Brightwell opened in 2011 AD. Although the very notion of a gentlemen's store -- and male grooming, for that matter -- might seem old-fashioned today, Brightwell strives to serve the 21st Century dandy. Products stocked include crafts made by young, creative, cutting edge crafters as well as classic companies founded as long ago as the 16th century. There are products from far-off Canada, France, Japan, and UK as well as Southern California-made products from Altadena, Fullerton, San Luis Obispo, Santa Ana, Valley Village and more. I was inspired to open a gentlemen's shop by a few things. At college in Iowa City I discovered the store The Soap Opera, which specializes in body care, skin care, hair care products, aromatherapy oils, luxury soaps and custom scented products for men and women. After moving to Los Angeles, I attended several art and design shows including Unique LA, Artisinal LA, the Renegade Craft Fair and Divine Design. When I was helping a friend install her art at a pop-up gallery I had the idea to combine them all. Los Angeles is a huge, diverse city and it seems like we should have at least one shop where men (and women) can procure luxury goods, accessories, grooming supplies, art, etc from both around the world and around the Southland. I hope to keep adding more carefully-selected goods for as long as the store remains in existence.