"At this colorful corner store in North Park, Mexican handicrafts reign supreme. Pick up such gifts as hand-embroidered pillows and table runners, hand-painted wooden stools, glassware, and rainbow huaraches. This wholly original store is the brainchild of Elexia de la Parra, who grew up in Tijuana, studied culinary arts in San Diego, and then globetrotted a bit before turning her passions into a business. Her goal was to create a shop that both celebrated Mexico’s vibrant artisanal culture and supported its makers—a percentage of each sale is donated to an organization that provides no-interest loans to female entrepreneurs in Oaxaca. When de la Parra’s not at the shop, she’s leading trips to Oaxaca and San Miguel de Allende for lovers of market tours, cooking classes, and artisans’ studios. Dubbed Eat Drink Cook Mexico, the forays double as treasure hunts for her shop. Pro tip: Before you visit, check Artelexia’s events calendar for evening crafting workshops."
