibrancy and diversity of Oakland. Today, we want to take a moment to reflect on our journey, the challenges we faced, and the community that supported us along the way.

When we started Oakland's Own eight years ago, we had a simple goal: to create a brand that celebrated Oakland's unique spirit and culture. With our son by our side, we attended local pop-up shows, learning about the community and the culture that made Oakland so special. We poured our hearts into creating products that reflected the unique style and spirit of the city we loved.

In the early days, we faced many challenges. As a small family business, we had limited resources, and building a brand from scratch was no easy feat. But we never gave up. We continued to work hard, building relationships with customers and other local businesses. Our passion for our work kept us going, and our community embraced us with open arms.

Four years ago, we opened our brick and mortar store, a dream come true for us. We were thrilled to have a physical space to share our products with the community, and we worked hard to make it a welcoming and inclusive space. We continued to create products that celebrated Oakland's unique style, and we saw our community grow even stronger around us.

Through the years, we have learned that building a business is not just about making money. It's about creating a community, a family of customers, and supporters who share your vision and your passion. We are grateful for the support we have received from our customers, our fellow business owners, and the community as a whole. It is because of them that we have been able to grow and thrive.

As we celebrate four years in our brick and mortar store and eight years in business, we want to say thank you to everyone who has supported us along the way. We are honored to be a part of the Oakland community, and we look forward to many more years of celebrating the spirit and culture of this amazing city.