Partners

Booty Camper and Andaluz Owner Karla Esquivel to host Local event this weekend

Karla and I met at the very first session of Southside Booty Camp… she braved the March weather and despite that came to love camp for the way she says “we are pushed in such a positive non-competitive way… you are able to accept where you are at and then are supported to improve from there”.

The other day, Karla and I sat down in the Seward Park Cafe Vita to discuss her current thoughts on retailing locally in the Columbia City area.  A former journalist, she opened the shop as a sideline to her journalism work in 2005.  During that time it was hard not to take note of the struggling print news industry and she jumped early from that sinking ship to become full time lifestyle shopkeeper.

Her sweet little shop is packed with an incredible array of items to suit many tastes and budgets.  Local jewelry craftspeople sell their wares at her shop, her clothing lines are chosen carefully, and the rest of the store features gifts, toys and unique household items that fall into Karla’s eclectic and funky style she describes as “Urban Outfitters on acid”.  (Craftspeople take note.. Karla says she is always looking for new local designers that fit into her shop aesthetic!)

This First Saturday, the 5th she is has a 10% off offer for shopping local and Sunday, the 6th, she hosts the now annual Columbia City Sip and Shop in partnership with Verve.  From 2-7pm you can try wines at Verve and browse a selection of items brought over to the wine cafe by Karla, as well as local designers, including Nikki Jacobi Jewelry, Cyn City neighborhood map pendants, and Jenna Rose one-of-a-kind jackets and hats.

Karla has undoubtably been affected by the struggling retail economy, particularly as a single mom.  She says how important it is to keep our holiday dollars local, so that our neighborhoods can continue to grow and thrive.  So shop Southside ya’ll!  See you on the streets of C City this December!

Community News

We have some powerful women in Booty Camp!

Nutrition class was great last week and not just because I got to share with my Booty Campers what has worked for me nutrition-wise (look for upcoming blog entries for some guidelines and ideas for nutrition and weight loss).

I got to see everyone dressed in their civvies, hair down, makeup on, etc…. and hear some of the stories from the lives of a few of the participating women.

Sandy Cioffi, from the 8am class, is a documentary filmmaker and is currently working on a film (Sweet Crude) about the corrupt Nigerian oil industry and its devastating effects on the Niger Delta population and environment. Sandy said that her Booty Camp goal is to be able to arrive in Africa in April able to easily swing her heavy bags of camera gear around without getting tired or injured. Stay tuned to this as I hope to help make a screening in the southend happen when she gets back from her next trip.

Also from the 8am class is Karla Esquivel, owner of the truly fabulous Andaluz clothing and gift store in Columbia City which features great locally designed handicrafts.

And if you have a chance this Saturday evening (March 15), Shari Kaufman, from the 8am, will be showing her pottery work in a group show at the Columbia City Gallery from 5-8pm.

You gals rock (in and out of Booty Camp)!