IMASALA

IMASALA was created by close friends and business partners, Elena Fong and Naomi Phan-Quang, from a mutual desire to create a retail experience and creative classroom centered on community and supporting small, local business owners. The name “IMA” (Japanese) and “SALA” (Tagalog), both meaning “living room," reflecting the idea of home and serving patrons as family.

Elena is a wife and mother of two with over 20 years of retail/customer service experience. She is also a Down syndrome and disability advocate, and the owner of Min'na, an inclusive children's shop catering to ages 5-12 years of age. Her shop offers a carefully curated selection of stylish clothing, heriloom quality toys, books, arts & crafts, and products for children with disabilities and sensory needs. (Website: www.min-na.com, Instagram: @shop.min_na)

Naomi is a wife and mother of four, with a background in education. Combining her love for photography and curating secondhand treasures she created CLOVE + WHOLE, a studio providing creative content services and a shop of hand-picked vintage housewares, clothing, and restored furnishings. (Website: www.cloveandwhole.com, Instagram: @cloveandwhole).

IMASALA is not only the home to both Min'na and the CLOVE + WHOLE shop but also serves as a collaborative space - highlighting local artists, makers and small business owners through pop ups, workshops and creative classes. These events are to encourage thoughtful consumption and provide a deeper understanding of the vision, artistry and meticulous work that goes into creating products and their contribution to the growth and vitality of the local community. Through their own mental health journeys, Elena and Naomi hope IMASALA is a safe and nurturing space for other mothers and individuals navigating mental health.

Learn about our community focused workshops, pop-ups and events at IMASALA COLLECTIVE