Meet Sandi Picazo, Education Innovator & Creative Entrepreneur in Los Feliz

Interview with Sandi Picazo, conducted by local REALTOR® Keith Kurlander

Summary

Sandi started the after school enriched learning program called Franklin Kids at Franklin Elementary School in Los Feliz. She also never stops creating paintings, love dolls and other items for her store.

Describe your business.

I own an after school Program/Franklin Kids. Also, I like to paint and create DIY projects. I have a store on Facebook called " Pineywoods."

Pineywoods Store

What made you decide to open this business?

15 years ago programs in the schools like art, science and etc were being cut from the school's budgets. I saw a need for these programs to continue and I thought that we could offer them after school...so the Friends of Franklin board asked me to look into it and that is how Franklin Kids started.

Pineywoods Store

What was it like when you first started?

Scary, I never did something like this before but I researched and interviewed other programs in the area and decided that they didn't fit our needs. So I thought we could do it better and with the help of Friends of Franklin, a volunteer parent group,...we made it happen.

Pineywoods Store

What has surprised you most about this endeavor?

That I started something from nothing and how much I enjoy it! A friend told me when I was 18...she sees me surrounded by children in my future..I thought she was crazy! Years later...well there you go!

Pineywoods Store

What’s the most memorable experience you’ve had while doing this?

When a former parent and her daughter (at the time a 5th grader) came up to me and said "Thank you!" I said, "Your welcome but for what?" She said her daughter was never accepted into the gifted program until she went into the Homework Club. She went on to say that her daughter struggled in school but with our help she has blossomed. That was a defining moment.

Do you have any exciting plans for the future that you want customers to know about?

I'm looking forward to everyday and yes retirement. When my son's Emerson and Truman graduate from college. However Pineywoods will continue on with my original paintings, card holders, hand knitted love dolls and other things.

Pineywoods Store

What is something most people don't know about the business?

That for Pineywoods I make everything myself.

Pineywoods Store

What is something most people don't know about you?

I grew up in Foster Homes. That is why I'm a child's advocate. Another thing that most people don't know about me... I'm a punk/goth at heart. In the late 70's I was a surfer/goth punk in Florida and Connecticut. I hung out in Boston and New York punk clubs and was a major stage driver. I absolutely still love the music but now my music tastes have grown. It wasn't until Emerson was born that my look changed to mom, lol! Occasionally I still have it in me.

Pineywoods Store

Can you explain what it is about chickens themselves that you love?

Okay..I grew up with chickens. Before I was in Foster Homes I lived on a farm. I'm fascinated with their daily egg laying process...it's amazing. Basically, how each chicken has it's own personality. Also, you can see the Raptors in them when they are walking around scavenging for worms & critters. They make me happy! Here's Juliana, Dolores, Nana and Della. The black and white one is Rachel, Ruler of the Roost and Destroyer of tomatoes.

Pineywoods Store