Stories of Resilience Film Premier
Resilience is a superpower. It is the speck of hope deep within our hearts, pushing us to continue in our pursuits. It helps us survive hardship unscathed, almost always transforming us into stronger, willful people. Resilience can turn anyone into a warrior.
City Heights is made up of resilient warriors. Signs of persistent hope are around every corner: the immigrant parents working to provide for their kids; the first-generation college student battling self-doubt and obscurity; the business owner believing in their business prospects.
Throughout the pandemic, business owners in City Heights especially faced seemingly insurmountable challenges. But many of them, believing they could survive, made it through. The pandemic only drove the reemergence of their resilient nature.
CHCDC’s Economic Development team, alongside Pueblo Planning and other partners, united to honor the stories of local business owners. Together, they filmed and produced the film, City Heights: Stories of Resilience, a film highlighting eight local business owners’ stories of overcoming the tribulations of staying in business during a social shutdown.
Among the business owners were Marlyn Gonzalez (owner of Gem Coffee), Lalitibe “Lili” Lare (Lili Kouture), Jesus N. Orozco (The Avenue/Uno Bar), Hang Phan (Hannah Salon), Osob Omar (Meliora Essence), Jaimie Galvez (Hairport by Jaimie), Mai Nguyen (Blush Salon), and Francisco Hernandez (Traxx Accounting). Each offered a piece of their business story, revealing how they navigated an unprecedented pandemic. And while each business owner endured financial limitations, a great majority of the storytelling involved business owners’ newfound appreciation for their services and customers.
The film premiered at El Borrego Restaurant. Guests were greeted with a red carpet and standing portraits of the business owners. Following the grand entrance, guests were met with a fully decorated patio/outdoor theatre. The summer evening set the tone for a mellow yet exciting event.
Before the screening, guests enjoyed a meal and an awards ceremony. El Borrego Restaurant catered the event offering an array of Mexican appetizers and entrees, along with aguas frescas and other beverages. Council President, Sean Elo-Rivera, presented City Heights CDC with the special honor of commemorating June 17 as CHCDC’s 40th Anniversary Day. On behalf of Mayor Todd Gloria, Lucero Maganda presented business owners with an award from the city recognizing their achievement. Lastly, CHCDC recognized business owners’ role in the film and the community by gifting each of them a plaque.
Finally, the moment to present the film arrived. Each business owner’s story began and unfolded under unique circumstances. Tom Bui (CHCDC) and Monique G (Pueblo Planning) interviewed business owners, with most of the film consisting of each entrepreneur sharing either why they began business, what keeps them in business, or what they faced to be where they are today. For Hang, staying in business meant seeking financial support from clients and local resource centers. She found hope and built trust with her clients, allowing her to continue opening her doors. Lili, designer and owner of Lili Kouture, also endured financial constraints. She found purpose in her community, the people who sought her designs and creativity. For Jaimie, opening her business required moving countries and abandoning a nursing career in exchange for a shot at her dreams.
The pandemic neither broke their business nor their hope of seeing their business through. Instead, each business owner demonstrated greater belief in their ability to strive for better, not only for themselves but for those around. There was the common theme of finding friendship in clients, seeking communal support, and valuing one’s customers and employees beyond their dollar value.
In the words of Lili, “If you can survive this [pandemic], you can survive anything.”
The night ended with people exchanging gratitude and sharing praise. This night was certainly special for City Heights business owners, but also their families and the community - their stories inspired the room.
A special thanks to El Borrego Restaurant, audio technicians, and the ED team for hosting this beautiful event!
Photos and writeup by Des Reyes.
All technical assistance is provided through funding by the City of San Diego Community Development Block Grant.