State of La Union Newsletter - February 2024
Welcome, dear friends, to another vibrant edition of our newsletter!
As we close out the month of February, we’re recapping all of the exciting things happening with La Union Studio. We’re filled with gratitude for each and every one of you who have contributed to the vibrant tapestry of creativity and collaboration that defines our studio. It was a month of love, not just for romantic gestures, but for the passion we pour into our craft and the bonds we forge along the way. Whether you're a seasoned member or just joining our ranks, know that your presence enriches us all. Let's continue to inspire, support, and uplift one another as we journey through this creative landscape together. Here's to a month of growth, connection, and boundless creativity.
Warmly,
Sonia-Lynn + Sergio Max
Founders of La Union Studio
In This Newsletter…
- Coffee + Pastries with La Union Studio’s Team
- Business Community Ownership Fund (BCOF)
- Announcing Our Second Business: Emblem Skincare
- Client Spotlights: Bao Nguyen and Shannon Carter-Gascon
- Project Spotlight: The Beacon Commences Construction
- Media Features
- ARCAT Detailed Podcast
- UpNUp Network Podcast: “It’s All By Design”
- In the Community
- Collaboration with Gensler
- Connect With Us!
Announcements
First Team Gathering at La Union Studio’s HQ
La Union Studio hosted its first team gathering at our new headquarters this month! The morning was infused with fresh coffee and pastries. As we toured the office, each team member shared their excitement and discussed the diverse projects they are currently working on. We are immensely grateful for the talented individuals within our team and filled with anticipation for the journey that lies ahead.
The BCO Fund
Have you heard about the Business Community Ownership Fund? The BCO Fund allowed La Union Studio to purchase and secure a 1,200 square foot commercial condominium space in the Mount Baker neighborhood to be the permanent home for our studio operations. This could be a reality for you and YOUR business! If you’re also a small business looking to partner with the BCO Fund, submit an interest form using the link below today!
Launch of Our 2nd Business: Emblem Skincare!
We are delighted to announce the launch of our second business: Emblem Skincare. Emblem Skincare is the Pacific Northwest’s newest go-to acne and corrective skincare studio, set to fully open to the public in March 2024. Sonia-Lynn Abenojar is a licensed esthetician in Washington and California. Her dedication to helping customers achieve clear and healthy skin stems from her own journey dealing with skin challenges.
Client Spotlight
Bao Nguyen
Phin Vietnamese Coffee
Bao Nguyen was born in Saigon, Vietnam, a city where coffee courses through all aspects of life. Having been introduced to coffee culture at an early age, he opened Phin Coffee in October 2020 in Seattle's Little Saigon neighborhood, thereby introducing the unique Vietnamese coffee culture. For Bao Nguyen, Phin represents both a connection to his ancestors and a proclamation of his Vietnamese heritage.
Shannon Carter-Gascon
Seven: Thirty Skincare
Shannon is the Founder & Formulator of Seven:Thirty Skincare. She specializes in corrective skincare and has been a California State Board Licensed Esthetician since 2003. Motivated by a lifelong desire to help people alleviate the distress associated with challenged skin, she owns her own skincare clinic. Emblem Skincare exclusively carries Seven Thirty skincare products.
Project Spotlight
The Beacon
We are thrilled to announce that construction at The Beacon has officially begun!
Situated just outside of Seattle's Chinatown International District, The Beacon is a creative space dedicated to producing, performing, and teaching art with a focus on the positive art forms of Hip Hop Culture. In addition to these endeavors, The Beacon offers a range of engaging programs designed to inspire creative expression and promote positive change. These include free youth after-school programs, dance and music classes, and various community events.
La Union has been entrusted with the task of designing a food service program and exploring ways to encapsulate The Beacon's essence in its visual identity, celebrating its craft, culture, and brand. As part of our commitment to supporting small businesses, we are honored to join The Beacon on its transformative journey through our involvement in the Office of Economic Development's Tenant Improvement Grant program.
Press + Media
ARCAT Detailed Podcast
La Union Studio has been featured in ARCAT’s Detailed Podcast. Hosted by Cherise Lakeside, this series showcases architects, engineers, builders, and manufacturers who share their insights and expertise on unique challenges they encounter on the projects they work on.
In this episode, La Union Studio founders, Sergio Max Legon-Talamoni and Sonia-Lynn Abenojar discuss their work on two projects: Baja Bistro and CheBogz Filipino Food. They explore their design process for these restaurants and how they helped them return to the neighborhood to find their permanent spaces after experiencing displacement.
UpNUp Network Podcast
La Union Studio's co-founders, Sergio Max Legon-Talamoni and Sonia-Lynn Abenojar, were recently featured on Episode 107 of the "UpNUp Podcast" in an insightful discussion titled "It's All By Design." In this episode, Sergio and Sonia share their experiences as architects, community partners, and advocates for underrepresented business owners. They delve into La Union Studio's ethos, discussing their passion for design and commitment to empowering communities through architecture.
In the Community
La Union Studio x Gensler Seattle
We are excited to announce the partnership between La Union Studio and the Gensler Seattle, a global design and architecture firm. At the heart of this partnership lies a shared commitment to building community and fostering collaboration. We eagerly anticipate engaging in events hosted by Gensler, where we aim to immerse ourselves in industry trends, broaden our perspectives, and cultivate meaningful relationships within the architectural community. A huge gratitude to Jennie Santoro & the rest of the Gensler Seattle team!
Media Hub
Recent media
