Holly Villamagna
Sierra Vista High School
Class of 2007
We could have copied Holly’s 10-year goals from her A Step Above interview and pasted them right here…which is no surprise, since she is just as determined to meet her ambitions now as she was back then. Not only is Holly an aspiring pediatrician (and we have no doubt she will open her own family practice someday), but she is also a bona fide journalist – another check off of her bucket list – with a degree from the University of Southern California. She’s grown to appreciate the connections she’s made upon moving back to Las Vegas.
Where are you currently living?
I returned to Las Vegas in 2013 after living in Los Angeles and Reno.
What field are you working in and how did you end up doing what you’re doing?
I am a third year medical student at the University of Nevada School of Medicine, and plan to pursue residency training in pediatrics after I graduate in 2015. I have planned on a career in medicine since high school, and have found that I greatly enjoy getting to know patients and educating them about their health.
What achievements/recognitions are you most proud of since graduation?
I graduated from USC in 2011. In addition to my pre-med classes, I completed a bachelor’s degree in print journalism. While medical school was always my ultimate goal, I have always had a passion for journalism and writing and I am extremely proud to have recognized my dream of attending journalism school. I hope to someday pursue medical journalism and writing in addition to practicing medicine.
Are you married? Children? Pets?
Check back in a couple of years. J I am happy to say that my dog Buddy, who appeared in my A Step Above photo, is still doing well and we are enjoying spending more time together this year after I was away at school for so long.
How did growing up in Henderson/Las Vegas have an impact on the person you are today?
I left Las Vegas right after high school graduation, and returning here last year to complete my clinical rotations at UMC have helped me see the city in a new light. I think the most important thing I have learned from attending high school in Las Vegas and later moving back to the city is that, even in a transient area like this, the connections you have with friends, family, and with the community are the most important part of living in any city.
Has your outlook on life and/or work changed since high school? If so, how?
I don’t think my outlook on life and work has changed too much since high school – always do the best you can and treat the people around you well.
How did you feel when you were featured as A Step Above and what kind of feedback did you receive?
I brought my Westie, Buddy, to my A Step Above photo shoot, and probably got more comments about how cute he was than the feature itself, which was totally fine by me!
Favorite Quote to Live By:
“Alice laughed: ‘There’s no use trying,’ she said; ‘one can’t believe impossible things.’
‘I daresay you haven’t had much practice,’ said the Queen. ‘When I was younger, I always did it for half an hour a day. Why, sometimes I’ve believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast.'” – Louis Carroll, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland
Carolyn Linck
Coronado High School
Class of 2007
Although in her A Step Above profile, Carolyn described herself as “shy” and “reserved,” it doesn’t show in her position as a public relations Account Executive at a technology-focused agency in the Bay Area! Maybe it was her experience studying in South Africa, or cheerleading and participating in Greek life at her alma mater, Santa Clara University that brought her out of her shell! Whatever it was, it didn’t shadow her true strength – multi-tasking – as she managed to graduate Magna Cum Laude (with distinction) with two majors and a minor.
Where are you currently living?
I’ve been living in San Francisco since the summer of 2012.
What field are you working in and how did you end up doing what you’re doing?
I work at a global public relations/communications agency, primarily serving technology clients. In college, I double majored in history and communications and knew I wanted a job that involved a lot of writing, critical analysis and interpersonal communications. I found just that after graduating from Santa Clara University in June 2011 when I received my first job offer from a PR agency.
What achievements/recognitions are you most proud of since graduation?
I was extremely fortunate to have an excellent college career while at Santa Clara, filled with opportunities to grow intellectually, personally and spiritually. I’m very proud that I was able to graduate Magna Cum Laude with two majors and a minor in four years – all while holding down an on-campus job, completing an internship, studying abroad in Cape Town, South Africa, participating in Greek Life and representing SCU as a cheerleader. Since starting my professional career, I’ve been able to put everything I learned at Santa Clara into practice, particularly the time management skills I first developed while a student at Coronado High School.
Are you married? Children? Pets?
No – I’m currently single and live with two roommates. While I don’t have pets in San Francisco, I truly love and miss my three dogs, who live with my parents in Henderson.
How did growing up in Henderson/Las Vegas have an impact on the person you are today?
People are always surprised when I tell them I was born and raised in Las Vegas, and I’ve definitely found it to be a good conversation starter. While there are certain aspects of this city that are unquestionably unique, I think my parents would have raised me the way they did whether we were in Henderson or Hong Kong, and I can honestly only thank them and the rest of my family for making me the person I am today.
Has your outlook on life and/or work changed since high school? If so, how?
I think people grow up a lot during their twenties, becoming more independent and gaining a new perspective on the world. Through my studies, the people I’ve met and the places I’ve traveled, I have learned so much. More than any other experience, I think my semester studying abroad in Cape Town truly showed me how big the world is and how narrow my experience in it had been to that point. There are so many people out there with problems and triumphs that I had never even imagined. Seeing those things first hand and developing friendships with people of such different backgrounds definitely changed my worldview forever.
How did you feel when you were featured as A Step Above and what kind of feedback did you receive?
I feel like it’s been so long now, but I can remember being really honored to be chosen for “A Step Above.” Some teachers and adults I knew told me they saw the story and congratulated me, which was really neat. I was – and still am – very grateful to have been profiled by the magazine.
Favorite Quote to Live By:
“For what it’s worth: it’s never too late, or in my case, too early to be whoever you want to be. There’s no time limit, stop whenever you want. You can change or stay the same; there are no rules to this thing. We can make the best or the worst of it. I hope you make the best of it. And I hope you see things that startle you. I hope you feel things you never felt before. I hope you meet people with a different point of view. I hope you live a life you’re proud of. If you find that you’re not, I hope you have the strength to start all over again.” – The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Jordan Mitchell
Silverado High School
Class of 2007
Through his years after high school, Jordan has overcome challenges with the same vigor and passion as when we first met him. From studying and cheerleading at BYU, to overcoming a serious back surgery in order to live out his childhood dream of becoming a fighter pilot for the United States Air Force, Jordan has kept his eye on the prize. He’s currently engaged to be married in August 2014, and counts his hobby of building drones as pets – so he hasn’t lost his sense of humor! Las Vegas has a special place in his heart.
Where are you currently living?
Provo, UT (at BYU)
What field are you working in and how did you end up doing what you’re doing?
I am a student. Majoring in Geospatial Intelligence and minoring in Aerospace Studies at BYU.
- 4.5 years of AFROTC
- 2 year BYU Cheerleading (one year before surgery, and one after back surgery)
- 2 year LDS Mission
What achievements/recognitions are you most proud of since graduation?
I don’t know if I have a single achievement I am most proud of, I am still working to achieve my child hood dream of being a Fighter Pilot in the USAF. I have had many setbacks and trials trying to get to where I want to be. One of the biggest trials was receiving a Pilot Slot from AFROTC to go to pilot training just hours after having back surgery which later disqualified me from the AFROTC program before I even had a chance to recover. I was deemed physically unfit for military service prematurely. I had to push pass that, recover and become strong enough to convince AFROTC that I was physically fit enough. I focused on my childhood dream and in just a matter of months I was back to strength and was medically cleared by the Air Force. I am proud of myself for not giving up even when all the odds were against me. Unfortunately, my fight isn’t over yet, I was clear medically to be an Officer in the Air Force, but due to the force reduction of the Air Force I have been told there isn’t room for me. Many Air Force leaders and friends of mine are working hard on my behalf to get me re-instated and I am grateful for their efforts.
Are you married? Children? Pets?
I’m engaged to Jennifer Lezeu (23 Aug 2014). Do the Drones I made count as pets?
How did growing up in Henderson/Las Vegas have an impact on the person you are today?
Growing up in Vegas had a huge impact on who I am today, from cultivating a desire to serve our country (I went to elementary school near Nellis AFB and watched the jets fly around) to an appreciation of different cultures and people of all walks of life. Las Vegas is a melting pot of cultures and because of that I grew up and made friends with many different kinds of people, from whom I learned how to appreciate the differences in each of us and how everyone has so much to offer. In the various leadership roles I have assumed over the years, I have been able to strengthen the groups I have been with by bringing out the best in each member because I could see how they were different and turn those traits into strength.
Has your outlook on life and/or work changed since high school? If so, how?
While at BYU I have had the chance to study many cultures from around the world. These classes expanded my understanding of what I had learned growing up in Vegas. I have come to look at the world as a very large beautiful place full of wonderful people just striving to get by each day. I still have a great desire to serve and do my part to help other and protect the freedoms and blessings I have been given.
How did you feel when you were featured as A Step Above and what kind of feedback did you receive?
When I was featured as A Step Above, I thought it was pretty cool and I was a bit awe struck because it made me reflect on all the things I had done and the ways I had grown. Before high school I was just this homeschooled boy who wanted to be a fighter pilot one day, but because of that goal worked hard in school, I learned leadership skills, I played sports and I made great friends who taught me so much. I had a blast through high school.
Favorite Quote to Live By:
“Never stop fighting for your dreams.” – Ret. Brig. General Charles Mitchell III, USMC, Grandfather.
Whitney James
Liberty High School
Class of 2007
While maybe not traveling far in miles, Whitney has been through thick and thin since graduation. Through great tragedy and inspirational triumphs, she is standing strong as the owner of a small business, Whitney’s Pawlished Pets Mobile Grooming in Las Vegas. After six years at Petsmart and working for her grooming degree, “Successful Business-Owner” does not top her list of accomplishments. “Mother” to her 10-month-old daughter, Addison, takes first place. After the tragic death of her child’s father seven months into her pregnancy, Whitney finds solace in being the best parent she can be. She gives credit to the Henderson and Las Vegas community for the successful person she is today.
Where are you currently living?
I am currently living in a house in Las Vegas, Nevada… the 89178 zip code.
What field are you working in and how did you end up doing what you’re doing?
I am currently in the pet grooming field. I started as a bather at Petsmart while I was in high school and ended up going to grooming school. I fell deeply in love with the job. I was at PetSmart for six years before deciding to branch out on my own. I cashed out my 401k and started my own business: Whitney’s Pawlished Pets Mobile Grooming.
What achievements/recognitions are you most proud of since graduation?
Being a small business owner is a big achievement that I am very proud of. I have been open two years and currently going very strong. It has been a tough two years and let me tell you, “the struggle is real!” However, with continued support from my family, my amazing clients, a positive attitude and a smile on my face… ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE!
My little girl by far my proudest accomplishment. I am a single mother. My boyfriend died in a motorcycle accident when I was seven months pregnant. That in itself was tough. Giving birth and raising this little miracle is something I can’t even begin to explain. I consider myself truly blessed because I had someone very special taken from me but seems to have been replaced with his twin; in girl form! A blessing for sure. I have an amazing support system that helped me through my healing process, transitioning into a mother, and maintaing a business.
Are you married?
I am currently single.
Children?
I have a Daughter 10 months old Addison Avery Reed
Pets?
Izzy my pound rescue dog
Milkshake and Zoey, my cats
How did growing up in Henderson/Las Vegas have an impact on the person you are today?
Growing up in Henderson/Las Vegas has had a huge impact on the person I am today. I was able to meet the friends I have today. I still maintain so many of those friendships. Working at the Silverado ranch /Eastern Petsmart gave me life and inspiration to do more and branch out. Growing up in the Henderson area also taught me a lot about diversity. I grew up with and have friends from every race, religion, and economic status. I believe it truly helped me to not be judgmental and to just embrace everyone!
Has your outlook on life and/or work changed since high school? If so, how?
No not really. I always said what you put into your school and work is what you get out of it. I feel the same way. I made it a priority to have friends of all races and friends in different cliques. Having a variety of friends exposes me to different activities and makes life interesting. Life’s too short to sweat the small stuff. Smile and take lots of pictures!!! I haven’t changed one bit!!
How did you feel when you were featured as A Step Above and what kind of feedback did you receive?
It was great! It felt great to be recognized for all my hard work. I know a lot if students that were just as great but didn’t get to receive the recognition. I still receive feedback today. Liberty has all of there students featured, hanging up.
Favorite Quote to Live by:
Life is like a camera. Just focus on what’s important, capture the good times, develop from the negatives, and if things don’t turn out – take another shot.
-Unknown
Jennifer Gulbransen-Jensen
Coronado High School
Class of 2005
When we last saw Jennifer, she had received three congressional nominations for entrance into the Air Force Academy to become an aeronautical engineer. After graduating from the Academy (complete with jump wings in sky-diving) she is now married to the love of her life with their black lab, Buddie, and happily living out her dream in Oklahoma. What’s changed since high school? Instead of focusing simply on accomplishments, Jennifer has found that balance and time, with her loved ones and for herself, has become her ultimate goal. She also sees her hometown as a catalyst for her attitude toward life.
Where are you currently living?
Enid, Oklahoma
What field are you working in and how did you end up doing what you’re
doing?
I’m currently a contract specialist at Vance Air Force Base working towards obtaining my contracting warrant. I also have recently entered the Reserves, working as an Officer recruiter for the Air Force Academy.
What achievements/recognitions are you most proud of since graduation?
Graduating from the Air Force Academy is at the top of my list. I graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in Political Science, specializing in U.S. Government. I also had the opportunity to get my jump wings in sky-diving as a student at the Air Force Academy. I am also proud of completing my Masters and receiving a degree in Justice Administration while working full-time.
Are you married? Children? Pets?
I am married to the love of my life, Jacob Jensen. We got married in Dec 2011. We are parents to our amazing black, furry pet-child Buddie. He is a rambunctious, fun, and lovable lab.
How did growing up in Henderson/Las Vegas have an impact on the person you are today?
Growing up in a big city like Vegas teaches you how to be strong and independent, especially as a female. Another huge impact Las Vegas has had on my life is the tremendous diversity you are exposed to in many different forums. That diversity is a huge reason why I have such a passion for learning about and exploring new culture, art, food, and meeting new people.
Has your outlook on life and/or work changed since high school? If so, how?
Yes, my outlook has definitely changed since high school. The difference now is I have a much bigger picture perspective. In high school my world revolved around going to the Air Force Academy and pursuing a career which I thought would be the defining part of my life. However, I realized that it’s not really my job and achievements that make me the most happy. It’s the small things that bring me the most joy like hanging out with my husband, taking my dog for a walk, having time to cook dinner in the evening, getting a workout in after a long day and spending time with friends and family. And when you learn to balance those aspects of your life, that bring you the most joy, with your busy work life, everything seems to go smoother because you are happy and centered.
How did you feel when you were featured as A Step Above and what kind of feedback did you receive?
I was overwhelmed and flattered to be featured in A Step Above. The biggest feedback I received from being featured in A Step Above was how great it was that a magazine was recognizing the dedication and hard work of high-school students.
Favorite Quote to Live By:
Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs even though checkered by failure, than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy nor suffer much because they live in the gray twilight that knows neither victory nor defeat. – Theodore Roosevelt
Riley Marriage
Coronado High School
Class of 2005
Always a lover of (and stickler for) the English language, Riley has moved through a number of interesting jobs to land her perfect fit as a high school English teacher in Newport Beach (she received Teacher of the Year at her previous school in Los Angeles in 2013). From reading to young children as the character Belle from The Beauty and the Beast at Disneyland during her graduate program at the University of Southern California, to an SAT essay scorer, she has consistently stayed true to her interests. Through it all, Riley has kept her sense of humor, pride for her hometown and appreciation for the little things in life.
Where are you currently living?
I recently moved from downtown Los Angeles to Newport Beach, CA. They say God parked his car here on the seventh day, but then they towed it on the eighth.
What field are you working in and how did you end up doing what you’re doing?
Having always had a penchant for literature, learning, and correcting people’s grammar, I received my dual Master’s from USC in Education and Journalism and am currently an intervention/opportunity high school English teacher for Long Beach Unified School District. During grad school I had a variety of interesting jobs, including a gig as Belle at Disneyland and a position as a SAT essay scorer, and each one was a great learning experience for shaping me into the teacher I am today.
What achievements/recognitions are you most proud of since graduation? I’ve been very fortunate to have many great opportunities, such as serving as President for my sorority Kappa Alpha Theta at UNR, receiving a generous scholarship to USC, and then winning New Teacher of the Year 2013 at my school, but honestly, the award I covet the most was being Coronado’s Female Athlete of the Year in 2005. It makes me smile knowing my plaque still hangs in the school’s gym and it’s a great motivational tool to tell my current students how great the school experience can be!
Are you married? Children? Pets?
Due to my last name, I get asked this question three times and have a variety of witty comebacks, but I don’t think there’s enough publishing space to list them…
How did growing up in Henderson/Las Vegas have an impact on the person you are today?
Having worked in both the private and public schooling systems in California, I am constantly amazed and thankful for the extreme quality of education I received in Nevada. I went to Burkholder, Bob Miller, and Coronado and had the most effective and inspiring teachers and coaches throughout my secondary education. I also am remarkably thankful for growing up with Capriotti’s and Port of Subs. The monopoly of Subways in Southern California is a force to be reckoned with.
How did you feel when you were featured as A Step Above and what kind of feedback did you receive?
I remember taking my photo on the track at CHS during one of the worst windstorms of the year and it was hysterical! Dave, the photographer and I kept laughing because we seriously couldn’t even keep our balance in the wind. The front office of Coronado had it on display the month it came out and during that month people at school and in Vons’ would comment on it. It was a pretty special feeling and definitely motivated me to strive for more!
Favorite Quote to Live By:
“Why, sometimes I’ve believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast. “ Lewis Carroll, “Through the Looking Glass and What Alice Found There”
Andrew Hatch
Coronado High School
Class of 2005
From Harvard to Louisiana State University to entrepreneur, Andrew has really come a long way since high school! Andrew was quarterback for both the Harvard and LSU Football teams, playing in 2007 for the LSU football team that won the BCS National Championship. He is currently living in Florida, working with a partner to grow their company that offers SAT and ACT Prep classes and academic consulting for students going through the college entrance exam process. Andrew recognizes the impact of his high school years spent in Henderson on where he is today, and told us he was honored to be the first A Step Above in our beloved magazines!
Where are you currently living?
Naples, FL
What field are you working in and how did you end up doing what you’re doing?
My buddy and I have a company called Bailey Test Prep. We do SAT and ACT Prep classes and academic consulting for students going through the college entrance exam process. I always wanted to do something entrepreneurial and this opportunity presented itself. It has been a great experience so far, and we are in the process of continuing to expand our business throughout the country.
What achievements/recognitions are you most proud of since graduation?
I had the unique opportunity to play football for both LSU (Louisiana State University) and Harvard after high school, and then also one year of baseball during my last year at Harvard. It was a lot of fun. I’ve been fortunate to have had the chance to play sports with a ton of great teammates throughout my life. In 2007 I played for the LSU football team that won the BCS National Championship which was really exciting.
Are you married? Children? Pets?
No
How did growing up in Henderson/Las Vegas have an impact on the person you are today?
I spent my high school years in Henderson so it was a very important time for me. The people I met and the experiences I had while I was there helped set me on my path for the future. I have a lot of great memories from my time there.
Has your outlook on life and/or work changed since high school? If so, how?
I think my outlook on life, like everyone’s, has continued to evolve since I was in high school. We all learn and grow from our experiences, but I’m still just trying to maintain my focus on the people and things that seem most important in life.
How did you feel when you were featured as A Step Above and what kind of feedback did you receive?
I remember feeling very honored that someone would think to include me in that feature. I received a lot of great feedback, which was pretty neat. I specifically remember my math teacher being especially excited because I was holding my math book in the picture that was in the magazine haha.
Favorite Quote to Live By:
I have a lot of favorite quotes that I think about sometimes. I really like some of Winston Churchill’s quotes. I also really like the poem Invictus just to name a few.
Ashish Francis
Coronado High School
Class of 2005
Since graduation Ashish has studied medicine at the University of Nevada, traveled, found love and a home full of support and fun around his family. Not bad for just shy of a decade! Along with four dogs, Ashish lives with his fiancé, Katie, right here in Henderson (wedding date set for May 2014). He found a true passion in the diversity, patient spectrum, versatility and volunteer opportunities available through plastic surgery and plans to become a part of the Southern Nevada medical community in the future.
Where are you currently living?
Henderson, NV
What field are you working in and how did you end up doing what you’re doing?
I am currently in my first year of Plastic Surgery training at University of Nevada School of Medicine Plastic Surgery residency in Las Vegas. I found plastic surgery during the surgery portion of my third year medical school clerkships. I loved the diversity, patient spectrum, and versatility as a surgeon the field allowed me, in addition to the future volunteer opportunities available as a plastic surgeon.
What achievements/recognitions are you most proud of since graduation?
Herz Gold Medal Recipient Spring 2009, Senior Scholar Spring 2009, University of Nevada-Reno Honor Court Inductee, Society of Thoracic Surgery Looking to the Future Scholar, Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Society Inductee, University of Nevada School of Medicine Dean’s Scholar Award
Are you married? Children? Pets?
Currently engaged to Katie Lyons (wedding on May 3, 2014). Between the two of us we have 4 amazing dogs: Lükas (German short-haired pointer), Mia (Australian cattle dog), Louie (Blood hound), Laila (Weimaraner).
How did growing up in Henderson/Las Vegas have an impact on the person you are today?
Henderson is where home is for me. It is probably the biggest reason I chose to stay in the area for my residency training. My fiancée and I both have strong ties to Nevada and hope to be a part of the southern Nevada medical community in the future.
Has your outlook on life and/or work changed since high school? If so, how?
I have had a chance to appreciate the things I once took for granted. Being away from family for college really showed me the tremendous support they can be and the good times there are to be had with them as I grow up. Medicine, through its various opportunities, has shown me how truly fortunate I am to be in such a great profession that touches others in many different ways. Also, my travels to other countries have shown me that there is a brave new world out there, filled with exciting opportunities, adventures, and new cultures and people to meet!
How did you feel when you were featured as A Step Above and what kind of feedback did you receive?
I was honored and humbled. There was an overwhelming amount of positive feedback from everyone around me. It was a great piece and my parents still keep a copy of the magazine stashed away with their prized childhood possessions of my sister and myself.
Favorite Quote to Live By:
“Don’t ask me to leave you and turn back. Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live.” Ruth 1:16
Where Are They Now?
From the inception of the Zip Code Magazines our motto was “Building community one zip at a time” and when we came up with it, we meant it. What we realized from the onset was that building community started with one very basic building block: people. We wanted to create a unique section in our magazine that not only celebrated those “movers and shakers” who were already involved in the community, but also lauded the young people who would, at some point, become stellar members of our city. That’s when we incorporated “A Step Above.” As we reached out to some of our memorable students to see how they’re faring in the real world, we were pleased to see our neighborhood schools have spun off a broad spectrum of impressive, passionate adults. We hope you enjoy catching up with them as much as we did.
Click on the links below to see what they’re up to:
Ashish Francis | Coronado High School, Class of 2005
Andrew Hatch | Coronado High School, Class of 2005
Riley Marriage | Coronado High School, Class of 2005
Jennifer Gulbransen | Coronado High School, Class of 2005
Whitney James | Liberty High School, Class of 2007
Jordan Andrew Mitchell | Silverado High School, Class of 2007
Carolyn Linck | Coronado High School, Class of 2007
Holly Villamagna | Sierra Vista High School, Class of 2007
Emily Wozniak | Coronado High School, Class of 2007
Carter Jones | Coronado High School, Class of 2007
Jessica Buckley | Coronado High School, Class of 2008
Bryce Smith | Sierra Vista High School, Class of 2008
The Downtown Container Park – Where Everyone Has a Story
Strolling through a city block piled three-stories high with repurposed shipping containers – amongst laughing children, chattering adults, live music and the addicting waft of mesquite barbeque – it’s hard to believe we just stepped off the streets of what was once considered a virtual no man’s land. Our first time visiting the new Downtown Container Park at 707 Fremont Street was anything but. The buzz and energy within the 20,000 square feet of boutiques, restaurants, bars and giant tree house (also fashioned from reborn cargo containers) was tangible, and the genuine pleasure of the inhabitants – many of whom are local artisans calling this a “first” location – endearing. The newest addition to the beatnik business mash-up that are the Fremont East and Arts Districts in Downtown Las Vegas caters more to locals, and is a sign of good things to come.
The Secret
I’m not sure how this “new” downtown has managed to collect so much momentum. The generosity of Zappos’ Tony Hsieh and the relocation of the company’s headquarters were unquestionably a good start, but there’s much more to the magic than the boutiques, restaurants or bars in the area. The most refreshing sip I took from the Downtown Container Park was not of a crisp white at Bin 702 (although it was tasty). Rather, it was the energy of people like Bin’s resident “Wine Goddess” Kat, an experienced, yet unpretentious sommelier who took the time to tell us her story, sending us off with a hug despite just meeting us. See, every store we walked into had a tale to tell – its own little quirk –and it’s the people and the stories behind this downtown transformation that truly make it pop.
The Stores and The Stories
The Container Park is a hodgepodge of more than 30 different establishments ranging from art galleries like Blackbird Gallery (www.blackbirdstudioslv.com), to home furnishings to a store dedicated completely to women’s leggings.
BluMarble (www.blumarble.com) was the first store we entered, drawn in by distressed wood crates and the unmistakable air of hipster funky. What we found inside was a pleasant surprise – walls, crates and tables filled with repurposed bottles in the form of glasses, vases, jewelry and more. At first glance the store is a gifter and decorator’s dream filled with artfully flattened wine bottles destined to do double duty as both conversation starter and Brie and cracker platter. Yet a brief chat at the checkout counter uncovers a Matryoshka doll of interesting stories. The co-owners, Jennifer Jordan and Rachel Cohen, were repurposing queens who became both disturbed and inspired by the amount of glass discarded nightly by local casinos, restaurants and events. The pair began “rescuing” the post-drunk misfits to give them new life in the form of something beautiful and reusable. Knowing that each bottle of Grey Goose Vodka-turned-vase has its own story from lone potato to wild bachelor party (and that the bottles saved annually by the business can power a computer for 10 years) brings the store to a whole new level of cool, and fits in perfectly with the old-to-new-again vibe of the park.
On our way down the row of what we effectively forgot were shipping containers (they don’t look much like the real deal after drywall and décor) we were summoned by the smell of jerky. Not your average jerky, mind you, but beef, turkey and even prickly pear cactus vegetarian versions found at JoJo’s Jerky (www.jojosjerky.com). Greeted with a smile and a sample (score!) we discovered JoJo’s namesake happens to be the CTT (Chief Taste Tester) and close family friend of the owner. When he started his taste-testing career, he was just six years old and apparently had quite the distinguished palette, trying every flavor and providing sound feedback for improvement. As a frequent car traveler and self-proclaimed jerky junky, I must say the product was delicious. I was also impressed by the assortment of spiced nuts wrapped in brown paper and innocently (I’m sure) dubbed Nut Sacks, as well as the dry rub assortments sourced from local ingredients.
And so it continued from 702 DTLV (www.702dtlv.com), a First Friday regular co-owned by Melissa – a local wife, mother and jewelry maker with a passion for transforming Downtown Las Vegas – to GabyOlivia (www.gabyoliviaboutique.com), an eclectic boutique named after the daughter of one co-owner and future daughter of the other. Even the giant, fire breathing praying mantis that greets you at the entrance has a story. Just ask around and most everyone will be happy to share it.
At the end of the day the Downtown Container Park is an outdoor mall, but it’s really more than that. It’s an idea that a previously underutilized portion of the city we love can be renovated into a hotspot for art, culture, music and entrepreneurship for visitors AND locals alike. It’s worth a trip to find a new world of local people who are “doing” things.
The “Deets”
Along with shops, the Container Park also boasts a few small (and somewhat pricey), restaurants including Pork & Beans (www.porkmelv.com), Big Ern’s BBQ (www.bigernsbbq.com), Pinches Tacos (www.pinchestacos.com) and Simply Pure (www.chefstaceydougan.com) for our vegan and gluten-free friends. For a local cocktail you can visit The Boozery (www.theboozerylv.com) and Bin702 (www.bin702.com) for fine wine.
A children’s play area with high-tech games and a full-sized tree house fitted with three, adult friendly slides makes the location family-friendly during the day, while a large stage for live music and performances allows for evening fun for the over 21 crowd (the park closes to minors at 9:00pm.)
For more information on the shops, hours of operation and information on renting out the space for events visit www.downtowncontainerpark.com.
