Recognizing the value of a hands-on shopping knowledge, Rik Samoylenko is seeking ahead to the grand opening of his shop, Sandstone Products + Investing, on Thursday.
Samoylenko is a excellent example of an entrepreneur returning to his former stomping grounds to provide a thing exclusive to the neighborhood.
In advance of Sandstone was formulated as a storefront, it was an on the net store created for the duration of the pandemic. Samoylenko experienced moved back again to Bakersfield in 2017 right after quitting his career with Anthropologie, for which he experienced been a visible supervisor and served start retail store openings all around the U.S.
He wrote in an email, “At the stop of 2017 I made the decision it was time to improve items up — I stop my job, moved property to Bakersfield, and begun the 1st actions in my new journey.”
Supplementing his graphic layout diploma from San Diego State, Samoylenko enrolled in architecture and culinary courses at Bakersfield College or university. He also started forging connections with regional small businesses, artists and sellers in the neighborhood.
He describes Sandstone as a home decor and life-style manufacturer “presenting high excellent, handmade dinnerware, glassware, kitchen area add-ons, candles, home textiles, houseplants and planters, together with boutique quantities of men’s and women’s apparel, skincare, and extra.”
Alongside with the web site, which he commenced in 2020, the company operator started having section in pop-up functions in 2021, like the Getaway Craft & Seller Show at the West Side Recreation & Park District in Taft seller markets hosted by BakoBox creator Kami Paulsen the Bakersfield Museum of Art’s Artwork Soon after Dark Delight Celebration Getaway Industry at 7 Oaks Business Park and the Next Saturday getaway market place hosted by Tlo Wines.
He wrote of the expertise, “The reaction from this community through seller pop-ups was amazing and I could see a hole in the nearby market place for products and solutions that not only I was searching for, but some others were also intrigued in purchasing — gorgeous, superior-top quality goods that are built in the United states of america, emphasize tiny corporations below in Kern County, are developed as a result of sustainable strategies, or are honest-trade international merchandise that enable develop the social and inexpensive constructions of the people and cultures who make them.”
Samoylenko realized he wanted to get the up coming step to open a brick-and-mortar shop to permit clients an immersive activity.
“Shopping should be an all-sensory experience — there’s a splendor in being equipped to truly feel each and every textile, to try out on a nicely-built pair of denims, to scent the prime notes and undertones of candles or perfumes, to fully expertise the setting and the vision of a model in individual,” he wrote.
He researched locations and worked with Cal Condition Bakersfield’s Small Small business Progress Center, which he described as “a amazing, absolutely absolutely free resource that I utilized for sector details and typical business setting up.”
The business enterprise is also certified by the Countrywide LGBT Chamber of Commerce as an LGBTQ+ owned and operated company, and Samoylenko mentioned he aims to create a protected and respectful neighborhood for all to get pleasure from.
He wrote, “I consider that illustration is an significant issue in business enterprise and it can be an inspirational emphasize to many others.”
Samoylenko is enthusiastic for Thursday’s grand opening and ribbon slicing, right after which the keep will open to the community. KUZZ will be on-website broadcasting from 3 to 5 p.m., with a prize wheel and giveaways.
A raffle will be held in the course of the complete grand opening weekend, with consumers acquiring a person raffle ticket for each individual $10 used. A portion of gains from the weekend will benefit a community charity.
“Bakersfield is an astounding city and has a exclusive place in my heart,” he wrote. “I believe that that each of us has an integral section to perform and a social obligation to local community enhancement. Together with volunteering time and methods, we are dedicated to donating a portion of our proceeds to community companies and charities that right influence and enrich the numerous lives of Bakersfield and Kern County inhabitants.”
Stefani Dias can be achieved at 661-395-7488. Follow her on Twitter: @realstefanidias.
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