Let’s meet the neighbors: Cocodealers!
Looking for a taste of the real LA? Forget the tourist traps and head straight to the Arts District. This place is buzzing with creativity – you can practically feel it in the air. I love hopping on my bike and just exploring; you never know what hidden gem you'll stumble upon.
Recently, I found myself wandering around the Factory Place Lofts, tucked away off Industrial Street. It's got this awesome, gritty industrial vibe – think exposed brick and high ceilings. It used to be a factory in the 1920s, but now it's a hub for artists, designers, and all sorts of creative entrepreneurs. Plus, Girl & The Goat is just around the corner, which is always a bonus. And, talk about convenient, there's a bike share station right outside!
“I want Sustainability to be fun and come naturally to people, I want them to genuinely like our products as well as the products we carry (cuz we obviously love them) not just sustainability because it’s trendy.” - Julie, Cocodealers
Inside the Lofts, I discovered Cocodealers. Seriously, who knew coconuts could be so versatile? They've got everything from refreshing coconut water (perfect for those hot LA days) to luxurious coconut bath soaks. After a long bike ride, those soaks are a game-changer. I even got to chat with Julie, the founder. Her passion for healthy living was infectious. It's inspiring to see someone turn their passion into a thriving business, and you can tell it's not just about selling a product – it's about sharing a lifestyle.
Q & A
We were immediately drawn to your business because you don’t always come across a business that is focused on selling just coconut products. The only place that comes to mind is the grocery stores, and even then, you blew us away with your variety. What inspired you to go into the business of selling coconut products?
Honestly, it was pretty random, as with all things in my life. Coconuts because when we first started I was working with a coconut brand and we had access to a lot of coconut water so I wanted to do this pop-up thing where we just had one product all the time. But then we came to the conclusion that it wasn’t so much about one product one ingredient as it was about how versatile this one ingredient is and how much it’s already a part of our lives and being able to show that to other people.
We appreciate your business module approach and wanted to get your thoughts on sustainability. What are some ways you have become a sustainable business?
I want sustainability to be fun and come naturally to people, I want people to genuinely like our products as well as the products we carry (cuz we obviously love them) not just sustainability because it’s trendy. I could go on and on about how every part of the coconut can be used and how zero waste it can be, but I’d rather focus on the fun aspect of our brand because fun is what attracts people to try these things n that’s really the first step to making lasting changes. That’s it, that’s our “hidden agenda”, all this fun and chill is to ultimately lure you into a sustainable lifestyle, one biodegradable scrub at a time.
This is a big ask, but would you happen to have any coconut water drink recipes to stay hydrated?
OMG, I so do. So we have a sister business in taiwan, I call ‘em the tea pushers because they’re all about mountain tea. Lately, we’ve been experimenting with coconut tea, which is pretty amazing I just had some the other day. When the rest get here I’ll definitely send you some to try.
What is one place that you’d recommend people check out in Los Angeles to bike?
I would definitely recommend biking around the Arts District because parking is very meh and everything is really close to each other. There’s a bunch of small shops here that are worth checking out and art galleries and murals, especially on weekdays there aren’t many people around you really have a whole street of art to yourself. If there has to be one place specifically, there’s a dome, I think it’s called Wisdome LA? They used to have a really cool art experience/show there, I think they still do. It’s this digital art/presentation projected onto the dome inside and they have big chairs that you can lay down on and just enjoy, get lost in your own thoughts.
How did Covid affect Cocodealers and what is one thing you are looking forward to once the pandemic is over?
I actually don’t know what pre-covid Cocodealers would be like, we started last November so we’re sort of a pandemic baby. One of the challenges we are facing these days though is costs, turnaround times and shipping have skyrocketed. So definitely have to figure that out. But as things open up and we’re going out to markets and getting out there it makes me pretty optimistic about the future of this little business out of what actually is the “garage” of our apartment. At this rate, I’m not sure if the pandemic will ever end, here at least? But we’re coming out of the cave for the first time to Head in the Clouds on Nov 6 & 7th at the Rose Bowl, with the cocodealers of course. So if you're planning to attend the festival, definitely swing by our coco installation and say hi! =) **
As the weather heats up, it becomes increasingly important to stay hydrated. Cocodealers is the one and only coconut dealer that offers unique coconut products to help you stay hydrated and healthy. In addition to their amazing products, they have recently renovated their store front and added patio furniture for customers to relax in before their next adventure. Make sure to check out their website or stop by their store for some amazing coconut deals link to their page!!
Hours of Operation:
Visit them: Mon-Fri 1:30-6pm, Sat 1:30-7pm
**editorial note the Head in the Clouds event has since passed, but please visit Cocodealers website for upcoming events!
