Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachel Thomas
Hi Rachel, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’ve been lucky in that I was exposed to many places and different cultures growing up. I was born London & raised in Melbourne until moving to LA in my teens. My mum is Armenian from Iran and my father from Texas. I never spent more than two years in any given school and became accustomed to constant change. I always had a knack for design and a good eye, this landed me at American Rag when I was twenty. Working with vintage redesign, I curated their vintage goods for their stores. While roller skating at a loft party, I met a production designer, and seized an opportunity to get into set design. Most of my twenties were spent in set decoration and set design for music videos and commercials with artists such as George Michael, Janet Jackson, Gwen Stefani, and others.
I am grateful for this time as I acquired so much technical information and management skills. This period working in production really taught me how to work within budgets, manage teams and work with many simultaneous moving parts. Most importantly, this period trained my eye for special design, custom fabrication and finding my form. This is something that really takes years to hone through years of experience. Of course, now my form is the premise for my hospitality projects and my approach to design. My form and design language now sets my perspective apart from others and is unique to me.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Absolutely not this has not been a smooth or predictable road for me, but who wants to watch the movie when they already know the ending. I ventured into hospitality seeking growth that I could not foresee in production at that time. I opened my first project, The Must, when I was 29 years old, my partner and I worked day night, it was very successful by all measures. Overnight after 18 months in business we were unwittingly vacated over a 4th of July holiday weekend, our business sold out from underneath us. We were heartbroken and many, many, lessons were learned. I have learned that a contract is only as good as the person behind it. I’ll walk away from a bad deal, landlord, or anything really. I am much more patient in trusting that the right opportunities will present themselves in due time. I am certainly not as eager as I was with my first business, and I have learned to trust my intuition.
At the end of the day, I have worked on many projects some of them more successful than others. I learn from these experiences and keep going. While a project might be more of an undertaking than shooting a 3 pointer it’s the same concept in that not balls will make it in the net. This is an impossible expectation. Just keep shooting your shot.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Madstone is the umbrella entity I use for my projects. I am known for my design, as I design the architectural and interior design elements of all my projects. Some of my past projects are The Must wine bar, and Perch. My most recent is Bar Franca, a classy little cocktail joint in downtown Los Angeles. The Civic, and new venue is slated to open in the fall of 2024. This will be a venue only open to the public when we have programming otherwise it will be a private space available for rent and private parties. I also consult and do furniture, and interior design for select projects. The most important through line that I am associated with is offering a well-designed and executed concept that gives our guest an experience without pretense. I believe in cultural curation and inclusivity where diverse people from far and wide come together, ultimately feeling safe and seen in our care.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
Certainly, many businesses had to pivot during Covid, and we are no different. California has been particularly hard hit with Covid, then the writers’ strike and the IATSE contract renewal. Folks are less likely to come out for just a drink, they want an experience or cultural event. We provide more cultural programming now than had previously. This has been a positive for everyone. Being a queer owned business, we have queer events, Dj’s, and a community inclusive calendar. We have noticed more and more since Covid people are more discerning and being in a safe space has become more of a priority.
We pride ourselves on providing a safe space in every sense and treating all people with dignity and hospitality.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://barfranca.com
- Instagram: @barfrancadtla
