Throughout La Jolla Village and beyond, the business world is changing. New amenities at The Village include fitness facilities and creative spaces, while a jewelry store is closing after 20 years in business.
Let’s take a look at local companies.
new business
SmartFit method
The team at SmartFit Method inaugurated its new Girard Avenue studio.
(J. Dix Photography)
The SmartFit Method, which focuses on working “smarter, not harder,” opened its studio at 7863 Girard Avenue in December. The idea, according to executives, is to use fitness technology, artificial intelligence and adaptive resistance training to complete an hour’s workout in 20 minutes.
“We use technology in all aspects of our lives, but when it comes to health and fitness, the same tools and methods are used in many places as they have been for decades,” said studio co-manager James O’Neill. “Our approach incorporates advanced fitness technology and coaching for an ultra-safe, science-based, effective and efficient workout.”
The machines in the studio adapt to a person’s skills, providing resistance so the user can improve, O’Neill added, and trainers complete monthly 3D scans to show improvement.
“It’s the best workout for anyone over 40,” says O’Neill, because the workouts “incorporate artificial intelligence for customized workouts. You can do more than five hours a week in the gym, and we’ve condensed …through the nectar of focused exercise.”
Chante O’Neill, James’ wife and co-manager, said The Village was chosen for the site because “La Jolla has a group of people who care about their health. They invest in the community and themselves.”
Learn more by email lajolla@smartfitmethod.com.
Sabal swimsuit
While swimwear season is still a few months away, La Jolla resident Hartley Lynn has launched a new swimwear line aimed at women with smaller busts in AA, A and B bra sizes. These swimsuits, called the Sabal, have patent-pending inserts sewn into the top to provide a natural lift.
“I see a gap in the market for swimwear designed for women with small breasts,” Lynn said. “I love my body, but my insecurities get triggered when I’m in a bathing suit. Not because there’s something wrong with me, but because it feels like they were never made for me. They’re always too big, Clumsy or downright unflattering. I’ve tried everything from professional push-up bikinis to fabric liners, but these always create more problems than they solve.”
She founded Sabal last year. Made in Los Angeles, the swimsuits are designed on small-busted models and sold online.to know more informationwww.shopsabal.com.
coming soon
scrubbing brush
With an eye toward opening in March, national creative studio Board & Brush will be located at 7463 Girard Avenue. (behind the DG Wills bookstore) its home.
Run by La Jolla residents Doug Vocelle and Sam Grissom, the studio will offer teacher-led art projects, primarily on wood panels, in the form of home decorations, dinner plates, signs and more. Other items include tote bags, plant pots and doormats.
“Because it’s guided, you don’t need artistic experience,” Vocelle said. “It was a social gathering and a fun experience. [Other Board & Brush locations] Do lots of date nights, girls nights out, meetings with grandparents and grandkids, parents and kids, and corporate team building. …you leave with the log, and leave with the project you created yourself. “
Vocelle and Grissom, both retired from the health field, said they wanted to do something creative and start a business in The Village so they could walk to work and be part of the nearby business community.
Before opening, they are waiting for the liquor license required for all Board & Brush franchise locations.
“There’s a social aspect, because you have to let the project dry, so that’s when someone can have a soda or a drink,” Vocelle said.
to know more information boardandbrush.com/lajolla.
RG accessories
RG Jewelry will be available at Westfield UTC Mall in March.
(Eleventh House)
Also in March, California-based sustainable jewelry brand RG will open at Westfield UTC Mall at 4545 La Jolla Village Drive.
RG was founded in 2014 by Rachel Karcich. All of its jewelry is handcrafted in its Los Angeles studio and partner studios in New England.
“It’s always been a dream of mine to open a store in La Jolla,” Karcic said. “From picturesque cliffsides to beautiful beaches, I am always inspired when I visit. I have no doubt that the La Jolla community values and appreciates our craftsmanship and I am delighted to be opening our third hotel here. branch” (following Los Angeles and San Clemente).
The La Jolla location will offer the signature ready-to-wear jewelry collection, including gold-plated, sterling silver and 14-karat gold necklaces, bracelets, earrings, rings and more, as well as custom pieces and engraving options.
to know more information rgtheshop.com.
new location
After more than 10 years in business at 908 Pearl St., Rada Jiu Jitsu recently moved to a location almost twice as large at 7521 Fay Ave.
“Our location is very small and we wanted to expand to better meet the needs of our students,” said owner Rafael Dallinha. “We found a new location and we finally got an agreement. So now we have a place for parents to rest, whereas before we didn’t have a place for parents, they would congregate outside.”
The new studio also enables Rada to enroll more students in its men’s, women’s and children’s classes.
“We’ve had a lot of friends and students over the years and I’m a surfer so I love it here [and] I really want to stay in La Jolla,” Darinha said. “La Jolla brings it all together. “
to know more information radajiujitsu.com.
close shop
After more than 20 years in business on Prospect Street, Jewels by the Sea will close sometime in the next few months, at which point all inventory will be sold out.
Linda Jalving, the owner and single worker, said she decided to close so she could retire and do “all those things I said I’d do on the road.” The future is now. “
Owning her own store has been a lifelong dream of hers, and “I couldn’t be happier with the decision,” she said. “I love owning and running Jewels by the Sea, but being the only employee is definitely too much.”
Jewels by the Sea at 1237 Prospect St. will have 20 percent to 60 percent off all inventory until closing. Jalving says the jewels in the store include “antique and estate jewellery, fashion jewellery, fine jewellery, and one-of-a-kind jewellery,” as well as other gift items.
“I want to thank all La Jolla regulars and visitors for their support,” Jalving said. “I’ve made a lot of friends in La Jolla, and I want to thank them from the bottom of my heart. They support a small business, and it’s not much smaller than 183 square feet, just me.” ◆