San Diego
Anne Malinoski
MOMpreneurs Mom-led businesses
are working hard to serve the community and keep business going during this time of crisis. Included in our impressive 2020 lineup are moms who launched brands after the birth of a baby, after children left for college and at every stage of parenthood in between. As we celebrate Mother’s Day, draw inspiration from these awesome women and be sure to check out their products and services. There has never been a better time to support small businesses!
Claudia Rodriguez-Biezunski Sew Loka
Claudia Rodriguez-Biezunski’s daughter was only six months old when she and husband Manny opened a sewing studio in heart of the Barrio Logan Arts District. “We feel incredibly grateful to live and work in such a vibrant and active community,” she says. Sew Loka specializes in cosplay and custom sewing projects. It’s a true family operation, where mom, dad and 7-year-old Rose exchange creative ideas. The team’s eye-catching designs earned them a spot in Facebook’s recent “Keep It Local” marketing campaign. Facebook paid for the small business to be advertised on billboards, buses and trolleys throughout the San Diego area—an experience the team describes as “incredibly surreal.” As a small business owner, Rodriguez-Biezunski strives to build a relationship with her customers. “People seek me out for my skills, but they come back for the riveting conversation,” she says. A proud child of hardworking immigrants, Rodriguez-Biezunski was born for entrepreneurship. “My mother’s grit and work ethic are a daily reminder to me that I should never stop hustling or allow negativity to slow me down,” she says. Follow Sew Loka on Instagram @sewloka and visit at www.sewloka.com.
How has COVID-19 impacted the way you’re doing business? In a moment’s notice, most of our appointments were cancelled. Instead of wallowing in fear, our small group of seamstresses has created over 4,500 cotton face masks for the local community. People have dropped off produce and sewing supplies in appreciation. We’re all in this together! – Claudia
18 • SanDiegofamily.com • May 2020
