Owner/Foundation President- Steven Boland
To know Steve is to love him. He studied Child Development at Pacific Oaks College and has worked in the non profit field for 26 years. His work eventually led him to become a Program Director at "Para Los Ninos" helping underserved children and families in downtown Los Angeles. As an El Sereno resident he served as the committee chair (Arts and Culture) on the neighborhood council. His continued desire to support his community eventually lead him to create this sanctuary of a coffee house that we now enjoy!
He now serves delicious coffee and teas along with dog Scamp, cat Winslow and the Holy Grounds team in El Sereno.
His most recent venture: Obtaining his very own 501(c)(3) non-profit, The Holy Grounds Literacy Foundation which will help support our continued art & music programs along with a focus on literacy and education in our community.
Art Curator
Please join us in extending a big warm welcome to our new Art Curator Eddi Ortiz! Aside from being a close professional and personal friend of the owner Steve for almost twenty years, Eddi is an accomplished block print and tin artist, having conducted art workshops here in the past. He is also a Parent and Community Engagement Coordinator at Para Los Ninos as well as a soccer coach for underserved kids in downtown LA. Whew!
He also previously rented an apt. here at Holy Grounds for four years! Eddi's role and responsibilities will be curating our monthly themed shows, organizing our free community art workshops and maintaining relationships with our community artist vendors. Our team here are really looking forward to working with him as we hope you will be too! To get in touch with Eddi for any art-related inquieres, please contact him at eddiholygrounds@gmail.com
Shop Manager/Catering - David Alvarez
Native to Los Angeles, David was brought on board by Steve to further develop and embrace the nourishment aspect of our core values here at Holy Grounds. A visual artist in his own right, David is now pursuing a degree in Restaurant Management at LA Trade Tech with the ambition of ensuring the quality of our food and beverage. Experienced with an array of culinary skills, from cake decorating to home-made artisan pizza, he applies his creativity to affirm our beliefs of supporting: community, culture, and nourishment. For vending and catering inquiries, please email David at davidholygrounds@gmail.com
Talent & Client Relations - Mark Alexzandr
An El Sereno and City Terrace native, Mark started his relationship with the shop as an outside consultant and comedy producer for Sleeping With Comedy, A local comedy group providing comedic entertainment on the East Side. Mark and Sleeping with Comedy will be celebrating their 2 year anniversary at Holy Grounds in March of 2017. Having Studied Graphic Design at LA Trade Tech and working in the Farmers Market community since 2012, Mark is dedicated to bringing a professional and approachable touch in regards to our Social Media and Stage Bookings. For Bookings and General Inquiries, please email Mark at Markholygrounds@gmail.com