First up was Caine's Arcade in Boyle Heights. Almost three million YouTube views of the video "Caine's Arcade" has made 9-year-old Caine Monroy a worldwide success and one of L.A.'s youngest new business owners. Tina hung out with the young entrepreneur to get an update on what's happened since the video went viral and, of course, to play his arcade games [Watch video].
Next, Tina went on an L.A. Cash Mob to support local mom and pop shops and small businesses. Lisa Gilmore operates the L.A. Cash Mobs Facebook page, which brings supportive community members together with hard working local businesses. There are three rules to follow when joining a Cash Mob: #1 - Spend at least $20; #2 - Meet at least three people during the Cash Mob; #3 - Have fun!.
Just beneath the Hollywood sign in the City of Angels, Tina found some real angels who make heavenly treats. For over 40 years the cloistered nuns at the Monastery of the Angels have been making handmade gifts. But their sinfully good pumpkin bread and hand dipped chocolates have made these sisters world famous.
In an unassuming storefront in Silver Lake you'll find a little jam company called Sqirl, and these preserves are totally L.A. Their jams, jellies and marmalades are made with produce from family-owned farms that practice sustainable, certified organic methods that are in close proximity to their kitchen in Los Angeles.
Tucked away on a side street in West Hollywood, Tina found Timothy Jay Candles, which produces thousands of deliciously fragranced candles for major stores, hotels and designers. The whole process is of another time; a time when artisans were proud of their work and when finished products were the direct result of hand work rather than machines. Owner and founder, Tim Sullivan, prides himself on that attention to detail and the fact that he also patronizes other L.A.-owned businesses for his supplies.
While we get plenty of sun in Southern California, sometimes you need a little help brightening up your skin. Tina met up with celebrity Melanie Mills, who makes Gleam Body Radiance, which gives skin a shimmery golden glow, right here in a Los Angeles laboratory. Gleam rubs on like lotion, giving a smooth velvet-like finish, and works as a wrinkle-filler, too.
UNIQUE LA is the largest independent design show in the country -- four times a year you can shop directly from over 325 very cool L.A. artists and designers, all under one roof. It's a totally hip shopping experience that puts your dollars right back into our local economy.
TOMS Shoes, which donates a pair of shoes to a kid in need for every pair sold, was started in Santa Monica. Tina visited the headquarters to talk with founder Blake Mycoskie, who shares his idea that doing good can also be good for business.
Stylish men's wear made in L.A., Alex Maine clothing is all about supporting the American economy by manufacturing everything in Los Angeles. Celebrities Ashton Kutcher and Nick Lachey are big fans of the patriotic-inspired clothes that are incredibly comfortable and fashionable.
Looking for a truly personalized "Made in L.A." gift? At Anaheim's Forty Vines Winery, you can create a custom blend of their locally made wines. Once you find your perfect blend, you can bottle and cork your wine and add your own personalized label.
L.A. may not be known for its breweries, but newcomer Golden Road Brewing is trying to change that, and the L.A. market has responded in a big way. Tina visited the Golden Road Brewery & Pub near Glendale, which has become a popular lunch and after-work stop [Watch video].
[Original air date: June 23, 2012]
