Meet Jane Hoover of Topanga Homegrown in Topanga Canyon

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jane Hoover.

Jane, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Topanga Homegrown was started in 1988 in a train car in Topanga Canyon, selling local vegetables in baskets on the outside and locally made crafts on the inside. Leslie Carlson was the original owner. We became business partners and reopened Topanga Homegrown in the current location in September of 2000. We no longer sold vegetables but decided to make it a one stop gift and clothing shop for women, men and babies. I am proud to say we were awarded Business the Year in 2004. Since then, Leslie has retired and I have continued the Topanga Homegrown legacy.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Yes for the most part. We survived the recession in 2008 and many close calls with fires in the Canyon. Topanga Canyon was closed in January 2005 with a huge 300 ton boulder that came crashing down on Topanga Canyon Blvd. The shopping center was sold in 2018 and has endured a rent increase, but the never-ending support of our customers keeps us going, even now with COVID-19.

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Topanga Homegrown story. Tell us more about the business.
Topanga is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. We make custom Topanga tee shirts, sweatshirts, candles, soaps, hats, mugs and our number one seller a Topanga Tea towel. We feature many local artists as well as gifts from around the world. We have a unique collection of clothing and accessories for women and men also toys and clothing for babies. We are known as the “go to gift shop” for Topanga Canyon and the surrounding areas. We are a close community business and have enjoyed watching multiple generations shop in our store.

Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
The luck is from or supportive community.

Pricing:

• We start at $1.00 and go up to $1500, from incense to one of a kind items.

Contact Info:

• Address: Topanga Homegrown
  120 South Topanga Canyon Blvd. #102
  Topanga Ca. 90290
• Phone: 310-455-8781
• Email: [email protected]

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