Inspirational Mom :: Linda Sadeghi of The CAMP and The LAB Anti-Mall

If you are local, you have probably visited The CAMP or The Lab Anti-Mall in Costa Mesa. I had heard about The Lab years ago from my friend who is pretty on top of trends and she and I would visit the shops there a couple times a month – pre-kids! But now with our kids in-tow, we have enjoyed lunch over there as well. I really like that both The CAMP and The LAB offer a variety of shops such as Urband Outfitters and some of the best restaurants in town! My favorite breakfast place, The Old Vine, is located at the backend of The CAMP and I absolutely adore that restaurant. And The SEED: People’s Market offers a variety of merchandise you won’t find elsewhere. They work with local artists and I even did a Penelope reading there a few years back during a weekend event. I had a chance to speak to the creator and owner, Linda Sadeghi, who together with her husband, created these wonderful family-oriented centers.

After 20 years in the apparel trade, husband and wife team, Linda and Shaheen Sadeghi, began their own niche commercial real estate business. Although they cringe at the label “developers”, they have brought their merchandising experience to brick and mortar in the OC with resounding success. The LAB Anti-Mall, now 20 years “young” as well as The CAMP (11 years old) offer the community lifestyle centers energized with live music, gathering areas, seasonal festivals, educational seminars, art walks, and more. New projects are taking form in repurposed historical buildings in Anaheim. Check out: theanaheimpackingdistrict.com and centerstreetanaheim.com

Tell us how the idea to create The Camp and The Lab came about. Do you have plans to open up other locations?

SHAHEEN AND I WORKED IN THE LOCAL APPAREL TRADE FOR 20 YEARS AND REALIZED THERE WAS REALLY NO PLACE FOR OUR CUSTOMERS TO “HANG OUT” IN THE RETAIL SHOPPING WORLD. SO THE LAB ANTI-MALL WAS BORN AND WE HAVE SPECIALIZED IN FINDING AND NURTURING THOSE “LITTLE AMERICAN BUSINESSES” (LAB IS ACRONYM FOR..) THAT ARE THE CORE OF A UNIQUE, ARTISTIC AND STIMULATING ENVIRONMENT. THE CAMP CAME 10 YEARS LATER WHEN WE AS A FAMILY WERE REALIZING THE IMPORTANCE OF HEALTHY LIVING AND BELIEVED A “GREEN” SHOPPING CENTER COULD GATHER IMPORTANT ECO-FRIENDLY SHOPS, VEGAN EATERIES AND IMPORTANT SERVICES FOR LIKE MINDED CUSTOMERS INTERESTED IN SUSTAINABILITY AND PRODUCTS WITH A PURPOSE.

As a busy mom, what tools help you to stay on top of home and work life? How do you (attempt) to balance it all?

COFFEE, ICAL AND A PRIUS, IN THAT ORDER.

Any news you want to share with our lovely dandelion moms?

YES! WE ARE GEARING UP FOR A GRAND OPENING OF OUR PACKING HOUSE, A REPURPOSED HISTORICAL BUILDING IN ANAHEIM, WHICH WILL FEATURE MORE THAN 20 EATERIES INCLUDING A JUICERY, FRESH VEGGIE STAND, BAKERY, MEXICAN, ITALIAN AND INDIAN FOOD, A BUTCHER AND SO MUCH MORE! LIVE MUSIC! FAMILY FRIENDLY WITH AN OUTSIDE URBAN PARK – VERY KID FRIENDLY!

If someone has a dream of opening their own business – what are some suggestions you can offer them.

(1) DON’T BE AFRAID OF WHAT YOU DON’T KNOW. COULD REALLY HELP THAT YOU DON’T KNOW THE “RULES” OF A PARTICULAR INDUSTRY BECAUSE YOU WILL CARVE A FRESH PATH. (2) IF YOU SEE A NEED AND YOU KNOW YOU COULD FILL IT, GO FOR IT. (3) MAKE SURE THAT WHAT YOU’RE DOING IS YOUR PASSION, THAT YOU TRULY LOVE IT, BECAUSE YOU’LL BE AT IT 24/7 AND NO LESS. 🙂