Successfully running a two-decades old business is a definite labor of love. Imagine the horror of having that focus of your life seemingly disappear in a couple of hours.
That’s the unfortunate story for Araceli and Fernando, owners of Thalia’s Jewelry, one of 31 businesses displaced by the conflagration at Mission and 22nd streets almost six months ago.
The industrious couple was determined to get back on their feet as quickly as possible. The family has the dream of owning a home one day, plus there are three daughters to support.
This is complemented by the fact that making jewelry is in Fernando’s blood: he is the third generation of his family to ply the trade, with the others back in Acapulco, Mexico.
MEDA has been working with such businesses as Thalia’s Jewelry since the fire.
All displaced businesses expressed the goal of relocation as soon as possible … and ideally still in the Mission District.
“It takes a long time to build up a clientele when you are a small, community-serving business,” explains MEDA Business Development Program Manager Edwin Rodriguez. “After 20 years in business, you have children of loyal patrons now shopping at the same store. Word-of-mouth advertising is invaluable.”
Such grassroots advertising occurs when shoppers appreciate the product and customer service provided. Araceli and Fernando have definitely built such loyalty. From engagement rings to that everyday gift that comes from the heart, Mission residents had been consistently stopping by the 22nd Street locale in search of the perfect present.
That’s why the good news is that Thalia’s Jewelry is reopening tomorrow, just three-and-a-half blocks from their former commercial space. Still on bustling Mission Street, but now between 24th and 25th, the couple’s wares are once again proudly displayed in the window. The grand reopening is scheduled for 12pm to 2pm.
To show their appreciation for being welcomed back in the community at 2859A Mission Street, Araceli and Fernando are extending a 15 percent discount to all purchases made at the Saturday reopening event. Also, the initial 100 visitors will receive a complimentary cleaning of one piece of jewelry, although nothing will be gleaming as much as these entrepreneurs now back in business serving Mission families.
Thank you very much for the nice report about us and our business 🙂 We feel so happy to be Back To Business!!!!! We are extending our free jewelry cleaning for the month of June 🙂