A Summer Refresh
by Sarah Church, President Mission Hills BID, co-owner Pizza e Birra
School’s out, time off has been requested, camps and vacations are booked. Summer is known for sun, fun, and travel. But before we all jet set out of here—physically or metaphorically— it’s a good time to refresh! While spring is often known as the season of renewal, here in Mission Hills, summer feels like the perfect time for a refresh — whether that means caring for yourself, reimagining your home, or simply slowing down to enjoy time with family and friends.
What does a “summer refresh” look like to you?
For some, it begins at home. Whether you’re opening the windows to let in the coastal breeze or rethinking a favorite room, even small changes can make everyday spaces feel new again. Mission Hills business owner and BID Board Secretary, Marea Riedler of A Designed Space, describes summer as “less about adding and more about refining,” encouraging clients to lighten the layers, clear visual clutter, and let spaces breathe. As she puts it, “A summer refresh isn’t about chasing a trend — it’s about creating a space that feels lighter, calmer, and a bit more effortless.” Sometimes the smallest shift in your surroundings can make home feel entirely renewed.
For others, refreshment means making time for self-care. Mission Hills offers a plethora of opportunities to slow down and invest in wellness, perhaps through a relaxing facial, a fitness class, or simply carving out intentional time for yourself. Carly Hansen, owner of Lavish Aromatherapy, shared that her idea of a summer refresh starts with the senses: “Adding uplifting citrus or lemongrass soaps and scrubs to your shower for glowing, sun-kissed skin.” Sometimes refreshment can be as simple as creating a moment of calm in the middle of a busy season.
And of course, a summer refresh can happen around the table. After a long school year, work deadlines, and packed schedules, you, your friends, and your whole family may be seeking a change of pace. Summer is a wonderful time to step away from routines and reconnect. Why not take a break from the usual? Mission Hills is filled with welcoming restaurants and gathering places perfect for lingering over a fresh seasonal meal, sharing appetizers with friends, or treating the family to an evening out — just good food and good company right here in the neighborhood. And let’s not forget, choosing to shop or dine locally directly supports the small business owners and their families.
Before closing, I would be remiss not to acknowledge that the Mission Hills BID has experienced a bit of its own summer refresh. As the newly elected Board President, I am honored to serve alongside a dedicated Board of Directors and to welcome J. Daniel Geddis as the BID’s new Executive Director. Together, we look forward to continuing the work of supporting our local businesses, strengthening community connections, and helping Mission Hills remain the vibrant neighborhood we all know and love.
Finally, June also brings opportunities to reconnect with the community. As summer begins, I encourage you to explore something new in Mission Hills — visit a business you’ve been meaning to stop into, revisit an old favorite, or simply spend an afternoon strolling our neighborhood and supporting the local businesses that make Mission Hills such a special place. Be sure to stay tuned to our website, MissionHillsBID.com, and social media for details about our upcoming Summer Mixer.
Category: Business, Events, Local News, Nonprofit, Volunteers
