In a unique move that blends both business acumen and personal commitment, Mel Eligon and Austin McManus have opened their new store, Public Land, in San Francisco without having established a residence in the city.
For the initial weeks since their opening on June 21, the couple, along with their young daughter, stayed at friends’ homes in San Francisco for four days a week while commuting back to their Sacramento home on non-working days.
The duo has since adapted their schedule, alternating between managing the store and caring for their five-year-old in Sacramento, all in the name of nurturing a business that reflects their shared love for natural landscapes and artisanal craftsmanship.
The name ‘Public Land’ is a nod to their passion for camping in often untouched outdoor spaces, such as the Mojave Desert.
This is not their first venture into retail—Eligon and McManus previously opened the original Public Land location in Sacramento in 2018.
While they dedicate their efforts to the new San Francisco store, the Sacramento branch is maintained by long-time employees, allowing both owners to focus on expanding their brand in a new city.
Before delving into entrepreneurship, Eligon and McManus transitioned from creative roles in Los Angeles, where Eligon worked in fashion and McManus was involved in photography and magazine work.
The desire to create something uniquely their own became the driving force behind their decision to open Public Land, as they sought to escape the dissatisfaction of working under others.
Their move to Sacramento was somewhat spontaneous, yet it laid the groundwork for their business when they identified a gap in the market for eclectic gift shops that offered unique, artisanal items.
The first Public Land in Sacramento leans heavily into plant offerings alongside homeware and art, whereas the new location on Clement Street places a greater emphasis on home goods while maintaining the core mission of celebrating the natural world.
“I was inspired by spaces that you walk in, you’re like, wow, ‘what’s the story behind this?’” McManus shared, reflecting their vision for a boutique that evokes curiosity and appreciation.
Both owners have strong ties to San Francisco—McManus has lived in the city for twelve years, while Eligon spent six years there.
Their goal to re-establish roots in the city is twofold: to reconnect with the local art community while providing their daughter with a rich environment full of art and culture.
The formation of their San Francisco location came about serendipitously through McManus’s friend, Jamie Alexander, who previously operated the Parklife store in the same space.
After Alexander agreed to transfer the lease, Eligon expressed her appreciation for the Inner Richmond neighborhood, noting that it has been a supportive environment for their endeavor.
Public Land differentiates itself by avoiding what Eligon describes as the “grocery store effect,” which often inundates customers with an overwhelming number of choices.
Instead, the store is selective in what it offers, prioritizing quality over quantity, which fosters a unique shopping experience.
Despite their limited square footage, the layout ensures that each product stands out, from the decorative pots placed on the floor to the homeware displayed higher up.
One striking feature of the store is a Southern California-grown tree positioned in the center of the space, surrounded by a custom circular display of various home goods and candles.
Eligon emphasizes the uniqueness of their merchandise: “To my current knowledge, nothing that I sell here is sold in any of the other stores on the street.”
This aspect is central to their ethos of maintaining a specialty boutique that offers products that are significant to them and their community.
Intentional sourcing also plays a crucial role in their business model, as much of the inventory comes from artists they personally support—many of whom are friends.
A notable example includes a collaboration with the co-founder of Rose, a brand specializing in CBD and THC edibles, described by McManus as offering “a fine dining experience for gummies” with intriguing flavors like Apple Ume Ginger and Deep Sleep.
Moreover, an environmental consciousness underpins their product selection, with a commitment to offering items that are sustainably sourced or created.
They pride themselves on their product knowledge, enabling them to provide tailored advice and suggestions to customers.
Though they are largely self-taught plant enthusiasts, they have gained substantial knowledge through their involvement with a cactus and succulent society in Sacramento and McManus’s internship with a University of California at Davis professor.
Xerophytic plants, particularly cacti and succulents, are particularly favored by their clientele, prompting many to seek guidance on watering practices and care techniques.
During a recent Friday, McManus happened to field inquiries from an interested customer about a specific plant, sharing insights on how to care for it: “It’s a slow grower that does best in minimal light,” he advised, lightheartedly adding, “As long as it’s alive, it’s good.”
So far, the busiest day for Public Land has been Sunday, likely due to foot traffic from the nearby Clement Street Farmers Market, where crowds can number 50 to 60 people per hour during market hours.
Eligon noted that while they appreciate the dedicated customers they attract, it’s clear their visibility in the community needs work, as many potential patrons might not yet be aware of their presence.
“Our customers are 100% here. They just don’t know that we’re here too,” she remarked, reflecting on the challenges they face in establishing themselves within the local culture.
image source from：missionlocal
