Today we’d like to introduce you to Shannon Smith.
Shannon, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I became sole owner of the Cave Store in 2016. Originally, I had a small shop inside of the store selling my own jewelry which eventually grew into souvenir jewelry. After I took ownership, I updated the gift and shell area and we now have the busiest venue in La Jolla Village, we have grown so much recently that I finally have had time to get back to handmade jewelry which is now featured prominently in the store. I also have a website lulumars.com which was the name of my original jewelry line. The site features sterling silver jewelry with a sea/beach theme.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Taking over an icon is challenging. The community cherishes the Cave Store. We have already made the building a designated historic site so it will always remain in the land. I did need to do a lot of work on the building such as replacing all the wood shingles on the outside and some beam repair on the inside. The biggest challenge was repair and upgrade of the steps leading into the Cave. After trying to work with contractors my handyman and I consulted with professionals in the industry and found the best way to replace worn steps for safety. It is an ongoing process. I also had to consult with legal professionals to come up with a waiver which had not yet been in place. Covid created unique challenges, but I managed to stay open by using reservation systems which kept everyone safe.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I love to run my business with the idea that it is a creative collective as well as a tourist destination and historical site. My staff are highly creative. They contribute to the inventory with their own art. I give all artists an opportunity to show and sell their work at the store. We have built a reputation as the best place in La Jolla Village to buy sterling silver jewelry. We now have both low-end and high-end gifts. We have a studio where we make the beaded pearl and abalone jewelry. Next year we are partnering with a local art gallery for shows of local artists in off hours. I am on the board of Friends of Coast Walk Trail. Coast walk is an historic trail which runs on the top of the bluff. There are 7 sea caves at sea level and the trail is walked by thousands of people each year. Friends of Coast Walk Trail has rehabilitated the trail over the last 10 years and made it sustainable and replaced the native plants. We have created a legacy wall on the fence surrounding the garden of my building for anyone who wants to contribute to the trail to have a bronze plaque with their name or name of family etc. It has created a community that is vital and growing in order to raise funds to keep the unique and beautiful landscape intact for years to come.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
When I first started running the whole show at the Cave Store, I consulted with other business professionals on advisement of the best way forward. The advice I received was solid but did not work for me. The more I moved forward the more I felt that I had to do things the way I saw fit. I went through 2 staff changes since Covid, and I use my intuition and critical thinking to create an environment where we all feel we are a part of the magic that is palpable at our site. From believing in my own vision and taking risks and by doing things unconventionally, I have come to be able to work with like-minded individuals who truly love their work. It has paid off in spades!
Pricing:
- $10 for adults
- $6 for youth (3-17)
Contact Info:
- Website: Cavestore.com. / Lulumars.com
- Instagram: thecavestore / lulumarsjewelry
- Facebook: The Cave Store / Lulumars Jewelry
Image Credits
Lulumars studio
