Blackwater is a family-owned business that has been serving the San Luis Obispo community for over thirty years. It all started in 1988 when two best friends and young moms, Holly and Maryalice, decided to turn their passion for fashion into a business. They started H & G Sales, a company that bought designer clothing at discounted prices and resold it at pop-up sales events throughout the central coast of California. The business quickly gained a loyal following and soon expanded into a large warehouse, hosting multiple large scale sales events each year.
As their families grew and the market changed, Holly and Maryalice knew it was time for a new chapter. In 2004, they made the decision to pivot and opened H & G Boutique, a women's clothing store in San Luis Obispo. They created a fun, fashion-forward shopping experience that quickly became a beloved destination for locals and tourists alike. The duo even brought their daughters into the business, turning it into a full-blown family operation.
Tragically, Holly's time with the company was cut short when she lost a long battle with cancer in 2012. She is remembered for her wild sense of humor, vibrant personality, and drive for success, which is deeply missed by all who knew her. Despite this devastating loss, Maryalice knew that Holly's legacy lived on in the business and had to continue on. In 2015, she made the decision to rebrand as Blackwater and launched the company's first e-commerce website in partnership with her oldest daughter, Erica.
Initially, Blackwater focused on high end women's clothing and accessories, but added a small plant department with a selection of succulents and cacti. In the summer of 2019, Blackwater made the move to its current location and was able to significantly expand its plant department, offering a bigger selection of indoor plant and gifts. The business saw great success and things were running smoothly until the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020.
During the pandemic, Blackwater was able to survive by selling plants, home decor, and gifts online. In an effort to keep the business afloat, Maryalice and Erica decided to triple the size of their selection of indoor plants and home decor while scaling back on women's clothing. This decision has been warmly welcomed by the community, and Blackwater has thrived with its new focus.
Now, Blackwater is a thriving shop in San Luis Obispo that offers everything from indoor plants, home decor, and unique gifts to a selection of vintage clothing, added in 2022. The company continues to grow and pivot, always striving to create a gift shop and experience that has all the things you need to show love to your loved ones or yourself.
We are so grateful to our customers and community for supporting us through the years and helping us to create something truly special. Thank you for choosing Blackwater.
