Hidden Gems: Meet Tac-tile Mountain

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tac-tile Mountain.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
We both worked in different creative mediums for years, including acting (Scarlett) and music (Nico). We had always dreamed of opening a shop of some kind and after working together to help open and run two shops in Atwater Village (Wine & Eggs and Dreams) leading curation, buying, marketing and creative direction, we decided the time was right to leave our positions and start a business of our own in our community. We have lived in the area for 4 years and felt like a shop like ours was needed! We were looking for a space to connect with the community, especially after the isolation from the pandemic. We’d always admired the old brick building on Washington & Hill, and when we began looking for spaces and found out that a unit in the building was available, we jumped on it. We wanted to provide an alternative to the faceless big-box stores that you might find in Old Town, Pasadena. We are planning lots of different kinds of workshops and events in the space, to take it beyond a strictly transactional experience into something more community-focused. Since opening, we’ve hosted multiple pop-ups and workshops, such as a coffee event with Heavy Water, an incense workshop with Hyungi and a salve-making workshop with Herb Club LA. We have lots more coming up as well!

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Starting a business is hard! It definitely hasn’t all been smooth but its been an adventure nonetheless! We’re lucky that we came off the back of opening two stores (Wine + Eggs & Dreams), and we learned a lot from that experience. There are, however, so many growing pains when opening a business, and it’s hard to predict how each month is going to be. We’re just feeling very grateful that people keep finding out about us and are excited about our store!

We’ve been impressed with Tac-tile Mountain, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Our shop is interested in our relationship to the objects we surround ourselves with in our everyday lives. We want to provide things to people that enrich their daily experiences, and hopefully encourage people to be more present. That means apothecary, candles and incense that fill your space with earthy fragrances; whimsical kitchen accessories and specialty pantry items to enhance your culinary adventures; independent magazines and art books to entertain and inspire; homewares and ceramics to adorn your shelves and tabletops; cute illustrated books and toys for children. Add stationary and cards and you are just about there. We call it Tac-tile Mountain because we sell objects for all of the senses! A figurative place within a physical space.

How do you define success?
That’s a big question! Probably financial freedom and the ability to expand organically and create without limits! In terms of our store, building a loyal customer base and becoming a hub for the community.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.tac-tilemountain.com/
• Instagram: @tactilemountain