Pompa's Small Shop getting larger

A couple of years ago, a mother and daughter duo took a leap of faith and opened a business that has kept growing, giving both of them a steady stream of customers and faithful clientele.

Adrianna Pompa, who works full time for the county Superintendent of Schools, was having trouble finding products for her sensitive skin. She researched online and thought that she had found a combination of products and ingredients that she could use that would do the job. Pompa began making the products at home, including soaps, scrubs – even loofahs. She added candles and small pieces of jewelry to her inventory and creations, and began selling the products online and at pop-up events.

During the pandemic, a lot of home-based businesses were being created out of necessity, a lot of the people being either laid off from their jobs or having reduced hours, making it necessary to find additional sources of income.

Pompa eventually teamed up with her mother, Michelle, who had been refinishing furniture and selling antiques she had found through a variety of sales and sources. Just over a year and a half ago, the team decided to rent a space in the Timeless Antiques store on 19th Street in Bakersfield. They pay a monthly rent for the space and can sell their products at the store, with the staff making the transactions, with mother and daughter coming in and restocking their inventory regularly and setting up different displays. In addition to online and the Timeless Antiques space, they also have a shelf at the Tin Cup in Shafter. They have a variety of items for sale there, including their soaps and scrubs.

Michelle, who works part-time for the Richland School District, said that she loves having this business with her daughter. The duo offer a great variety of items, from décor items to homemade pieces that are created by Adrianna.

Michelle said that she is having such a good time doing this with her daughter. "It has been a hobby and it just grew. I love creating items other people will love. You send pictures of your booth for other people to enjoy and come visit."

Items are available at Tin Cup, 1101 E. Lerdo Hwy., Shafter, and at Timeless Antiques, 1918 Chester Ave., Bakersfield. Follow them on Facebook or Instagram at @Pompas.smallshop.com.