THIS IS MY STORY & I’M STICKING TO IT
THE EARLY YEARS
I grew up in El Paso, Texas, in a family where retail was part of everyday life. My grandparents ran shops, my parents worked in fashion, and I learned early on that a store could be more than a place to buy things — it could be a place where relationships are built. In the late 1960s, I left for Los Angeles and joined Fred Segal. Over the next decade, I worked my way up from the sales floor to buying, merchandising, and brand building. By 1978, I was ready to create something of my own, opening my first store at the Fred Segal location on Melrose with a vision for what a modern specialty store could be.
TAKING CARE OF
BUSINESS
From day one, I’ve believed in hiring people who care, selling with integrity, and making sure every product has a story. To me, a store should be an experience — one that’s guided by “Old World Values” and “New World Vision.” That means respecting vendors and customers equally, offering only the best quality, and constantly looking ahead to what’s new, relevant, and exciting.
LAUNCHING A
NEW BRAND
I grew up in El Paso, Texas, in a family where retail was part of everyday life. My grandparents ran shops, my parents worked in fashion, and I learned early on that a store could be more than a place to buy things — it could be a place where relationships are built. In the late 1960s, I left for Los Angeles and joined Fred Segal. Over the next decade, I worked my way up from the sales floor to buying, merchandising, and brand building. By 1978, I was ready to create something of my own, opening my first store at the Fred Segal location on Melrose with a vision for what a modern specialty store could be.
From day one, I’ve believed in hiring people who care, selling with integrity, and making sure every product has a story. To me, a store should be an experience — one that’s guided by “Old World Values” and “New World Vision.” That means respecting vendors and customers equally, offering only the best quality, and constantly looking ahead to what’s new, relevant, and exciting.
CELEBRITY ENCOUNTERS
Along the way, I’ve worked with — and often just shared great conversations with — artists and performers like Stevie Wonder, Madonna, Elton John, Lady Gaga, and many others. These moments weren’t about celebrity status, but about shared creativity, curiosity, and connection.