What's in Store: Bliss 101

Note: This is the first in an occasional series profiling members of Encinitas' business community.

Pacific Station may be as urban and modern as it gets in Encinitas, but inside it harbors a tropical paradise.  

The new Bliss 101 is a carefully curated gallery and gift shop that owner Helen Zeldes has instilled with a peaceful tranquility.

“People love to hang out here,” says Zeldes, a longtime Encinitas resident who has owned a similar shop, Global Creations and Interiors, on Oahu for 22 years. “In Hawaii, we say ‘talking story’—they come in and talk, catch up on what’s going on.”

It’s easy to while away the day inside Bliss 101, as it seems like there’s a new discovery waiting to be made every time you turn around. 

Zeldes is a proponent of helping the community, both globally and locally. That means she carries work from regional artists and jewelry designers, for instance, as well as fair trade, sustainable items from such far-flung locales as Tahiti and Samoa. The end result is a visually enticing space where David Lloyd surf art, Polynesian jewelry, coconut wood goblets and furniture made from repurposed Balinese fishing boats all happily coexist to create what Zeldes calls a “stylish, fun, and funky” aesthetic.

Zeldes’ community outreach manifests itself in other ways. A big grand opening party is planned for March 19, with many more events to follow, including fundraisers for local organizations as well as international initiatives such as building schools for girls in Afghanistan. (Zeldes says she has an open call for artists interested in displaying their work at Bliss 101 and for nonprofits who want to partner on benefit events.)

For an inside look at Bliss 101, check out the photo gallery.

Bliss 101 is located at 687 S. Coast Highway 101, #151.  For more information, call 760-487-1900, e-mail info@bliss101.com, or visit bliss101.com.

Street Fair Rides the Rails

In an effort to draw more out-of-towners—but not their cars—to the Encinitas Street Fair on April 9-10, the Downtown Encinitas Mainstreet Association has joined forces with the North County Transit District. Two-for-one Coaster fares will be offered both days, and there will be a special train schedule on April 10 for fair attendees. For more information, visit gonctd.com or encinitas101.com.