Ten Entrepreneurs Selected to Move Forward in Calling All Dreamers Competition

(June 13, 2019) – Downtown Sacramento Foundation today announced the ten business concepts selected to move forward in the 2019 Calling All Dreamers retail business competition. The semi-finalists will continue to compete for a downtown storefront and the coveted business start-up package valued at nearly $100,000.

“We’re thrilled with the caliber of applicants this year,” said Valerie Mamone, Business Development Senior Manager of Downtown Sacramento Partnership. “Some very exciting ideas were submitted. We can’t wait to start working with this group to refine their business plans and bring their small businesses dreams to life.”

Semi-finalists will next be paired with local SCORE mentors to refine and prepare their business plans for the next evaluation phase in early July 2019 where the top concepts will move on to the public voting phase of the competition.

The public can learn about the concepts first-hand in the 2nd annual “Dreamers Alley” during Concerts in the Park on Friday, June 28 from 5 to 9 p.m. in Cesar Chavez Plaza where the semi-finalists will display their big ideas. The retailers vying for downtown’s next signature storefront are:

Cerealism – A handcrafted cereal bar open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Laterica Reddix’s Cerealism will feature popular brands as well as limited edition and seasonal cereal favorites from across the globe. With customizable milk and add in options, there’s an endless combination possibility in each bowl.

Co-Creations House of Art – Juna-Rae Sterba designed the modern new art studio to offer unique classes, features and amenities all under one roof. Featuring classes in pottery and canvas painting, glass fusion, clay sculpting and more, Co-Creations House of Art will bring out the artist in everyone.

Custom Bow Ties by Julius – Julius and Marjorie Johnson’s fully customizable, handmade bow ties offer superior design, quality, and value for fashion-forward trendsetters. Designed for every occasion, each bow tie comes with styling tips and a tutorial for how to tie the design.

iMagic Nails – The planned expansion of Elk Grove’s popular iMagic Nails into downtown mixes imagination and magic in a relaxing, luxury spa setting. Patricia Gomez’s salon will offer custom services, including the infamous “Patron pedicure” featuring a unique recipe featuring Patron-tequila.

Leash and Collar – Dog lovers rejoice, George and Patty Castillo’s Leash and Collar will sell unique canine accessories, including bandanas, bow ties, bags, drinkware, CycleDog’s eco-friendly leashes and collars, and more. Not just a retail store, eventually they will work with community partners to also foster dogs for adoption.

Nash & Proper – Sacramento-born chef and co-owner Cecil L. Rhodes II is evolving the popular Nash & Proper food trucks into Sacramento’s first brick and mortar restaurant focused on hot chicken, a fiery fried variety inspired by Nashville’s famous flavor. Putting his own spin on the iconic dish, expect a similar cult following for Sacramento hot chicken.

Now and Zen Acupuncture and Herbal Spa – Inspired by ancient healing traditions, Estella Cervantez and Jennifer Johnston’s traditional, facial rejuvenation and auricular acupuncture, cupping, gua sha, moxibustion, herbal foot baths, medicinal teas, and herbal remedies will maintain health and wellness of the mind, body and soul.

The ClimAxe –The ClimAxe will be a client-focused and result driven sports and entertainment facility providing recreation for adults at affordable prices. Rosendo Rangel and Yasmine Forghani plans for the unique ax-throwing complex include hosting social gatherings and community events.

The Spottery – The paint-your-own-pottery studio by Alejandra Magana and Meagan Lewis will feature locally made ceramics plans to draw kids, adults, and groups to make their own keepsake products from an ever-rotating inventory, from cheese platters to dog bowls. Finished ceramic pieces will also be available for purchase in a curated retail section.

The Ubé Café – The Ubé (‘oo-bae’) Café by Raeselle Lao plans to be Sacramento’s destination for Filipino contemporary desserts. Featuring Ubé, a sweet purple yam with notes of vanilla and a staple ingredient in many Filipino desserts, the quality craftsmanship of Lao and her team can be tasted in each savory bite.

Learn more about each business concept, watch their video pitch and see complete prize package details at CallingAllDreamers.org and join the conversation on social media using #CallingAllDreamers and #DowntownSac.

More than just a retail competition, Calling All Dreamers has driven economic growth in downtown Sacramento for seven years, helping to open 25 businesses, create 30 full-time and 74 part-time jobs, and lease more than 26,000 sq. ft.

The 2019 Calling All Dreamers competition is produced by Downtown Sacramento Partnership and made possible by the generous support of the following program sponsors: Kaiser Permanente, City of Sacramento, Wells Fargo, SMUD, Marquee Media and more. The prize package is made possible with the support of sponsors who continue to be champions for the economic growth of the downtown core: MeringCarson, L2J Interiors, SMP Law Corp and more.

Contact: Emilie Cameron // 916-442-8575