Today we’d like to introduce you to Maureen McBride.
Hi Maureen, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
In January 2000, after a long career in the fashion industry, I happened upon a wonderful shop location for lease in the heart of downtown Manhattan Beach. I was intrigued by the possibilities of what I could bring to the area that didn’t already exist in the community. I’ve always had a passion for new lifestyle trends and hand-curated products. The space got me thinking. I took the next week driving the coast north to San Francisco and south to San Diego, stopping in all the beach communities to see what their mix of business was and seeking to solidify the niche I felt I could fill in my own. Upon returning, I contacted the landlord, explained my vision, and told her I wanted to be open by Mother’s Day, and the rest is history. 24 years later, we are a beloved business offering amazing gifts and essentials curated from around the world.
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 weathered several struggles, from 9/11 to the Great Recession of 2008/09, but none as difficult as the pandemic in 2020. Through them all, I learned so much about how to steady my business, how to reduce costs and mitigate challenges, how much my team sustained and lifted one another, and most of all, how much our community supported us and needed us.
Early on in the pandemic, we were forced to close our business. We had to get creative fast and pivoted to online, curbside pick up, and home drop off. The support we received from our community was enormous. As I watched big box retailers remain open for business, the unfairness to small businesses like mine was frustrating. These national stores sold food, and also hard goods, cosmetics, clothing, shoes, gifts, automotive, etc. Why was it ok for them to remain open for business and not the smaller businesses. After many many weeks of advocating on behalf of our small stores, our city council supported lifting the ordinance to reopen our businesses. Their timely decision and quick response saved many of the smaller businesses in our community.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
As a small business owner and operator for the past 24 years, being involved in our community is paramount both personally and professionally. We are involved in so many ways with our customers, our charitable organizations, schools and more. I am always inspired by the youth in our community and help cultivate their talents and creativity through my involvement in leadership programs. and mentoring. Every holiday season I volunteer my time and product creating beautiful tablescapes and decor for The Sandpipers Holiday Home Tour fundraiser. Monies raised serve the needs of the South Bay community through charitable and philanthropic programs. Due to the popularity of our designs, we offer personally curated elevated dining experiences for parties and special occasions in private homes and in collaboration with local restaurants. I am three times past president of the Downtown Manhattan Beach Business & Professional Organization and currently serve on the Board of Directors. During my 23+ years, I was instrumental in establishing our beloved Famer’s Market 18 years ago; lead and collaborate with a team of talented business owners on branding and marketing initiatives for our downtown, serve on the Manhattan Beach Outdoor Dining Committee and on the Board of Directors of the Manhattan Beach Chamber of Commerce. While I am fully entrenched in our business community, I am also a 25 year resident surrounded by a tremendous circle of friends in the place I love.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
All of the above, just too many to mention specifically. I am a seeker of information and inspiration and find it eveywhere.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.tabularasaessentials.com
- Instagram: tabularasamb
