We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Dorit Avganim. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Dorit below.
Dorit, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
Sometimes I think my work ethic comes from the life insecurities I experienced in my youth – housing, food, family. But as I’ve aged (I’ll be 44 in November!), I recognize that my deep sense of purpose-finding and purpose-making aren’t trauma responses, they’re superpowers!
In a recent interview, I was asked what keeps me inspired. And the answer that shot out of my mouth surprised even me! I said that “RESPONSIBILITY” inspires and motivates me more than anything. Responsibility’s to my community by way of hosting privately owned public space, my responsibility to my family in order to create a thriving business that allows us to live comfortably, and my responsibility to the aesthetic and joy-making I’ve made central to my business model keep me working, and working HARD
My parents worked hard, very hard, but this nation is not the meritocracy it claims to be. Their hard work tended to result in more hard work. I knew from a young age that the ethical qualities they applied to work – persistence, determination – wouldn’t be enough. I needed to get creative! And I have!
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
Core to what I do is create a consistent space for people that values their joy and seeks to expand it. I do this in many ways: I run a beautiful shop with accessible goods, I host events in the space for the public, I offer ‘office hours’ to other creatives and entrepreneurs, and am in the planning stages of an incubator initiative called ‘Coming Soon’ which will allow the neighborhood to nominate and vote on another entrepreneur to pop up in my space.
There’s so much more about my past that I think would be interesting and fun forfolks to hear, but there simply isn’t room here!
I’m also proudly and humbly celebrated as one of the best stylists in Philadelphia! My work covers commercial work, marketing, music videos, and even black tie events like award shows and weddings. I also do personal styling and closet edits, helping Everyday folks like myself, find the aesthetic while finding joy in plain dress up! I lovingly guide clients to an outward expression of their best selves – reach out for more details 🙂
Meanwhile, back at the shop!!
At first glance, Manzanita is the Best curated, most beautiful shop in West Philadelphia/university city. Beyond it’s stunning facade, it acts as a free use community space and has hosted more than 35 events in its opening year. Poetry, music, fundraisers and Arts projects, screenings and book launches… the sky’s the limit! As I like to say “ If you have an idea, you have a space at Manzanita”
When you enter its custom green gates, It feels elevated and beautiful, What many relate to as ‘inaccessible’. But with a closer look, folks find the goods prices accessible and the vibes, immaculate!
I call what we sell “Contemporary vintage at comfy prices”. The vintage is never stodgy or romanticizing the past. And the curated wholesale is the best of what’s out there! Showcasing local makers alongside prestigious goods from across the country.
The assembly of items is always fresh, meeting people where they are, and allowing them to bring their most aspirational inner selves OUT.
And that’s only half of it! You have to see it to believe it! So come on in and let me tell you all about
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Early in my journey, my purpose was truly survival. I grew up poor, and when I entered the workforce I had school debt and a family that needed me. I didn’t have the option to show up for myself in many of the ways that I dreamt I could at the time.
Early on though, I had an innate sense of kindness that directed my purpose. Even when I had nothing, I volunteered and gave things away. Even when living in my car, I showed up where I needed to be on time and ready – work, family obligations, friends, whatever! I suppose one could call that determination, but I really think of it as kindness for myself and others. That skill has only grown and developed with time, and I highly recommend that anybody just starting out get their head straight regarding what they want, and how they’re willing to change in order to get it. Don’t ever give up on your kindness!
I also picked up this line from one of my first bosses: treat everyone like they could one day be your boss. Yes, this is surely an extension of kindness, but it also allowed me to position myself as if I could one day be the boss. I’ve always treated those below me, besides me, and ahead of me with the same respect and kindness, and that has served me greatly in my long career.
I’d also recommend identifying the niche or nuanced ways that you are most helpful, and amplify those personal traits! I’m good at organizing big ideas and bringing them to action, so no matter where I’ve worked – a restaurant, a school, a shop, a theater- I’ve always looked for ways to best apply the hard skills I have. Being the most useful I can be is always my directive.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
Right now Manzanita is focused on continuing to increase sales, and amplifying its message of alternative commerce. Manzanita is a place “ You leave with your cup full, even if you didn’t buy a thing” – and this notion of storefront spaces being activated for joy, and allowing that joy and experience to fuel sales is pretty radical.
We are looking for partners who believe in what we’re doing, and can help manifest its expansion! The Coming Soon initiative will put Manzanita on the map in a more policy oriented framework, and partners will help to elevate and expand these ideas!
Our incubator can run at less than $50k a year, so partnering and funding, and backend support for nominated entry-level entrepreneurs will be pivotal to their continued success! Get in on the ground floor of what we’re doing, and be a part of this exciting reimagining of Capitalism
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.manzanita.world
- Instagram: @manzanita.philly
Image Credits
Interior and shop Photos by Lora Reehling courtesy University City District
Photo of Dorit Avganim in her collection by Audrey Eliza
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
