Come Together Market, a haven nestled in the heart of Redondo Beach’s Catalina Avenue, is not just a market-place; it’s a movement. Founder Tiffany Gibson, a spirited entrepreneur with an unwavering commitment to her community, envisioned a space that goes beyond common transactions—allowing people to share their passions in one place.
“I wanted to create a market that not only showcased the incredible products of local businesses but also provided a platform for people to come together, share stories and forge connections that extend beyond it,” she shares of the genesis of her dream.
The journey from concept to reality was no easy feat. “When I was 7 years old, my dad and I started making beaded bracelets and necklaces,” recounts Tiffany, who grew up in Hawthorne. “We sold them at local arts and crafts markets. I had so much fun doing this and over the years would come up with several other small business ideas in between working fashion jobs.”
Tiffany studied fashion and merchandising at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising and worked in the fashion arena for 13 years, including stints at well-known brands like Billabong, RVCA, Lira and Rock & Republic. When she became pregnant in 2014 with her first child, she made the bold move to leave her job and create her own brand: Harlow Jade (named after her baby girl).
“With only $400 and my newborn in my arms, I launched the brand,” she says. “I spent eight to 10 hours a day on social media trying to spread the word, asking friends and family to let me borrow their kids for photo shoots and sending free products to influencers.”
Within a few months, Tiffany saw sales and the brand quickly grow. “We made all of our products sustainably and ethically in Los Angeles,” she adds. “We had several celebrity clients, great retail accounts and press.”
Unfortunately, in 2019 her product photos were being used to sell knockoff items on Amazon, and Tiffany could not compete with the pricing. She took a corporate fashion job to help make ends meet, but then COVID-19 hit.
“During COVID as we were all dealing with so much uncertainty, my dad was diagnosed with cancer,” Tiffany shares. “He had just retired one year prior and was looking forward to more time with his grandkids and partner, so this news was quite shocking and heartbreaking. We were all very optimistic and thought he would beat it. He had been through a lot in his life, and he thought this would be one more thing he overcame.”
After undergoing chemo, blood transfusions, radiation and physical therapy, he was approved for a bone marrow transplant but was too weak for surgery. When it became clear that her dad didn’t have much time left, Tiffany decided to leave her job to help care for him. He fought so hard for two years, but his body stopped functioning and he passed away in 2022.
“I have always been so close to my dad,” shares Tiffany, “and losing him in such a brutally hard way has been a challenge.”
Come Together Market was born in late 2022, a few months after her father passed. Tiffany was ready to slowly start working again.
“I had some leftover Harlow Jade inventory and vintage clothing,” she recalls. “I started brainstorming ideas on how to have a local pop-up and thought about putting together a vintage and artisan market. This was right after COVID, so I figured other small businesses and creatives might also need a place to sell their goods.”
After a successful first outing, the market received such positive feedback, Tiffany decided to make it a monthly event. A key pillar of Come Together Market is unwavering support for local businesses. Tiffany believes in the magic that small businesses bring to a community and has curated a diverse array of vendors, ranging from artisans and craftspeople to local food entrepreneurs. This eclectic mix not only adds vibrancy to the market but also ensures that patrons have access to unique, handcrafted products.
Tiffany’s commitment to creating a space that goes beyond commerce has given rise to a haven where people can mingle, share stories and forge connections that last a lifetime. As patrons navigate the vibrant stalls, social interactions can be heard all around. Whether it’s the artisans who share the inspiration behind their creations or the vendors who share the secrets of their vintage finds, the market becomes a living tapestry of human experiences.
With Come Together Market now firmly rooted in the community, Tiffany envisions an even brighter future. She plans to expand the market’s footprint in 2024, providing more local businesses with a platform to thrive.
“In addition to our monthly markets, we will have classes, workshops, community gatherings and more,” she says. “I want to have a place for the community to come together, grow together and create together.”
As we celebrate the success of Come Together Market, we are reminded that in the heart of every thriving community is a visionary like Tiffany unifying others in the spirit of love, connection and shared experience. “We truly are better together,” she says. “I hope to inspire others to follow their dreams and create what they wish existed. We all have a unique gift to offer the world.”
Come and see for yourself and join Come Together Market every second Saturday of the month at 503 S. Catalina Avenue in Redondo Beach.
