Rising Stars: Meet Maureen McBride

Today we’d like to introduce you to Maureen McBride.

Hi Maureen, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
For 18 years, I was an executive in the fashion industry leading merchandising, product development, design and marketing for top-level brands including Lee Jeans, Levi Strauss, Limited Too, Mervyns, Disney and Lucky Brand Dungarees. In January 2000 while strolling through Manhattan Beach, I happened upon a shop vacancy and immediately fell in love with the location and the downtown community. I had an idea of a niche I could fill. I spent the next three weeks driving up and down the California coast, stopping in every similar beach community to see what their mix of businesses was, identifying product categories for national and local brands I loved, and dreaming about what I could create. When I returned, I contacted the building owner, laid out my business plan and shared with her my plan to open by Mother’s Day in May 2000.

Both she and I took a leap of faith, and 24 years later, we are still as strong as ever. I never returned to my corporate world. I cashed in my “Chelsea” fund; monies I was saving for my toddler niece, and I hit the road running. I had great faith and confidence in my abilities to run a business, having done so previously to the tune of $350-$600+ million-dollar businesses. I have always had a creative eye and understanding of what’s trending in both fashion and lifestyle. I have an enormous passion for products and especially for the development of local artisans and small businesses – not just for their enthusiastic devotion to their craft but also their ability to think outside the box, to be agile and always open to new and emerging opportunities. Many of these shared relationships have contributed to our biggest successes. Each time we layer in new merchandise, I always look to local artisans first. And local doesn’t just mean Southern California artists, but ones around the country and globally who are “local” in their own communities.

Our shop originally started out as a modern apothecary and gift store featuring cosmetics, skincare and haircare brands; top selling bath & body brands like L’Occitane and Peter Thomas Roth. Home fragrance has always been a huge category. Tabletop, home decor, books and jewelry rounded out our assortment. In 2005, we doubled in size, taking over our neighboring real estate office which was closing. We built out the shop, increasing to 1500sq feet of selling space, thereby allowing us to really showcase the full breath of our growth into a lifestyle gift shop. Our own product development and branding of Manhattan Beach and Southern California emerged and we remain a destination for all things local to this day.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
We are very fortunate to be in our 24th year of business. We have weathered many storms including the financial crisis of 2007-2008 and most recently the COVID outbreak and subsequent shutdown of our lifestyles and businesses. The impact of the past three years lingers. Much has changed in the way we live today, which has certainly affected all our patterns of socializing, shopping, travel and overall lifestyle. Through all of these obstacles and challenges, we relied on our unique ability to pivot, remain agile, apply smart strategies to minimize our risks and capitalize on our strengths. I have spent more sleepless nights and never-ending days than you can imagine strategizing how to keep my staff safe and employed; and how to keep our small business viable and stable. I have many resources to rely on, from my past experiences to my best friends, my staff, my family, my community and my mentors who each have lifted me when I needed them most. They kept me positive, laughing, strong-willed, and frankly sane when the world was swirling around us. I am very grateful to all of them.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
The name Tabula Rasa resonated with me because of its meaning. From philosopher John Locke, “tabula rasa” is the theory that the (human) mind is at birth a “blank slate” without rules for processing data, and that data is added and rules for processing are formed solely by one’s sensory experiences. The Latin meaning is “blank slate, new beginnings, new ideas”. Within the core of my own soul, I love the idea of starting with nothing, creating a vision and making it happen. New beginnings propel me forward and drive me every day. I strive to look at what’s in front of me and around the next bend. I am always seeking new ideas as they offer creativity, energy, innovation and possibility.

Tabula Rasa Essentials is an inspiring sensory experience when you are in the store, and it’s what truly sets us apart. You are met with a blend of fragrances that capture your sense of smell – which by the way, is one of the most memorable experiences we have as humans. Our team welcomes you with happy greetings, lively conversation and friendship so you always feel at home in our store. Visually we create lifestyle statements to help guide you toward trends, best sellers, and how you can envision products in your own home. We have a real beach vibe in our music – happy, chill, indie, feel-good, yacht rock – and are always glad when our customers break out in song or move to our beat. As for taste….there’s always a great chocolate bar or mini sugar fix for your sweet tooth.

We are known for our hand-curated and globally found a selection of products with a little something for everyone, even the most discerning. We offer beautiful gift wrapping and it’s always complimentary. We are constantly surprising our customers with new merchandise arriving weekly. Our guest service is outstanding and we always try to assist our guests with their unique shopping decisions. We offer personalization and customized products too.

What matters most to you? Why?
My community and my team matter to me the most. Every decision we make is with our locals in mind and what will thrill and delight them and our visitors. My staff is the heartbeat of our shop and each individual offers so much to our overall success.

We are very involved in our community, supporting schools and charity organizations, volunteering for holiday home tours, and collaborating with our fellow business owners. I am three times past president and continue to serve on the Downtown Manhattan Beach Business & Professional Organization; I am on the Board of Directors of the Manhattan Beach Chamber of Commerce and involved in committees within the business community.

It matters to me that we are a highly respected, welcoming, long-standing destination business that is trusted, relied upon and beloved in our community.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.tabularasaessentials.com
• Instagram: tabularasamb
• Facebook: Tabula Rasa Essentials Inc
• Linkedin: Tabula Rasa Essentials Inc
• Twitter: tabularasamb
• Youtube: tabularasamb
• Yelp: Tabula Rasa Essentials Inc