Silverlandia is a community based project aimed to promote exploration and growth for small and local businesses in the four neighborhoods of Silverlandia:
Silver Lake, Echo Park, Los Feliz and Atwater Village.

January 18, 2023

Navigating The Silver Lake Flea Market Like an Expert

While first-timers may find a flea market to be an overwhelming emporium of junk, seasoned bargain hunters know better. The Silver Lake flea market has everything you’d find at a shopping mall, plus the low prices you’d expect to find at a garage sale. As lockdown restrictions are lifted, flea markets will hopefully become a regular occurrence once again across the country, so it’s always good to be prepared whenever you decide to go. So, without further ado, here are some tips to help you have a great time and find great deals at the Silver Lake flea market.

Know Your Available Spaces

When shopping for furniture or large items, be sure to measure the available space in your home. There is nothing worse than discovering that after all the looking around, buying, and carrying that apparent perfect piece of furniture, it won’t fit anywhere. A similar thing happens with clothing. At flea markets, it is not possible to try on clothing when shopping for vintage items. Therefore, measure your body or your clothing beforehand in order to make a purchase decision.

Also, measure the trunk of your car ahead of time. That will prevent a headache later on. If you purchase a larger item, you can ask the vendor to hold it for you until a later date. Then you can continue shopping without wasting time carrying items to your vehicle.

Arrive Extra Early… or Not?

This may seem obvious, but it bears repeating: get to the market as soon as possible in order to snag the best deals. There is a reason why the savviest shoppers, including other dealers, tend to arrive at dawn. Getting up early on a Sunday morning can be difficult, but it is somewhat easier during the summer. Keeping hydrated, bringing a hat or sunscreen, and avoiding becoming too cold or too hot are not conducive to savvy flea market marketing.

Alternatively, you can arrive near the end of the day when the market closes. Despite the fact that a lot of the good stuff may have already been purchased, you may get in for free, saving you money for shopping; more importantly, you may also be able to negotiate a great deal. Weary dealers will have had a very long day and may be willing to negotiate on a specific item to avoid having to pack it up again. This can be especially true for larger, bulkier, or more fragile items.

Don’t Be Shy About Asking About A Price If You’re Unsure

Don’t let the fact that something doesn’t have a price stop you from getting it. We’re aware that it is a natural assumption to make that a product will be overpriced if it is of exceptionally high quality. On the other hand, occasionally you’ll strike it rich and acquire something at an extremely low cost. Also, asking about a price is a great way to start a conversation, which leads us to the next point.

Flea Market Bargaining Advice

Like any other skill, haggling requires practice, but the following tips can be helpful: First, smile, remain cordial and optimistic, and make eye contact with the dealer. There is no cause for embarrassment. Second, be respectful. Most vendors aren’t out to rip you off, so offering a couple of bucks for a well-presented item priced at $40 may seem like a smart move, but you may end up offending the seller and scuttling any further negotiation.

Before submitting an offer on an item, determine how much you are willing to pay and work backward. People do business with other people, so making some small talk with the vendor before making an offer can help to create a friendly environment.

Take Your Time

Unless you’re extremely pressed for time, it’s best to do a few rounds of the stalls before making an initial purchase; nothing is more aggravating than spending all your money on lame items early on, only to find a great deal at the end when your money is gone.

Reputation Can Be Important

Consider spending more with a reputable dealer. Unlike car-boot sales, larger flea markets frequently attract full-time vendors with whom you can verify an item’s provenance or obtain an invoice. If in doubt, walk away. Also, keep an eye out for items that are still in their original packaging. Not only is this cool and retro, but it can also increase the value of the item.

Lots of Bags

Because not all vendors provide bags, or because they may only provide small, flimsy ones, you should bring your own sturdy holders to avoid damage or discomfort when carrying your goods around. Some vendors may hold on to your purchases so you don’t have to carry that heavy vase around all day, but it can be very stressful if you get delayed or can’t locate the stand again.

And Finally, Don’t Forget the Cash

Last but not least, this might be the most common piece of advice for flea markets, and for good reason: cash is king. Despite the fact that many vendors now accept credit cards thanks to platforms such as Square and PayPal, you still have the most leverage when paying with cash. In addition, using cash helps you stick to a budget.

Hopefully, this article will help you navigate the Silver Lake Flea Market and pretty much any other flea make like a boss. Be sure to visit our website to learn more about community events and information throughout the entire area.

January 16, 2023

Empowerment in the Silver Lake Area Through Community Support

Communities provide collective spaces for shared identity and solidarity, thereby predicting supportive, prosocial responses. The process of empowerment can be an intricate one, each one with its own desired outcomes of hope, empowerment, and autonomy. For example, the ability to become resilient in a great number of situations is dependent on a number of factors, one of which is having a strong support network composed of people who one likes, respects, and trusts. It doesn’t matter who they are—family members, friends, teachers, religious leaders, neighbours, or peers — the most important thing is that you have a group of people with whom you are comfortable discussing what you are going through and with whom you can receive any necessary support. In this Silverlake news article, we’ll discuss a bit about empowerment through the community.

The Importance of Community

According to the findings of numerous bodies of research, having a social support system can have a beneficial effect on one’s overall mental health, particularly for women, older adults, patients, workers, and students. A survey conducted in 2015 found that the average level of stress experienced by people who had access to emotional support was 5.3 out of 10, whereas the average level of stress experienced by people who did not have access to emotional support was 6.3 out of 10, with 10 representing “a great deal of stress” and 1 representing “little or no stress.”

Benefits of Community Support

If you have a small group of people in your life that you can turn to for advice and support, it will be much easier for you to deal with the challenges you face on a daily basis as well as make challenging decisions in times of crisis. Additionally, there are other benefits, such as:

Overcoming Loneliness

Support from the people you care about can help combat social isolation and loneliness, both of which can put you at a higher risk for a variety of physical and mental health issues, such as high blood pressure, a weakened immune system, anxiety, depression, and a host of other conditions.

How Can I Start Building or Improving My Support System?

If you don’t have a large circle of friends or family to lean on, or if you just don’t know where to begin, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Services, support groups, and other programs may be advertised through local branches of national organizations like charities or event online support groups, as well as through local places like senior and community centres, libraries, immigrant groups, and neighbourhood health clinics. Keep in mind that the people who stand by you may take on a variety of personalities, and constructing a support system is a slow process. These people should reflect the breadth and depth of your ideas and experiences.

Starting to form Connections

Make connections with people who have interests similar to yours. Joining a club, giving your time to a local organization, or enrolling in a class are all great ways to increase your chances of meeting people who share your preferences and passions. Get in touch with family and close friends. A conversation can be started by simply greeting someone or offering to assist with some work.

Search for groups that provide support from peers. Consider becoming a member of a peer support group if you are going through a difficult time in your life. This can help you take care of your mental health and connect you with others who are going through something comparable.

Try Different Approaches

All people have different social support needs, so there is no one-size-fits-all solution. It’s okay if you don’t have a person in your life with whom you can confide absolutely everything. Perhaps you can vent to a coworker about issues at the office and a neighbour about parenting challenges. Keep in mind the various connections available to you for various forms of emotional and mental health. Keep in mind that it’s important to seek out reliable people so that you don’t have to deal with any more disappointing, negative interactions that could make you feel even worse.

Work on Your People Skills

If you’re at a loss for words and don’t know how to break the ice in a social situation, try asking straightforward questions about the other person. If you’re the shy type, it might be easier to break the ice by doing something fun together, like going for a bike ride or taking a knitting class. If you have trouble getting along with other people, you could also see a therapist who specializes in social anxiety and teaching social skills.

Finding Strength in Community

During this process, it is vitally important to prioritize the maintenance of both your physical and mental health. When it comes to taking care of yourself and building a support system around you, the community at Silver Lake is a great way to build community support.

Remember that caring for yourself can assist you in being there for others, just as being there for others can assist you in settling yourself. Some people may need more alone time to interact with others; pay attention to what you need, not what others (including us!) tell you to do.

January 12, 2023

“Causita” is the Cause that Will Stop Your Peruvian Cravings

Located in the heart of Silver Lake, the Peruvian restaurant is about to turn one (it was opened in late 2021). Causita is slang in Peru for “best friends”, and it represents the mix of tradition between Japanese and Peruvian cuisine. The chef Ricardo Zarate “marries the bright vibrant flavors of Peru with the umami and refined culinary styles of Japan”. Let us tell you a little bit more about the restaurant.

Where to Go

The restaurant can be found open at 3709 Sunset Blvd. from 6 until 10 during the week and from 5 to 10:30 on Fridays and Saturdays. Even though the vibe of the place is not too formal, the customers can enjoy the outdoor patio by eating some scallops during sunset.

The menu is divided into four different sections. Abre Bocas and dinner and a drink and a wine list. The “abre-bocas”, which is Spanish for mouth opener, is served during the week from 6 to 7, and lets you order chocolatas clams (not to be confused with chocolate!), nigiri, crispy prawns or “pan con chicharron”, among others.

The rest of the menu is dominated by small dishes, with ceviches and tiraditos, octopus, and crispy rise as the most required plates.

And What About the Drinks?

In Causita, Silver Lake, not everything is about food. They also have sixteen different options of cocktails to offer. Probably the most popular amongst them is the prickly pear, with carved pisco torontel tequila, opuntia, prickly pear, grapefruit, falernum, benedictine, and tonic. This drink is limited to only 2 per guest.

Trust us: If you go to Causita, you will not regret it.

January 8, 2023

Film Festival is Carried Out at Los Feliz Restaurant

Like many other people in Los Angeles, Jon Bangle and Andrew Pack are two hospitality employees who have an interest in the film industry. While working in Messhall Kitchen, a restaurant in Los Feliz, they decided to host a film festival, with shorts created by both the staff and the customers and filmed in the restaurant. Here’s more about the event:

The Idea

Bangle, server, writer and filmmaker and Pack, actor and bartender, are the ones who came up with the idea. They thought that a festival would be a great way of linking both their passions. Once the owner of the restaurant, Anthony Ko, approved the project, it was only a matter of how and when.

They created eight short films that were produced in eight weeks, by staff members and regular customers. Some of the Los Feliz residents involved in the production work in late-night TV or sitcoms like “New Girl” with Hollywood star Zooey Deschanel.

“The aim of the festival is to build a stronger bond between not only the employees but also some of our regulars, and it does build a family-like community”, Pack claims. “Ecstatic” is maybe the best word that even comes close to describing the feeling. This doesn’t happen without the community Messhall has built. There were a lot of yeses that we needed to make this happen, and they just kept on coming”, Bangle adds.

When And Where

The MessHall Film Festival had a premiere event on Nov. 9, with several public showings planned later on, with the 28 and 30th of November as the closest dates. Located at 4500 Los Feliz Boulevard, a special menu is available during the showings, with special drinks and food.

January 7, 2023

How to Grow a Successful Business with the Right Plan of Action

Crafting the perfect business plan is essential for any business looking to achieve maximum success. It provides a roadmap and structure to help you identify and reach your goals.

Therefore, a carefully thought-out plan of action can mean the difference between success and failure. It can help you raise capital, focus on key activities, and develop strategies to ensure your business is on the right track.

With the right business plan, you will have a clear understanding of what needs to be done and how to realize Business Success. It will also help you stay organized, anticipate problems, and make the best decisions for your business.

Crafting the right business plan requires foresight, dedication, and hard work. Using a proper approach, you can create a plan that helps you achieve success in several key areas.

What is a Business Plan?

A business plan is a formal strategy to guide the operations of your business. It is a document that details everything from the mission and vision of your business to the financial forecast.

It provides a detailed description of your business, the industry, your competition, and your financial goals.

A plan is essential for every business, as it acts as an outline to help you succeed. It also includes how much money you will need to start or run your business. Detailing your goals will help you receive funding, gain customers, and make a positive impact in your industry.

Benefits of Having a Business Plan

You’ll discover many advantages when you draw up a plan of action for business success.

1. A business Plan Helps you See the Bigger Picture

A well-written business plan helps you see the bigger picture and identify areas that may need improvement. It will help you understand the current state of your business and what needs to be done to move forward.

2. A Plan Gives you More Clarity on Core Business Issues

A business plan will help you identify the core issues and challenges facing your business. It will also show you how to address certain issues so you can realize positive results.

3. A Business Plan Helps you Make Better Decisions

A well-crafted business plan will help you make better decisions. It will provide you with a clear analysis of the current state of your company, and it will assist you in identifying areas that need to be revitalized.

4. An Action Plan Helps you Identify the Areas for Expansion and Growth.

A business plan will help you identify areas for growth and opportunities for expansion.

5. A Plan Helps you Secure Funding

You can use a business plan to secure funding, whether it comes from a bank, an investor, or a government program. It will help you present your business in the best light.

6. A Plan Helps you Set Realistic and Achievable Goals.

A plan allows you to stay up-to-date on business matters and keeps you on top of your plans.

7. A Plan Helps you Focus Efforts on What Matters Most.

A plan allows you to prioritize activities so you can meet your customer’s expectations and provide the capital needed to stay operational.

8. A Plan Helps you Develop the Right Strategy

How can you develop a strategy without creating a plan? By developing a business plan, you can also strategize how to make the best moves for ongoing success.

Steps to Creating the Perfect Business Plan

Crafting the perfect business plan can be an involved process. However, by using the right approach, you can create a plan that helps you achieve maximum success. To get started, you must do the following:

1. Define your Goals and Objectives

What do you want to achieve with your business? What does business success look like to you? Once you have set your goals and objectives, you can progress with your milestones.

2. Assess the Current State of your Business

Next, you need to examine the current state of your business. What are its strengths and weaknesses? What are the trends in your industry? What are your competitors doing?

Once you know the answers to these questions, you can identify the best ways to improve and grow your business.

3. Create the Desired Results

Next, you’ll need to create specific goals. Ask the following: What do you need to do to improve your business? How much money do you need to start or run your company? How will you reach your target market? What is your marketing strategy?

Components of a Business Plan

A well-executed business plan is made up of various components. Some of these components include the following:

1. An Executive Summary

The executive summary is the first component of a business plan. It is the introduction and overview of the entire document. It should be written in a clear and concise manner so the reader can immediately understand the reason for the plan.

2. Vision and Mission statement

This component of a business plan provides the reader with the purpose of your business. Why are you starting your company? What will your business accomplish? What is its overall goal?

3. Company Description

This part of a business plan provides an overview of your company. It includes information about your company’s products or services, your target market, and your competitors.

4. Industry Analysis

The analysis section provides a capsulation of your industry. It includes information about its size, its trends, and its future outlook.

5. The Marketing Strategy

This part of your action plan includes information about your marketing channels, customer acquisition strategy, and marketing budget.

6. The Operations and Financial Forecast

This section of the plan provides a financial forecast to show how your company will make money. It normally supports a request for funding

7. A Competitive Analysis

Showcasing this type of analysis provides a good way to demonstrate how your competitors operate and how you can surpass them.

Where to Find Templates to Create a Business Plan

To draw up a business plan, you can follow the formats featured on the Small Business Administration website and add details or information that will help you communicate more easily with investors or the public

You can create a traditional, more comprehensive plan or write a lean start-up plan if you want to begin your business right away. This shorter plan can also be revised as you go along or be used if your company’s business model is relatively simple.

Gathering the necessary information

When you are ready to start crafting your business plan, you must first gather the necessary information. It is important to note that the business plan is a fluid document, which means that it will evolve throughout the process.

As you gather more information and make new discoveries, you’ll modify your plan and add more details. Therefore, it’s a good idea to get started right away. The sooner you begin, the sooner you will have a polished product.

There are several ways to gather the necessary data:

1. Perform a SWOT Analysis

SWOT is an acronym that stands for “Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats.” Therefore, a SWOT analysis is designed to analyze these elements of your business. Analyzing your company in this way helps you to develop your business strategy.

2. Conduct market research

Researching the marketplace will help you get acquainted with your target market and the need for your products or services. It will give you a better idea of what, exactly, your customers really want.

3. Perform a financial analysis.

Analyzing financial data gives you an edge when making financial projections for expansion and growth. This also allows you to create a pro forma* income statement and cash flow forecast to show lenders as well.

*A pro forma financial statement represents projections for future costs and revenues, based on a business’s past experiences and future plans.