We had the good fortune of connecting with Lindsay Dilworth and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lindsay, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?
Since opening the shop in Venice, I’ve been able to get very clear on this! My sole purpose for creating a space to curate beautiful work is so that these makers can be celebrated for what they do, and most importantly, earn a living doing it! I can feel that our ways of consuming are changing, and I think they must. We should collect less “stuff”. We should be intentional about what we bring into our lives. But there will always be a time where we need a gift, or somewhere to put fresh-cut flowers, or the special treat of a beautiful candle or handmade soap, etc. Why not buy that from a neighborhood shop, where the curator is supported for supporting the maker? That is the embodiment of community synergy! Small businesses allow our world to be a more creative, more interesting, more vibrant place. I aim to maintain an environment that fosters this energy, is able to shift and change with the needs of the neighbors and what the makers are creating, and is a place for being present in and enjoying the current moment!

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My shop simply celebrates the work of passionate people! There are many beautiful stores out there, especially in Los Angeles, but each has their own approach and flair, and how fun is that? I’m proud of it in this moment as it is filled with gorgeous things, and I have a lot of new ideas brewing for the coming seasons that I’m also thrilled to put into motion! I think owning a business alone is difficult no matter how lucky your circumstances. I’m leaning more toward collaboration… that’s a big lesson. I want to put ideas together with others and see what comes from that process! I want Venice to know I’m here! That the space is always evolving, and that there’s very exciting newness on my block as well! Come take a stroll on Lincoln Blvd!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would take my bestie to the beach in Malibu and then head up to Topanga Canyon for the day. It’s one of my favorite places to spend a little time. We’d do some shopping or go on a hike and then finish up at Endless Color Pizza! We’d probably spend a day in Venice… I’m obsessed with the coffee program by Hooked Venice at Dudley Market. I’d definitely start the day with a coffee or two from there. Can’t miss Animal House Vintage… a favorite spot for the best curated vintage clothing. I love Superba Food and Bread on Lincoln for lunch or dinner. So delicious. Maybe another day we’d start with a yoga class at Light on Lotus in Mar Vista — my most favorite teacher is Daphne… followed by coffee at Alana’s next door. I also love to make the trek to Echo Park any chance I get to visit the exquisite little magical shop called Solar Return. Beautiful goods and insanely delicious vegan treats. You must go! Maybe a few other stops would be The Apple Pan in Westwood for a burger, and Double Zero in Venice for more pizza, but plant based!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Oh, this is a great question with a long-winded answer… but the condensed version is that my idea wouldn’t even exist without the makers who trust me with hosting their work, and equally without the community who admires it as much as I do. The shop is only one piece of the three-part puzzle. The shop space –> the makers –> the collectors of beautiful things –> picture that in a triangle!

Website: www.altwoodco.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shopaltwood/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ALTWOOD/

Image Credits
Lindsay Dilworth

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