Spotted: The Mission, SF
What are you up to today?
I'm getting my nails done.
What is your occupation?
I'm a server.
How did you get started?
I stumbled into it. I went to school to be a hairstylist, and did that for a while. When times were slow, I picked up serving positions. The more I got into it, I realized there was more of an art to it. It really felt right, so I stuck with it.
So you said you were getting your nails done — do you have a favorite place?
No, I actually moved here from Chicago less than a month ago.
How has the transition been?
I'm originally from Northern Stockton, but I've been in Chicago for about 17 years. Meanwhile, I visited San Francisco quite often. I feel like now it's a lot different in terms of cleanliness, and I feel a lot of compassion for all the homelessness, the drugs, and all of that. I feel like it was always here, but not — maybe it's just me getting older and seeing more of it. It seems like it's a lot worse and there are a lot younger homeless on the street. I feel like Chicago is a lot more manicured. Which is, you know, just an observation and also because California is going through such a drought, I don't think anything's been washed away. But the weather is amazing, the culture here is genuine, and everyone here is really nice. So, that's been lovely.
What brought you to SF?
Well, my dad is actually sick. I'm just taking care of him.
Oh wow. That's really nice that you're out here to help out. Do you have family in Chicago as well?
Half. My mom and my little sister are in Chicago, and my dad and my older sister are here. I'm actually staying with my sister right down the street.
What's a recent challenge you've hurdled?
Patience. Yeah. I feel like we always hear people say patience is a virtue, you gotta have patience, but jeez.
In what way?
When there's nothing that you can do. In relation to my dad, but also because I'm looking for my own place and it's so tough! You feel so hopeless. I keep thinking like one day I'm gonna say, "That made me strong!" But when you're in it, it's like, "Fuck!" I had a small idea of how tough it would be, but I had no idea it would be this outrageous and this expensive. I mean, the money is really good out here, but I just can't imagine spending $2,700 on a studio that's literally the size of a normal bedroom. It's like you're paying for a closet and a small kitchen with a miniature fridge and a miniature stove. I mean, people are asking to share — you have your own room in the apartment that they've already established for $2,200. And it's nowhere fancy.
What's something that's inspired you lately?
You know, I work with some amazing people. I work with one gentleman who — well, let's just say I have never seen someone with such silent compassion. Whenever I need help, or whenever someone's down, he's always there. I know that sounds really simple, but it's really moving. He's always there to help and he's just really quiet. I've never met anyone like that.
Sounds like an amazing person. And very low-key about it?
Yeah! Does the right thing when no one's watching.
Oh and last I just wanted to ask about your personal style!
Well, I'm so fucking cheap. I'm hella fuckin' cheap.
Really? Well you look amazing and I love the outfit.
Thank you. I feel like style doesn't have to be expensive.
Do you do consignment and second-hand?
Yes. And a lot of Marshall's and Target, Walmart, a lot of thrift stores. Although the thrift stores lately — I don't know how they've been out here, I haven't really been shopping here, but in Chicago everyone is on it. You have to go, like, an hour outside the city to the suburbs because everyone knows how dynamite they are now. So it's really uncommon to find anything.
And style-wise, what is your inspiration?
I like oversized clothes. It feels comfy. But with maybe a bit of an interesting cut or color.
