Today we’d like to introduce you to Dani Solorio.
Dani, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Coming from generations of healers from southern Mexico, it brings me great joy to share our natural healing traditions with my community at Compton Health Bar.
Growing up as part of the undocumented community in Lynwood (just south of downtown LA), going to traditional doctors’ offices was not a common occurrence in our home – mostly out of fear because nobody’s trying to get caught up with the migra – and so using the many herbal recipes that my grandma and her grandma before her used to heal the family, was our go-to choice.
My mom has been a natural healer her whole life, and I’m privileged to have learned some of our ancestors’ most effective healing practices from her and from mi abue. An equal privilege is now getting to share them with our customers who have consistently put their trust in us to help lead them to better health.
Compton Health Bar is the product of many years of practice and devotion to understanding our community’s needs. The physical space has gone through several iterations. Each larger than the last, and it fills my heart when I realize that all the growth has been organic – a direct consequence of our customers’ support and their willingness to include us in their chisme. So much so that here we are! Ready to continue serving and helping our community rise.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Our struggles make us stronger. Even though I loved school and took many honors and AP courses in high school, I did not have a path to college as an undocumented student with no access to loans (DACA did not exist then). So right after high school, I went right to work in a warehouse with my mom. I worked many tough jobs and knew I wanted more – I dreamed of owning my own business so I could help my family and have a meaningful career. Opening my first business at the age of 21 was daunting for numerous reasons – figuring out how to navigate the business world continues to be an on-going mission.
Currently, we are facing the challenge of adjusting our infrastructure to be able to serve the influx of customers that we’ve been seeing at our new location since moving here in January of 2019. It’s a great challenge to face!
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Compton Health Bar – what should we know?
Compton Health bar is a womxn owned and operated health and wellness store in Compton, California that specializes in superfoods and their healing power. We create custom formulas using herbs, roots, plants, flowers, and fruits, all in powder form for easier digestion. The formulas we create are based on each individual’s goals and needs. Everybody is different, and keeping that in mind, we have made it our standard business model to let you be your own chemist and experiment with a variety of superfoods. With dozens of ingredients in stock, the possibilities are endless! Want to sample a lil’ bit of this, and a lil’ bit of that? Go for it! We encourage it. 🙂
Our team includes a former Registered Nurse who worked in the field for more than a decade before devoting herself full time to holistic health and a Certified Integrative Nutrition Coach with extensive knowledge and experience in natural and holistic healing.
Rather than a destination, health and wellness is a journey that often requires outside support. It is a privilege to be part of that support system in our community.
Our mission is to help our community heal from the most prevalent illnesses that plague us. The hood has some of the highest rates of diabetes, heart disease, blood pressure, and inflammatory diseases, and they’re not slowing down. Through the spread of information, workshops, and collaboration with other impact focused partners, we aim to arm people with the necessary tools to take control of their health.
We empower people with knowledge of how food choices, personal relationships, and physical activity all affect our overall health and wellbeing. This is key to forming a path towards autonomy from our broken health care and food industry systems.
In order for our communities to rise, we must start with healthy bodies and minds.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Zoe Saldana: Zoe Saldana’s media company, “Bese,” made a mini-documentary on Compton Health Bar and my story. Their beautifully crafted documentary has connected us to people all over the world who want to be part of our health mission. We are so grateful for their artistry and thoughtfulness in the way they portrayed our story and positively impacted our business.
Jane Wurwand, Founder of Dermalogica, has been a huge mentor and supporter. Through her entrepreneurial initiative “FOUND/LA,” Ms. Wurwand granted Compton Health Bar a scholarship to the Honors Business Consulting program at CSUN. Additionally, Ms. Wurwand has included Compton Health Bar as her special guests at multiple conferences and events and continues to provide ongoing guidance and advice.
Board Members of the NLBWA-LA (National Latina Business Women’s Association – Los Angeles chapter): the entire Board has been extremely supportive. The NLBWA-LA granted Compton Health Bar a scholarship for their Business Management Academy.
Family: my family contributes so much to the heart and soul of Compton Health Bar.
Pricing:
- Superfood blends come in three sizes (ranging in price from $10 – $45).
- Private health consultations are available for $25.
- Iridology consultations are available for $25.
- Phone/Facetime/Skype consultations are available for $25.
- CBD products range from $15 – $70
Contact Info:
- Address: 920 S Central Ave
Compton, CA 90220 - Website: www.comptonheathbar.com
- Phone: (888) 410-4390
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/comptonhealthbar/
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/ComptonHealthBar
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/compton-health-bar-compton
- Other: https://www.bese.com/within-reach-compton-health-bar/
Image Credit:
Gacey Meza, Director of Admin for Compton Health Bar
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
