Walk around the corner from the hustle and bustle that is North Park on a given Ray at Night and you will run into Mesh. An Urban retail shop on the corner of 30th and North Park Way. The owner Michael Delgado will offer you a beer and your dog a lap of water from the bowl sitting outside. He will give you a hug and ask if your boyfriend liked the tee he helped you pick out (a seafoam green Art in the Age tee… and yes he loved it) and show you all the new stuff he just recieved in. That’s why I love Mesh. Not only do they boast a great selection of clothing from brands like Paper Denim & Cloth, Fifty24SF, Upper Playground, Perplex & Lola and Blood is the New Black they also have great personalized service. I caught up with Mike via email and asked him a few questions, and when you stop by Ray at Night on Saturday.. don’t forget to wander over to North Park Way and say Hi.
What made you start MESH?
I was getting bored of my old job and wanted to do my own thing after I took a course at San Diego City College on starting your own business.
What was the inspiration behind MESH?
Well, when I was first trying to figure out a concept I wanted to do a mix of apparel and house wares and other small gifts that are influenced by art and music. I’ve since focused a bit more on the apparel lately since that’s my bread and butter. I’ve never had any experience buying before so it has taken me some time to figure out what I think people want.
The lifestyle experience is becoming an increasingly important element in shopping. What’s the key to bringing together fashion, music, and art?
I think it all comes down to events and the people you surround yourself with. I think a lot of my business comes from word of mouth and people that have been to a Ray @ Night event or one of our fundraisers. Most of our events feature an artist, a DJ, a glass of wine and some shopping. Though the idea is not as original as it was a couple years ago I think it’s what SD customers look for…a whole experience.
What music have you been listening to lately?
I’m all over the place. I like all the electro, indie rock remix stuff, but I still listen to a lot of House music and a lot of 80s like INXS and Hall & Oates.
How do you choose brands to put in your store? What do you think you look for in a brand that maybe people don’t know about yet?
I’ve found a bunch of brands that are working pretty well for me so I’m trying not to deviate too far from them at the moment but when the time comes I guess the most important thing is that the product will get a good response from customers for whatever reason. I think the next big trend in company branding is that their product/merchandise is eco friendly. I have one amazing line that is hitting at the end of this month called Sustainable Collective (by Convoy). Besides the fact their line is fashion forward and has some edge it comes from a manufacturer in Costa Mesa whose goal was to have chic clothing that doesn’t pollute the Earth. They use organic cottons and low impact dyes that are less harmful than what most manufacturers are using. Now I’m starting to see more brands doing the same thing and I think it’s great because customers feel good about buying them too.
This is a local spotlight so the question at hand would be – do you carry any local brands?
Sure! Exist 1981 is my fave but we also carry Handguns for Hearts, and accessories from APB, Copper Junction, and Designs by Micha.
You seem to have particular success at North Park’s Ray @ Night. Do you think these events helped promote not only North Park but your shop as well?
Ray @ Night is an amazing artwalk that has been going for over 6 years now! I am very lucky to have that monthly event (every second Saturday) because it’s often people’s first experience in North Park. The timing is perfect; since it’s form 6-10pm it gives people a chance to do something different and check out a bunch of local businesses and artwork and they STILL have plenty of time to attend that big party/club/event downtown, the Beauty Bar, or wherever else the night takes them. There’s been such an explosion of new businesses in North Park but people should be aware that it is nowhere near over! In 6 months there will be twice as many new businesses as more of the old tenants move out/away. I’m stoked because it’s just going to keep getting better. Even in my location on North Park Way–not on the main strip of University– there are some really exciting developments (new dance studio, new restaurants like Urban Solace, and Linkery’s relocation) that are all going to benefit from the Ray @ Night.
Tell us about all of the events you have coming up in October/November.
Ray @ Night is Saturday October 13th from 6-10pm and will feature an opening reception for artist Eric Wixon whose mixed media art will be on display thru November when we feature a new artist. DJ Corey Biggs will be providing the music/entertainment for the evening. Then on Sunday October 21st from 2-6pm all of the North Park retailers will be hosting our second “Pay it FOURward” fundraiser for the Keep a Breast charity. Basically, it’s a boutique walk-a-bout with each store having its own entertainment (trunk shows, live models, raffles, etc) and we all donate a percentage of our daily sales to the charity. Our first one was very successful and I am excited to see how this next one goes. Finally on Thursday November 15th from 7-10pm we will be hosting the final MUSE fashion event at Confidential with Disconnected Salon.
Who is the typical MESH customer?
Unpretentious guys and girls who want a more sophisticated urban look without breaking the bank.
How would you describe your personal style
Jeans and tshirt…everyday!
Any last words?
Come visit me @ 2980 North Park Way SD, CA 92104
or call to see what’s new @ 619.295.5251