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Meet Shayan Pourmohamad of Blackbeard’s Crafts in West LA, Sawtelle Neighborhood

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Today we’d like to introduce you to Shayan Pourmohamad.

Shayan, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I had a concept for a Pirate themed beer and wine store for several years. A place that’s trashy, free of judgment, and run by an evil mascot, which would be Blackbeard himself. Most importantly, I wanted a business that’s fun and carries its own unique personality.

I’ve come a very long way to get where I am at. I used to be homeless, and I lived in my car for six months. I worked two jobs and went to school at the same time. All I have done my entire life is work. A little over six years ago, my brother passed away, he was also the one supporting my mother. She’s a very strong woman, but no parent should have to go through the loss of their child. I had to do something to help her and take some stress off her shoulders. So, with that added motivation, I decided to open a business to help support her. On top of helping my mother, I wanted to help my (now) ex out so she could go to school. Those two were the main reasons I had to get the ball rolling on Blackbeard’s – that, and I wanted to work for myself.

Has it been a smooth road?
As I used to tell my ex, Blackbeard’s has been both a blessing and a curse. “Twice as bright, half as long” a Bladerunner quote that I have tattooed on my hand because I’ve had to work so much harder since its inception, and there have been days where I’ve legitimately felt like I was working myself to death; not just physically but mentally and emotionally as well. Sacrifice and hard work have become my two best friends – well, more like “frenemies”, but still… I’ve worked 14 hours a day, seven days a week for the last four years. I’ve only taken five days off. I’m emotionally and physically drained. This has been the most difficult chapter of my life, and it doesn’t look like it’s getting easier (thank you, COVID) anytime soon – but we remain vigilant and hopeful. I am fortunate to have an incredible staff, however, I can’t ask too much from them as I feel there are some responsibilities that only an owner should face. I have to give it 200% to be the best, and I still have a long road ahead! But don’t let my struggles misconstrue anything, the rewards have been infinitely better. There is no better feeling than a happy customer. My customers trust me with their most important sense, which is their taste buds. To have them come back to me and thank me to help them expand their flavor profile; that, in itself, is an amazing reward and makes everything worth it.

My biggest challenge is constantly facing myself. Being able to admit that I can make mistakes and grow from them. I have to get better every single day.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Blackbeard’s Crafts – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
Welcome to Blackbeard’s Crafts. Owned and operated by a cruel tyrant named Blackbeard (who is a glorified Halloween decoration), we specialize in everything that helps you, well, pretty much get drunk.

We are known for two main things: having a snob free, fun atmosphere and just being a bunch of drunks. In other words, you be you and get whatever satisfies your taste buds – we are just here to give you a myriad options.

What makes us so different than others? Sorry, I’m not going to give out all my secrets!

What am I most proud of? This is a very hard question. I’m not really the prideful type. But there are three things I am most proud of: Firstly, seeing my vision come to life. Being so different from the usual retailer, having a seven foot tall T-Rex, being Pirate themed, and telling customers that the owner of Blackbeard’s is a skeleton with a beard isn’t easy. Our theme is goofy and meant to be fun. It’s supposed to help take the edge off of reality. As you step into Blackbeard’s, I want my customers to believe that they are stepping into a different world. We are basically a massive adult candy store where the owner is trying to steal the beer he is selling! Where’s the logic in that? There is none, but it’s working and people love the crazy personality I have given him. You should see our social media, where he dominates! We have customers who come and ask to take pictures with Blackbeard – it’s like that’s their primary reason for coming by. We have little kids who come and say Hi to Tito (Our T-Rex) every single day. To watch people break away from their worlds, come in and play along in mine, a business that I didn’t even think could happen… that is something I am really proud of.

Secondly, we are the top retailer for dozens of well-known breweries, many of them local. We have won multiple awards and have been ranked among the top retailers in the city, and we are only four years old.

And, finally, I am also incredibly proud of our “Pay whatever you can afford” section; back when COVID started, about 40% of our customers lost their jobs or had their hours drastically cut, so we started a section in the store where customers can pay whatever they can afford. You can literally buy a beer for a penny. And to see everyone come together to help out people in times of need is magical. You can buy beer and donate to the section, or put money into it. In the last six months, there has been over $3,000 put into that section alone! It’s great seeing so many people coming together, being selfless and giving, especially considering they don’t know who they’re helping out. RAK at its finest.

Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I love this city (West LA)! I’ve lived in the neighborhood for over 14 years now, and have been hanging out here for over 20. We have a very strong community and everyone is quick to help each other out; one example would be whenever there is a power outage, we’ll post on social media that our walk-in fridge is available for people to bring their perishables so they don’t spoil.

There’s a lot of cultures here and people aren’t very judgmental. We have a fantastic food scene, and there are a lot of great small businesses owned by some of the most genuine people you have ever met. It’s clean, and it’s safe! I do my best to exercise all precautions for the safety of all people who live here. The city has even asked me to join their council, which I unfortunately had to decline several times – I don’t think they want the town drunk as a member. Well, I don’t think they are ready for it just yet, anyway.

What do I dislike about our little Sawtelle neighborhood? Absolutely nothing!

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