Tabula Rasa to Celebrate 25th Anniversary
May 06, 2025 06:43PM ● By Mb News Staff
(The holiday window at Tabula Rasa Essentials - a perennial favorite in Downtown Manhattan Beach.)
Tabula Rasa, the iconic lifestyle shop in downtown Manhattan Beach, celebrates its 25th anniversary this week.
“I am so deeply grateful for the spectacular community I call home, for the incredible team of
woman who work with me each day in the store, to my vendors - many of whom I’ve known all
25 years, my friends, my family and my customers for their constant support, inspiration,
acceptance and enthusiasm for my business," said Tabula Rasa owner Maureen McBride.
woman who work with me each day in the store, to my vendors - many of whom I’ve known all
25 years, my friends, my family and my customers for their constant support, inspiration,
acceptance and enthusiasm for my business," said Tabula Rasa owner Maureen McBride.
The store honored the occasion with a special party on Wednesday between 5:00 and 8:00 p.m., featuring light bites from The Arthur J, Slay Steak & Fish, and Slay Italian Kitchen; Navy Grogs from Rock’N Fish; and wine from Uncorked.
Store Grew From Chance Encounter
Before launching Tabula Rasa, owner Maureen McBride had a career as a corporate fashion executive, managing $350-600 million-dollar businesses for world-renowned brands including Lee Jeans, Levi Strauss & Co, Limited Too, Mervyn’s, Disney and Lucky Brand Dungarees. Through her early work, she had gained a keen understanding of fashion and lifestyle trends; and expertise in product development, design, manufacturing, marketing and brand building.
As McBride tells it, in January 2000, while strolling through downtown Manhattan Beach, she happened upon a vacancy in the heart of town and immediately fell in love with the location.
She spent the next three weeks driving the California coast, from San Francisco to San Diego, stopping in every beach community to see what their mix of business was, identifying product categories for national and local brands she loved and dreaming about what she could create.
Upon her return, she had the outline of a business plan and contacted the building owner to inquire about the space and share her vision.
In 2005, the location immediately to her south was closing and McBride seized the opportunity to expand her flourishing business. Growing to 1500 square feet of selling space, she was finally able to realize the lifestyle gift shop she’d envisioned. The expanded space allowed her space to focus on her own product development, capturing the unique spirit and vibe of Manhattan Beach and Southern California.
Shop Overcame Challenges
Through the years, McBride has been deeply involved in the community and serves on several boards and panels. She is a three-time past president of the Manhattan Beach Downtown Business & Professional Organization and has served on their board for the past 24 years. Under her presidency, she created the Manhattan Beach Farmer’s Market and the 10th Street Fire Fund. She also serves on the Manhattan Beach Chamber of Commerce and is a graduate of Leadership Manhattan Beach.
Like many small businesses, she supports schools and local charity organizations. She volunteers her time and resources for the Sandpipers Holiday Home Tour; leads multiple bike teams for Tour de Pier to support cancer charities; and for the past 23 years, through the Walk With Sally charity, has mentored a young woman who lost her mother to cancer. Most recently, she created a California Fire Relief program and donated thousands of dollars to organizations supporting victims and organizations of the devastating L.A. wildfires.
McBride said that she was excited for the celebration on Wednesday, where she will see her very first customer, Marc Kravetz. Along with his young son Alex, Kravetz had helped her receive merchandise in her garage, ticket her items, and build her store.
"He remains my first customer on all our milestone anniversaries," said McBride. "I can’t wait to see him on Wednesday. Who could have predicted 25 years ago we’d still be here? How lucky am I?”
