Local Gem Collective Founder Jasmin Martinez displays items available from some of the many vendors at her marketplace. “The atmosphere here is booksy romantic, and it’s a safe space for people,” she says. “It’s very nostalgic and has a lot of feminine energy.”
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Local Gem Collective
Local Gem Collective Founder Jasmin Martinez grew up visiting Old Towne’s antique shops, but never dreamed she’d be able to open her own store just outside of the Plaza one day. Last February, she took a chance and opened Local Gem Collective, a creative studio and marketplace for woman-owned small businesses.
“I’m motivated by and so grateful for all my vendors,” she says. “The relationships I’ve created here in this beautiful space are amazing, and it’s been the most rewarding experience.”
The marketplace now has more than 50 Southern California-based vendors, including candlemakers, sticker designers, jewelry artists and more. Martinez also runs workshops, like a meditative sound bath, and invites creators to host their own events in the space. Next on the calendar is a body healing class, a writing workshop and a pet portrait luggage tag session.
Running Local Gem Collective is a great fit for Martinez, who describes herself as healthily balanced between creative and business-oriented. Before founding the business, she worked at Home Depot for 15 years, from cashier to general manager.
“I never thought I’d leave Home Depot, but I had a health scare that gave me a new perspective on life,” says Martinez. “I signed a one-year lease and expected that to be it, but the collective turned out to be much bigger than I imagined.”
While at Home Depot, Martinez always found time for creative side pursuits. She sold phone cases on her Etsy storefront and eventually held in-person pop-ups on the weekends, and opened a boutique where she sold into Orange County consignment shops.
“I’ve always had the business portion down, but my creative outlets have been a big part of my journey,” says Martinez. “Everything has worked out so well, and I’m very grateful.”
Her leadership has made a significant impact on the small business owners who chose Local Gem Collective as an avenue for selling their creations.
“Jasmin and so many of the other small business owners are so supportive, encouraging and paving the way on how people view and support small businesses now more than ever,” says Ashley Addison, Owner of amarieacreates, who designs “retro modern” stationery, apparel, stickers and more. “The collective has that homey feel because we all treat the space and people like our home.”
For Martinez, the most important part of her job is making sure everyone in the community feels connected and fulfilled.
“It’s so important, especially in our fast-paced society, to find moments for the things and places that bring joy,” she says.
Local Gem Collective
1135 West Chapman Ave., Orange, CA 92868 / 714-589-8093
