I am small business: a personal project

In the months before the Covid-19 pandemic hit, I had been documenting small businesses in Los Angeles. I’ve always been intrigued by Highland Park’s mix of small shops –– water stores, party supply stores, record shops –– that somehow coexist and flourish in this part of the city. These entrepreneurs contribute so much to the local community and economy. I wanted to meet them and document their worlds. When I began shooting this project on York Blvd. and Figueroa St. during the Summer and Fall of 2019, no one could have predicted what was to come. For so many shop owners, the damages have been all too real. I thought this would be a good time to introduce the hard-working people I've had the pleasure of photographing. We all hope our local stores successfully emerge from this crisis.

If you are a small business owner who would like to be photographed, please contact me at (917) 612-7792. I’ll happily get back to you.

#iamsmallbusiness