By FresYes Guest Writer Emma Farris

Ever find yourself in need of a beautiful bouquet? I do too, and so I make the trek to the nearest grocery store to purchase the perfect bunch, only to find disappointing, simple bouquets wrapped in crinkled plastic. A couple of wilted petals are standard with these boring, albeit convenient flower arrangements. 

Your quest for an exciting bunch of blooms doesn’t have to come to this tragic end though – not when there’s Flora Flower Cart. Born of her love for gardening and arranging flowers with her dad, Jaeleen Shaw’s mobile flower arranging cart was a labor of love. It was designed by her and a close friend, built by her father and husband, and skyrocketed to popularity in the Central Valley. I can confidently guess that the reason for their sudden rise in fame is the unique experience of customizing your own bouquet. Having total control of which flowers go in your arrangement is rare, and Flora Flower Cart certainly makes it special. 

Jaeleen has been in the flower business for just over a year now and absolutely loves the community’s excitement to support her imaginative concept. In her experience of reaching out to other local businesses, expanding her own, and spreading happiness through her locally grown blossoms, Jaeleen has never seen a more receptive audience. Her favorite thing about Flora Flower Cart’s growth? Meeting new people every day and putting smiles on their faces. 

Because really, who can resist a cart this cute, with a smile that big…it’s like it came straight off of Pinterest! 

Earlier this week Flora Flower Cart made an appearance at the FresYes office, and it certainly brightened our agents’ morning to be greeted by the fun and fresh cart and its wonderfully sweet owner! Seeing all the bright (and unwilted) flowers lined up ready for my picking was the highlight of my day…and you can be sure I took advantage of THAT opportunity. 

Next on Jaeleen’s agenda for Flora Flower Cart is growing the number of deliveries and subscriptions she fulfills. Yes, you read that right. She delivers these amazing bouquets right to your door. Can you imagine what it would be like to have one of these arrangements handed to you every month? I can, and it would be absolutely magical!
If you would like to see more of Jaeleen’s creations and keep up with Flora Flower Cart’s whereabouts, you can follow her on Facebook and Instagram @floraflowercart. To order a special delivery for that special someone (or yourself, I won’t judge) visit her website floraflowercart.com. Wouldn’t it be nice to decorate your home with some of these blooms? I think so.

By FresYes Guest Blogger Gianna Triplett

With August just around the corner, summer vacation has passed its peak. Your kids are getting restless and you are sick of cartoons and Fortnite playing on the TV 24/7. Well, I have just the activity that will allow your kids to pass the time and allow you to finally enjoy an hour or two of quiet around the house for these last few weeks before school starts. 

When you think of most sports, the image that comes to mind is two teams fighting for a ball, running up and down a field, and scoring goals. But not all sports require you to be so active, and one of the best sports for kids to engage in has no contact or running at all, making it a great choice for those who aren’t willing or able to be running around in the heat. Allow me to introduce to you, archery. Now, you might think that putting a bow and arrow in the hands of a 12-year-old might be a bad idea, but trust me, there are many pros to archery and its extensive list of rules that can teach kids many valuable life lessons. 

Here in Fresno, there are many places that offer archery courses and one-day lessons for people of all ages and ability levels. Break the Barriers offers monthly archery classes for people to come and shoot once a week. They have kids-only classes or mixed kids and adults, and all the equipment is provided! There are also two archery shops in Fresno, The Spot and Impact Archery. At these stores, you can purchase equipment as well as try out their ranges, where your kids (and you) can take lessons. Once they learn the ins and outs of archery, they can go to the range anytime for more practice. The Spot is located in West Fresno, while Impact Archery is on Clovis Ave, so there is fun to be had on both sides of town. 

There are multiple rules to the sport of archery that ensure that the sport does not become dangerous, and archers have often found that having to learn and follow these rules has taught them greater life lessons. When shooting in a tournament, for example, archers have certain behavior and dress codes that they have to follow. While other archers are shooting, it is expected that those not shooting are quiet so the shooter can focus; this teaches young archers to respect others and to give each person a chance to shoot their best shot. The tournament dress code is there so archers all look nice and it teaches kids how to dress respectfully and properly for events. These are things that go beyond any sport and help teach young people to be presentable and respectful in everyday life. Imagine if, the next time your child was participating is a group activity, they waited patiently for their turn and were polite when they were done!

If your kids decide they want to continue the sport, there are many programs in Fresno for kids to shoot with other people their age and even compete in tournaments. There are multiple JOAD (Junior Olympic Archery Development) groups in the Central Valley that meet once or twice a week so kids can practice shooting and even collect pins marking their improvement in the sport. Kids also have the chance to travel and compete in archery tournaments around the state. Even though you do not hear about archery very often, there are hundreds of children shooting in California. It is like you’re entering a whole new sporting world you didn’t even know was there. 

Here at FresYes, we love trying new things, it’s the only way to discover new hobbies and occupy our free time (which during the summer we all have way too much of). So next time you have a spare hour after work, grab your kids and head on over to one of Fresno’s archery shops and impress your friends and family with your new skill with a bow and arrow. 

By FresYes Guest Writers Gianna Triplett & Emma Farris

Mid-July truly marks the dog days of summer…and the dead days of Fresno. With the suffocating heat taking its toll on all of us, an escape is much needed. And what’s everyone’s favorite way to cool off? Ice cream, of course! We at FresYes have found the perfect source of chill under the blistering sun: Cherry On Top. 

A mobile ice cream truck providing nostalgic treats and beats to the Fresno area, Cherry On Top began its journey during the summer of last year and since opening for business, they have been bringing cool waves all around town. Remember those slightly creepy, beaten up ice cream trucks from your childhood? Well, it was one of those very mobile ice cream shops that inspired Kelley Menzes to create Cherry On Top. When she realized with disappointment that ice cream trucks aren’t what they used to be, the idea was born to bring back the same ice cream truck experiences she had growing up to today’s kids. 

In order to bring this idea to life, Menzes needed a truck of course. In true local spirit, she drove all around California looking for the perfect mobile, which turned out to be a formidable task. After months of scavenging her native state, she finally saw a basic white truck sitting in an empty field…and bought it immediately! The following months were devoted to renovations and innovations, as the truck, now lovingly named Cherry, became the cutest ride in the city. We’re not the only ones that think so, proven by the fact that Cherry On Top has gathered so many fans in such a short amount of time. The most devoted of fans, the “Cherry Chasers” as Menzes calls them, even follow the truck around town by checking their social media pages to find out where they’ll be. 

We were lucky enough to have Cherry visit our office last week as a surprise for our hard-working agents and staff. It was like a mini block party! With old-school popsicles and remixes of classic tunes floating around the parking lot, there were too many smiles and sweet treats to count despite the midday valley heat. We are so excited to see this local business take off and conquer Fresno!

To keep up with Cherry On Top and all its adventures around the city, or to request a special visit to your own neighborhood, check out their Instagram page @cherryontop559 or on Facebook. We know we’ll be “chasing Cherry” for some delicious treats all summer long!

By FresYes Guest Writer Emma Farris

There’s nothing quite like Old Town Clovis, is there? Its rich history, charming atmosphere, quaint architecture, not to mention the buzzing local-centric community. As a matter of fact, the focus on local businesses is probably my favorite thing about Old Town; and It seems as though I’m not the only one… A group of local artisans was so inspired by the Clovis community, they decided to create a place known as the Foundry Co-Operative. The “Co-Op” as it’s more commonly known, is a labor of love that houses the best craftsmen that the Central Valley has to offer. Art, home goods, jewelry, skincare products, and even food are on constant rotation in the store and it offers a space of maximum independence and creativity for local business owners.

What’s more, every first Saturday of the month, the Foundry hosts pop-up shops for artisans to get more exposure in their community. I grabbed a friend and took a trip to the Foundry building for their July pop-up last weekend, and we were quite impressed with not only the range of products available but the overall atmosphere. Set up like a mini farmer’s market, every open space is filled with locally-made goods all surrounding one huge community table. Just from walking around smelling the hand-made bath bombs and admiring the one-of-a-kind sea glass jewelry pieces, you can feel the kinship and pride radiating from each vendor. 

This month’s pop-up vendors included Casa De Gato Designs, Katie’s Gluten-Free Delights, Letus Garden, and Make Pie Not War, all of which offer unique services like custom art prints, permanent bracelets, and (free!) starter plants for your very own garden. The talent among these vendors was unbelievable! Since these amazing craftsmen don’t have their own brick-and-mortar stores to sell their goods, the pop-up provides a convenient opportunity that we would be lying if we said we didn’t take advantage of. 

Simply selling these goods is not all that the Co-Op does, however. The store also hosts frequent workshops where guests can learn one-on-one with the in-house vendors on how to make their favorite products. From painting and flower arranging to metal stamping and bible journaling, the Co-Op has a workshop for everyone. Their most recent ones include string-art, bath bomb-making, and designing table centerpieces. They all look so fun, based on their social media posts, and I have already signed up for one myself!

The Foundry Cooperative is located at 516 5th St. in Old Town Clovis and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 to 5 if you would like to get a glimpse of this unique collective. We highly encourage you to also check out their workshop and pop-up schedules on their website. You can also follow The Foundry Cooperative on social media to stay up to date with how they are bringing the Clovis community closer together each day.

By FresYes Guest Writer Gianna Triplett

As Fresnans, it is safe to say that we are all very well versed in the summer heat. With July in full swing and with temperatures rising to almost unbearable heights, it’s time for us to start taking some countermeasures against the beating sun.

You could always take a day trip to the beach or up to the lake, but packing gets real stressful real fast and gas is expensive. So why go through all the trouble of leaving town for a crowded beach when Fresno has our own escape right here in the Central Valley: Teazer World Tea Market.

Whether you like sweet drinks or plain black tea, Teazers has an ice-cold drink for everyone. From the infamous “Honolulu” to a lavender earl grey tea, these beverages are just what you need to enjoy and cool off from a long day under the sun; and they just became more accessible to Clovis residents.  

Sierra Vista Mall in Clovis is happy to welcome their newest resident, who is offering cool refreshments for hot and busy shoppers. Teazer’s recently opened their newest location next to Sakura Chaya, fans have been anxiously awaiting the arrival of refreshing iced drinks and quiet air-conditioned place to relax and hang out with friends during the day for months. 

Just like the other locations, the Sierra Vista Teazers not only serves numerous teas and their add-ins, but they also serve an assortment of delicious baked goods. But what makes this location stand out from the others are some upgrades to the seating area and to the service. Tea drinkers are freaking out over the new features that are now being offered at their favorite tea place, which are quickly turning the tea bar into a hotspot for meeting up with friends and sitting down to chat. These features include glass cups and pitchers for a more luxurious dine-in experience as well as a larger seating area which includes an upstairs lounge. 

Having the option of getting your drink in a to-go cup or glass and all the various seating options make customers feel more welcome to sit and drink instead of feeling like they immediately need to leave once they get their drink. The combination of brightly colored walls and art give the building a friendly vibe, Sierra Vista Teazers is great for gathering around your favorite people, drinking your favorite drink. 

Overall, Teazers is a wonderful new addition to Sierra Vista, welcoming many old fans as well as new customers to enjoy a fun day drinking tea and shopping in the nearby stores. Be sure to check it out and when you post your drink on social media use the hashtag #fresyesinsider so we can share!

This piece is courtesy of one of our Fresno State Interns, Victoria Aguilar, who is in the anthropology department. We love working with Victoria and we’re grateful for her view on what’s happening in the Fresno Valley.

Without further adieu, here’s Victoria’s first article!

—-

Did you know Fresno is California’s fifth largest city? With our population size, it comes as no surprise our backyard is full of diversity. In Fresno, the opportunity to explore other cultures also comes the opportunity to explore eclectic goods from each heritage. If you’re seeking to immerse yourself in a special bit of Fresno culture, there’s no better place to start than a weekend at one of Fresno’s open-air markets which have served as a cultural hub for our community for decades.

How much you’ll spend at each market heavily depends on what you are looking for, but if you just want to have a little day of exploration, a bit of food and drink, a single twenty-dollar bill should go a long way for a single person.  Fresno’s swap meets or flea markets, are family friendly as well. Though you can shop on a budget, I will warn you, you’ve got to be ready to dig for treasure to find what you are looking for. (But, that’s half the fun!)

The Fresno Fairgrounds Swap Meet is the second largest and most accessible of locations. The strength of this site is the many food and drink options. You don’t have to walk very far through the fairgrounds to find something tasty to enjoy while you’re browsing. A definite perk is that you can hop over to a food truck with smaller lines if you’re not keen on a long wait. You could also visit one of the vendors for popular street food options like chili mango or a elote, spiced corn on the cob. There is certainly plenty of Mexican candy, street food, pan dulce, and aguas frescas options to be had for small treats before or after lunch. I recommend picking up a refreshing Boba smoothie, a popular Taiwanese drink if you’re shopping during the summer months.  The majority of lots at the fairgrounds will be yard-sale style, but there are also sellers offering clothing, tech goods like phones cases and chargers, and other miscellaneous items with a healthy bit of produce for sale as well. For traditional cultural fair, one can find items particular to Hmong and Central American communities here.

One of my favorite Central American sellers is a friendly old fellow who sells intricately beaded bracelets and necklaces hand-crafted by Michoacán folk artists.  Often the colorful pieces will feature small crocodiles and flowers, images with cultural importance to Central Americans. There are similar sellers who offer leather goods. The most intriguing booth I’ve come across at the Fresno Fair Grounds is that of a friendly Hmong wife and husband team who sell goods related to honey.  At their booth, you’ll find items fit for any self-love diva. When I stopped by, in addition to local honey, they offered beautiful jars of golden pollen recommended to add nutrients and vitamins to a daily wellness smoothie.

If you dedicate a few extra moments to talking with this amicable pair you’ll find they’re happy to share their favorite recipes and recommendations. They also offer large blocks of beeswax and wick bundles which one can use to make one’s own hand-dipped tapered all-natural candles if preferred to the two pre-prepared candle styles the couple offers.  

What I loved about these vendors and their display is they were eager to share bits of their culture in a way that made the shopping experience that much more intimate and memorable. One distinct detail I won’t soon forget is when I selected a single beeswax candle to accent a vintage bedside table, I was told the candles are important implements sometimes used by Hmong shamans in rituals to ward off evil spirits.  

Beyond this lot, there are other Hmong sellers who offer bolts of fabric for traditional Hmong clothing and other applications. Fancy a visit? The likely best day to drop by Fresno Fairgrounds Swap Meet Sunday at mid-morning to early afternoon when most vendors are set up an ready to go. Plenty of vendors also sell on the other days listed below.

Location: 1641 S. Chance Ave., Fresno, CA  93702

Days of Operation: Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday from 6 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Admission: $1.25 on Sunday, Free on Thursday and Saturday

Parking Fee: $5

Sunnyside Swap Meet’s sellers tend to present offerings apropos to this former drive-in theater lot. You’ll find bathrooms, atm’s, pony rides, and food trucks like the other flea markets but if you really felt the little mermaid when she was singing about her cavern of whosits and whatsits galore, Sunnyside Market may be your flea market of choice. Generally, this is the best swap meet to find private sellers who’ve upcycled old trunks into gorgeous bookshelves or wooden barrels into tables. The majority of lots with be yard-sale style, often consisting of vintage and sometimes antique offerings, with a booth or two specifically featuring Americana. This is also the location that is most likely to be a haggler’s delight. Check out the following information to visit the  Sunnyside Swap Meet.

Location: 5440 E Olive Ave, Fresno, CA 93727

Days of Operation: Friday, Saturday, Sunday

Admission: Free

Parking Fee: $3

The Cherry Auction is an impressive open-air market, even at first glance. You can’t miss the location; an expanse of colorful tents tops sits in front of a backdrop of snow-capped mountains. Follow the caravan of vehicles to find your way into the parking lot and make sure to have a few dollars handy or you’re sure to get plenty of singles back when paying the $3 parking fee. If you ever wondered what it might feel like to visit an old-world bazaar, this is the place for you. Sellers call out to customers to visit their wares while crowds of young and old bustle through the shaded rows of colorful goods and aromas of freshly cooked foods waft along with music from various corners of the auction. If you popped into town and wanted to visit one place to stock the entire house including the fridge and the front yard, the sellers at the Cherry Auction would have you covered. You’ll find anything from mattresses, plants, and produce to tech, clothing, and small livestock like bunnies and goats. Even waiting a few minutes in the caravan of cars is worth a trip to the Cherry Auction. It’s open several days a week but I would recommend clearing a Saturday for a proper day of Cherry Auction exploration.

Location: 4640 S. Cherry Ave, Fresno, CA  93706

Days of Operation: Tuesdays, Saturdays 6:30 AM-3:30 PM

Admission: Free

Parking Fee: $3

Have fun!

~Victoria

This piece is courtesy of one of our Fresno State Interns,
Jemimah Barba, who is in the anthropology department. We love working with Jemimah and we’re grateful for her view on what’s happening in the Fresno Valley.

Without further adieu, he’s Jemimah’s first article!

Dulce Upfront has started a project called Royal Jelly, which focuses on DJ networking and skill-sharing for women, girls, and gender non-conforming people. The members of Royal Jelly are professional DJs who have been serving Fresno events for the past year. This project, which was started by Omequetzal Lopez, easily attracts people of all ages. The group holds monthly meet-ups, which serve as a way to workshop DJ techniques, introduce hip-hop to the youth, and ultimately connect local folks to each other through music.

• 

• 

If you aren’t ready to spin your own tracks, you can also catch the electric group performing. Royal Jelly can be seen at Art Hop in front of Daily Market 1418 Fulton. DJ Kase, DJ LXS, DJ Native Earthian, and DJ LUVLETTER, mixing music and starting parties on Fulton Street giving life to the art community of Fresno. The collective continues to thrive by keeping themselves busy organizing events besides Art Hop and the monthly meet-ups. The organization opens the stage to the public for performances that range from dancing, fashion shows, and even to poetry readings. Each time, they focus on different artists to fill up their walls.

Sam Lazcano has been helping with art curation and sometimes even fills up the wall with her own art pieces. The evening is usually hosted by Dayana Sevilla, Ome’s partner, and makes sure everyone gets a chance to show their talents on stage. Outside vendors set up their booths in the street. They often have clothing, crafts, jewelry, prints, and sometimes even books and zines. There is definitely something for everyone during each event. Whether it’s Art Hop, Womxn to Womxn, or their monthly meet-ups, Royal Jelly brings the talent and energy with their own styles.

The collective helps different artists, entrepreneurs, and Fresno’s local youths create a space for themselves. They give amazing opportunities for young people to explore their talents. For example, they mentored, DJ E Money, who has been coming to the Royal Jelly Collective’s monthly meet-ups and even gets one-on-one sessions with DJ Kase. She has been DJing live at events and gets requests to DJ at kid’s parties. The collective has taught DJ E Money to think like an entrepreneur and treat her DJing as a business beyond her enjoyment. DJ Kase, a member of Royal Jelly, says that the DJ community is predominantly male-oriented, making it hard for women DJs to be recognized and get gigs. By creating an empowering collective, DJ Kase believes that Royal Jelly gives them the exposure and the opportunity to hone their talents.

Interested in joining the revolution?

Follow @RoyalJellyCollective on Instagram and catch them performing at 1418 Fulton. Their HQ is located at 617 E Olive where they host their Womxn to Womxn every third Thursday of the month.

See you all there!

-Jemimah