SAINTFLORA Brick & Mortar Shop

WHO:

I’m Tosha. artist, owner, friend and lover of all things plants. I’m an alumni of California College of the Arts, an educator, foodie, and I’m passionate about creating new modes of connectivity, care, and communication.

WHAT: I’m excited to share that after 1yr & 2 months of hustling out of my apartment, kitchen, studio, SAINTFLORA will have a brick and mortar floral concept shop in downtown Oakland. You may be wondering what I mean when I say “concept shop”. Well… I want to build a space where capital is only relevant because it facilitates care, equity, education, appreciation, and fosters a greater unity thru art and flowers. The plan is to:

• Fund small florist residencies 2-3x/yr
• Host craft workshops/pay artist to teach them 1-2x/mo.
• Facilitate regular community care (flowers for elderly, frontline workers)
• Create a safe space to host and connect Bay Area thought//action leaders 1/mo.
• support local artisans by carrying their goods.
• build additional creative networks across artistic or vocational divides.

WHERE:

The space is a small street level unit in the historic White Building on 15th street. The row of storefronts is occupied by other amazing artists, shop owners, and cultural producers like Pigment Art supply, Eightball skate shop, DREAMFARM commons, and Memory Sign company.

WHEN: September 3rd, 2021 5-8pm official opening party

MUSIC, SNACKS, FREE FLOWERS

WHY: because beauty is not merely ornamental, but an aesthetic necessary for the elevation of our hope, our humanity. And….Flowers are just the thing!

With a tight deadline ahead, I feel confident that the community who helped make SaintFlora possible can make the concept shop a beautiful reality.

The goal is $13,700, these funds will mainly cover:

-first few months of rent as the business adjusts to a new space/creates new logistical framework

-hire contractor fees/building materials

-Interior remodel/build outs that will help optimize space efficiency

-hire painter/interior furniture for the modular office/workshop space

-opening party costs: DJ, food, flowers, print material etc.