Today we’d like to introduce you to Marieka Kline. They and their team shared their story with us below:
Lucky Penny General Store is a modern general store. We sell carefully curated art, books, home goods, clothing and jewelry. Many of our brands are mission-driven and aim to give back.
Lucky Penny General Store was created by Marieka Van Tilburg Kline.
Marieka always wanted to own a store, ever since she was six years old and would play “store” in her grandmother’s apartment; while her Grandma Ruth called her “lucky penny”.
The goal of Lucky Penny General Store is to pass on the luck.
Lucky Penny General Store aims to carry primarily mission-driven brands, or brands that give back. Your Lucky Penny purchases make a positive social, environmental or economic impact.
Lucky Penny General Store features ethically sourced handmade, one-of-a-kind products. Behind each Lucky Penny product is a person who made it.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
We have had a great response from the wonderful community of Santa Monica. People seem to want an in-person shopping experience that builds community and makes them feel connected. We love all our customers and value their time and business.
Santa Monica is in a time of transition and we are happy to be a part of it.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My family owns two buildings in downtown Santa Monica. We are proud members of the community. I have worked for my family for 19 years, managing these buildings and doing commercial interior design. I attended elementary and high school at Crossroads. So, Santa Monica feels like home. We are pleased to be a part of the revitalization of Downtown Santa Monica and look forward to the support of the City in these efforts.
What matters most to you? Why?
Community matters most to me. My family is first and foremost my community; and then my friends, town, my business, my customers and employees.A place where all people feel welcome and there is something there for everyone. I hope that Lucky Penny General Store does some good for the community as well. Each month we choose a charity and give 10% of a week’s profits to that charity. So far, we have been proud to support: Upward Bound House, No Kid Hungry, Save the Children Turkey and St. Jude’s.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://theluckypennygeneralstore.com/
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/luckypennygeneralstore. @luckypennygeneralstore
Image Credits
Marieka Kline
