An unexpected byproduct of the COVID-19 pandemic has emerged in Isla Vista: small businesses run by local students.
On Monday, Sept. 20, three UC Santa Barbara students could be found drumming up business at Isla Vista’s very own Sea Lookout Park: Daniel Messinger, founder of Daniel’s Bagels; Eric Bower, a fresh fruit peddler on behalf of Burkdoll Farms; and Paige Baldwinson, an artist selling original art prints.
Messinger explained that the pandemic gave many students the time to pursue creative passions and even begin their own businesses. Bower agreed, saying that I.V. presents the perfect opportunity to share one’s products with a supportive community. He added that the reaction from I.V. residents has been “amazing.” To make their products accessible to all, these three business owners accept Venmo.
All three are hopeful to sell again on upcoming weekends.
Businesses setting up at Sea Lookout Park. (Sydney Haupt / Daily Nexus)
Messinger’s bagels begin at $5 and vary from classics such as the everything bagel to inventive business favorites like the rosemary bagel. (Sydney Haupt / Daily Nexus)
Daniel Messinger started Daniel’s Bagels as a neighborhood business in his hometown of Agoura Hills. After expanding across the Los Angeles area throughout the pandemic, Messinger has returned to Isla Vista to share his bagels with the Santa Barbara community. (Sydney Haupt / Daily Nexus)
A rosemary bagel with cream cheese, priced at $6. (Sydney Haupt / Daily Nexus)
Drumming up business. (Sydney Haupt / Daily Nexus)
Bower, an environmental studies major and local fruit expert, sells a seasonal variety of peaches, pluots and grapes from Burkdoll Farms, which is based in Visalia, California. (Sydney Haupt / Daily Nexus)
Bower slices fresh samples for all who stop by. The peaches and pluots pictured begin at $4 per pound. (Sydney Haupt / Daily Nexus)
Bower’s selections also include seasonal “crunchy grapes,” a local favorite. (Sydney Haupt / Daily Nexus)
Baldwinson is currently an art major at UCSB. This is her first time selling prints in a professional setting. (Sydney Haupt / Daily Nexus)
Baldwinson’s prints range from $4-$20. (Sydney Haupt / Daily Nexus)
