Moonry Collective and its team of eight women have recharted their professional paths by investing in themselves, each other and their hometown of Vista. Christine Alvarado, owner and buyer of Moonry Collective, explained that after most were forced to look for new jobs when their previous spa closed in response to COVID-19, they were inspired to come together and find a new way forward.
“Everything happens for a reason, and so many businesses were forced to close with the pandemic,” said Alvarado.
“The amazing group of caring professionals we have here and the location we have in downtown Vista has truly ended up to be a blessing for us.”
Soon to celebrate its one-year anniversary in November, Moonry’s name is a nod to female entrepreneurship and reinvention, two themes that imbue the business’ décor, vibe, services and gift shop.
“We love our downtown Vista location,” continued Alvarado. “Our clients, many of whom followed us to our Moonry location, tell me how much they love this location and that they schedule their days around appointments here. Customers can grab lunch, walk to neighboring stores, and then they can enjoy a cold beer at one of the nearby breweries. I encourage everyone who comes in to ‘make the loop’ and see all of the other great businesses that are around us downtown. All of the businesses here seem to really complement one another.”
Alvarado noted the significance of owning a business in the same town where she lives. She sees more of her friends and family now while at work than she ever did before.
“I feel so supported here. The town supports us. Our clients are still with us, and I have nothing but wonderful things to say about the City of Vista. They’ve helped us make some great connections.”
Offering full-service spa and salon services with four hair stylists and two aestheticians, Moonry’s location also boasts a full-size giftshop that prioritizes products made by other local, small and women-owned businesses. Alvarado explained, “Whenever we can, we like to highlight other businesses like ours, so we can support each other.”
This follows a greater theme that spreads throughout the City of Vista that can be seen in its new initiative “Vista Made” that focuses on promoting local businesses by promoting them to the Vista community, a task that is not always easy for new small businesses.
“’Vista Made’ is a video campaign that aims to introduce Vista’s exciting businesses to the community,” said Bill Hornung of Vista’s Humble Pie Communications, who works with the City of Vista on the project. “Getting people in your door, browsers to your site can be a big hurdle, especially in the beginning, so we are trying to help with this sub-program of
’Vista is Open’
that launched amid the pandemic.”
One way to help Vista businesses, according to Alvarado, is to shop local and honor the places and people that make Vista unique. “We are all so excited and proud to be part of the Vista business community. As we celebrate our one-year anniversary and look ahead to the holiday season, we are doing all we can to make folks feel completely comfortable to shop with us and make downtown Vista part of their holiday outings. There is lots to do here. We want to help lift up as many people as we can with our space, gifts and services.”
Visit moonrycollective.com to learn more about Moonry’s services and view its online gift store. More details about the City of Vista’s ongoing “Vista is Open” and “Vista Made” campaigns can be found on vistaisopen.com.
