News » North Park Shop

Opening a small business is tricky and after much real blood, sweat and tears shed by our crew of dedicated builders, our friends and family members that pitched in to help-- WE ARE OPEN! Officially our soft opening was in November for Small Business Saturday. 

Deciding to open in North Park San Diego was a huge move for us.  Coming recently from Oregon we had a bit of adjusting to do. But the community of North Park has rallied and welcomed us.  They really embrace the idea of shopping small and local. 

The store front has a teeeeeeney tiny front door.  Getting the massive shelving in, long planks of white pine for the floors, and the large vintage cooler placed in the back, well...lets just say maybe there were a few more tears shed!  Our front door was removed and the metal shelves were cut down even more.  The old cooler and large antique glass cabinet just squeezed in to barely fit by a hair!  What seemed like miles of Audio speaker wires were placed and speakers mounted since we needed tunes right away! Enameled Vintage Barn lights were sourced and installed in the ceiling, vintage wash boards nailed into the front of the 1800's cash wrap. Everything got a coat or two of paint including my best friend who flew out from Eugene to help us put this shin dig on! 

Everyday curious community and business neighbors walked by the covered windows of our shop, sometimes getting a peek into our open front door.  So much encouragement was given!

We worked on a logo and branding. It took months. Friends, family my sons and daughter put their two cents in and the name Geographie was finally decided over breakfast at the Mission Restaurant down the street from us. Geographie fit since what we love to do is travel and meet people.  Everywhere no matter where we went in our travels there was a sense of history waiting to be shared, a story to tell, the land and the people inspired us.  We wanted to bring that to our little shop...sharing their stories and putting a person and maker behind each well made product.

And here we are....

Geographie was mentioned in Forbes Travel Guide! Read on......

8 Great San Diego Activities Beyond the Beach

"San Diego may be better known for sun, surf and SeaWorld than for its art scene, but there’s plenty of culture in this California beach city ..."

Get Arty in North Park
Along University Avenue at 30th Street, the North Park neighborhood has an emerging art scene and some cool little boutiques. If you’re looking for leather goods or gifts from around the world, stop into Geographie Shop (we’re obsessed with the creative T-shirts from San Diego’s own 'Live A Great Story"

Here is the full Article:

http://blog.forbestravelguide.com/8-great-san-diego-activities-beyond-the-beach

Whew. We started in late September and now we've finally opened for business. The move from Oregon and setting up shop in San Diego has been quite a fun filled but hard working adventure. We've opened our doors in time for the holidays and the reception from our wonderful neighborhood in North Park San Diego has been truly a lovely out pouring of support and encouragement. The Thank-Yous are still going out to all our Oregon friends, our new friends here in North Park San Diego and for the continued support from our on-line friends through this move and transition into our new space.

If you're interested in more Images and more information about the process please visit our Facebook page @GeographieShop.com

Thank you my dear family and friends, you are true rock stars! Even flying out to help...you are awe inspiring.

We made it for our soft opening on Small Business Saturday and had a great showing of support for small business.