Lark + Sparrow, by far, has been one of the most exciting projects that we have ever designed. Why? Because we weren’t just designing a brand, we were creating a vibe. Did you know that there is actually a Lark Sparrow bird? We didn’t, until we looked it up when thinking about a bird or two that could represent what we would soon define to become a wine and beer bar with a gourmet food and vintage market in Old Orcutt, California. More on that in a few. 

This concept started while on a road trip in January 2022, the three of us flew into Seattle, Washington (Micaela, Johnna and Starr) we needed something to reignite us and this trip did not disappoint. We rented a car when we landed and for the next 9 days, we drove around Washington and down through Oregon, home to Cali, with many stops on the way and a ton of laughter. We also had a Mexican pharmacy, a trail of skittles wrappers and were on a constant search for mayo (you just had to be there to understand how damn funny this is to us, to this day!). We visited bars, restaurants, coffee houses, bakeries, antique stores, consignment shops, boutiques and practically anything else that was open at the time. 

One of the most inspiring places that we stopped in was Port Townsend, this place was a vibe. It felt like home, it was also community, vision, purpose, warmth and adventure. It was so many more things, feelings and experiences. One of the most memorable vibe places that we visited was a bar called Anchor. You really have to be there to experience it but let’s just say this, it was the little things that made it special. The resin table with a miniature baby doll in it, the art on the walls, the glitter painted bathroom, the employees, the people that were hanging out there, the Siren at the entrance and so on. We knew right then and there that we wanted to create something just as special, but in our own town. This was the day that Lark + Sparrow was born. DOB- January 11th, 2022. 

Back to the bird for a moment, yes there is a Lark Sparrow, one bird that exists, but we each chose a bird that we loved and one that represented us individually, it ended up being two separate birds but really it actually ended up being one, weird, huh?! For Starr, it was a Lark. Larks have always been special to her and a lark is all about travel and adventure, which is sooooo her. At the time, she also had a pop-up vintage store in Santa Ynez called Lark Trading Company and although she was bringing it to a close she was still a lark lover.  The sparrow is about home and community and this is what Micaela and Johnna not only live, but stand for. 

When we returned home, we immediately leased the only space that was for lease in this downtown area that we wanted to make home for L+S. It took almost a year and a ton of stress to bring our dream to fruition. Some days we wanted to walk away, others we couldn’t wait to be open. We recently opened Dec 2, 2022 and let me just say this, we did it! Almost every single patron that walks in says “this place is an escape and it’s a vibe”.

You can check us out L+S on Instagram 

Thank you for stopping by and reading about our dream and vibe, hopefully you gained some inspiration from this short share. 

Lovin the vibe, 

Starr, Micaela & Johnna