January 27, 2022 | Food & Drink Style & Beauty
SHOW OF SUPPORT
Look to these groundbreaking Black-owned Southern California businesses during Black History Month and year-round.
La Casa Azul Design founder Juaneice Munoz PHOTO BY RYAN GARVIN
Altipiano Vineyard & Winery
After serving in the United States Air Force, Denise Clarke became San Diego’s first Black female winemaker. Visit the Escondido vineyard she created with her husband after the 2007 wildfires destroyed their avocado farm and experience a taste of Tuscany with her Italian varietals. The award-winning winemaker, who processes 20 tons of fruit annually, is also available for private tastings, at which visitors can learn about winemaking, food pairings and how to discern the notes in a glass of vino. altipianovineyard.com
Amour Propre
When she found herself unemployed during the pandemic, Tahera Rene Christy launched Amour Propre (“self-love” in French), a Mission Viejo-based wellness and beauty brand inspired by nature, love and positive energy. With her natural, organic and aromatherapeutic products—including skincare treatments, body butters, hand lotions, men’s grooming products, skin oils, candles and more—she hopes to inspire others to practice self-love as well. amourp.com
H.I.M.-istry Naturals founder Darnell Henderson. PHOTO: COURTESY OF H.I.M-ISTRY NATURALS
C | DOBBS
Carol Dobbs began selling her unique fashion designs in her garage, then opened a small store in Corona del Mar in 2013 and expanded to a bigger space, with men’s and women’s clothing, three years later. In 2019, the owner and designer moved into her current boutique in the Corona del Mar Plaza— where she sells everything from striking couture gowns to colorful dresses to stylish sweats, outerwear, handbags, jewelry and menswear. c-dobbs.com
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H.I.M.-istry Naturals
While serving in the United States Navy, Darnell Henderson realized the need for quality men’s skincare when the requirement to shave daily left his skin inflamed. After he returned, he became a licensed skincare specialist and teamed with chemists to develop male-specific treatments. In 2016, Henderson debuted his H.I.M.-istry organic products targeting men’s shaving, acne, dryness and premature aging concerns. The San Diego-based founder’s line of over 30 skincare, bodycare and grooming products just launched at Nordstrom. himistry.com
La Casa Azul Design
Homebody and principal designer Juaneice Munoz founded her interior design service in 2011 so that other people would be able to turn their homes into their favorite places. Her award-winning Ladera Ranch-based company creates chic yet comfortable designs—what she calls “casual luxury”— for clients in Orange County and Los Angeles, and she also sells curated designs on her website. A percent of her proceeds benefits local charities and The Salvation Army, which helped Munoz through her own tough times. lacasaazuldesigns.com
The Comfy Cozy candle from Sharie Hendricks’ Laguna Candles. Photo: BY CLARENCE HENDRICKS
Laguna Candles
When she wanted a cleaner-burning candle for her home, entrepreneur Sharie Hendricks founded this women-owned family business in Laguna Beach in 2003. All candles—from collections like wellness, ceramic, home and nature, plus personalized party favors—are handcrafted using a sustainable, eco-friendly coconut oil and natural soy wax blend. Each fragrance is designed with a master perfumer, and the handblown Heirloom Artisan collection is created with master glass blowers and local Laguna artists. lagunacandles.com
Maya Madsen creates vegan gourmet cookies in San Diego. Photo: BY KINDA ARZON PHOTOGRAPHY
Maya’s Cookies
As a vegan, Maya Madsen couldn’t find the soft-baked gourmet cookies she craved, so she spent years creating her winning egg- and dairy-free recipes and launched her San Diego-based company in 2015. Flavors range from classic to creative—try the Birthday Cake, Snickerdoodle and Chocolate Chip S’mores— and all reflect her travels and experiences. Madsen also curates collections of favorites and holiday-themed cookies—such as the Black History Month collection, out this month. mayascookies.com
Monarch Soap Co.
After serving for 22 years in the Navy, Marisa Morataya began making soap as a hobby—since the harsh chemicals in commercial soaps dried out her skin. Her products were a hit and she founded Monarch—named after the butterflies she loves—in San Diego. Her gentle soaps are made with natural, plant-based ingredients and are palm oil-free and sustainably packaged. Sample scents like lavender, orchid, rose and apple cider, as well as her body butter, lotion and luxury candles. monarchsoapcompany.com
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