From Daniela Fernandez-Ulen, CAMEO Network: I’d like to nominate Kaiy Smith and Hannah Said, owners of Neighbors and Friends in Pasadena, California. Neighbors and Friends is Los Angeles’ first build-your-own cheese box bar and community hub, where local artisans come together to create a unique and personalized experience.
This incredible business not only offers artisanal foods, handcrafted gifts, and personalized products but also redefines the food and beverage retail space in Old Pasadena. Established in Spring 2024 and proudly supported by the Los Angeles Economic Equity Accelerator & Fellowship (LEEAF), this community-driven business has been hit hard by the recent wildfires—just two miles away from the flames.
Though facing challenges, they continue to serve 120 families a week through mutual aid efforts, providing free meals to those in need. Despite taking a big hit on their revenues, their dedication to the community remains unwavering.
People often overlook the positive impacts of independent, locally owned (Indie Local) businesses. The local community that an Indie Local serves may understand these impacts, but those located further away may need to be made aware of these success stories. In future posts, with your help, we will feature a few of the top Indie Locals in the nation.
You can nominate your favorite Indie Local by emailing us today.