Heat. Heat. Well, hello there and welcome into Access City Council where each week we check in with a member of our Las Vegas City Council to see what's happening in their part of town. I'm Crystal Allen, a producer and host for the city of Las Vegas. And as always, we appreciate you spending some time with us. Well, for this week's show, we are checking in with Councilwoman Olivia Diaz, who represents W 3. Hello there, Councilwoman. >> So, uh, new to have you as a co-host, >> cuz usually I'm behind the scenes. So, now I'm on the other side and I'm so >> Well, welcome. Welcome to my access. >> This is our first taping. >> It is our first taping. And you know what's so great about it? It's our first taping and we're doing it against the backdrop of International Women's History Month. >> Exactly. How fabulous. So, power to us. >> I love it. Well, you know what? We're going to be talking about some women that are taking care of business being this is Women's History Month. First up, looking for a place that makes you feel like family and offers one of a kind vintage pieces or maybe a bar with tasty cocktails and spirits that's farmhouse chic. We'll chat with the women running these popular hangouts in the arts district. And the winner is Councilman Diaz visits a local chef who took home the top prize on a reality TV cooking show. and received a key to the city. That's pretty good. So, who is she? You'll just have to keep watching to find out. Uh, Councilwoman, should we give them a little clue about who it might be? >> Um, >> I have a clue. Okay, what's the clue? >> So, if you watch the show, something they always say is yes, chef. They say yes, chef all the time. So, for those who watch the show, that's your clue. That's all we're giving them. >> Okay, sounds good. >> All right. Well, we're kicking off Women's History Month with two women you just saw who are definitely taking care of business. They're the proud owners of some popular businesses in the arts district. We're so excited to welcome Sarah Collins, the owner of Main Street Peddler's Antique Mall. And also joining us is Marissa Precus, owner of the Horse Trailer Hideout and the Stadium. Hello, ladies. >> Hi. >> Hi. How you doing today? >> It's such a pleasure to have you with us. What a great way to kick off this very special month as we highlight women doing extraordinary things from history and today. Right, Councilwoman? >> You've come a long way, Crystal. Um, I know that back in the day, almost like when the ladies used to dress like Sarah, right, the >> we were trying to, you know, have the same stature and be able to cast our vote. And so, the the plight was real about getting us that voice at the ballot box. Uh, but we've come a long way since. And look, uh, we have two dynamite women sitting here in our studio with us today, um, who are showing how to get business done. And um back in the day we were being told we couldn't and now they're basically uh doing the opposite, kind of training others to show how to bring their talent and showcase their taste to the vibrant arts district. So it's really cool to have them and um have have them be part of our family down in the arts district. >> I love that. And you know what? We really create such a wonderful family atmosphere and environment. And and you know, I feel like the community has been so supportive of the arts district and your businesses. And we're going to get to that in just a moment. But Sarah, I want to talk a little bit about your I guess inspiration story. What inspired you to start your business? You've been a business owner since you were 10 years old. >> 10 years old. >> Okay. Please, you got to tell us a little bit about that. >> So when I was 10 years old, my father, we lived in Puerto Rico. my father, we went to Woolworths and we bought little packages of beads for 19 cents. I would take my beads and make Barbie doll necklaces which I sold to my little girlfriend for Nicol. >> Look at you. From the very start, you were businessminded even at 10 years old. I really love that. And then these years later, you have um you know created and started and you run a successful business in the arts district and um it's part of the antique mall and you even brought some goodies to kind of showcase. This is a Rosenfeld bunny. He is over a hundred years old. >> Wow. >> Now I go to auction. A lot of my merchandise comes from auctions. I bought a box of figurines and they were just all thrown together. >> Yeah. This guy was in there and it's a miracle that he has survived 125 years. >> Wow. And you know, you were saying that a lot of it is being able to have the knowledge to eye. What's really a prize, right? And was really a treasure. >> Now I can go and look at a table full of merchandise and I can go money, money, junk, junk, junk, junk. Now I'm going to show you this. This is a rock. But my girlfriend knew that it was more than a rock. This, the way you hold it in your hand, this is a prehistoric tool >> that was collected from the desert. >> Wow. >> She knew it. >> The counciloman wants to take a closer look at that. Look at that. Wow. >> It fits exactly in your hand. >> Now, what would you be fixing with that, Councilwoman? >> If I didn't have a hammer around, I think I would be using this to hammer something on the wall. >> There you go. That is fascinating. Well, Sarah, and that's just a a taste of what people can experience if they come to your shop. And I want to get to something else that just took off on TikTok when it comes to your business. You call them mystery bags. We're going to get to that in just a second. But I also want to bring Marissa into the conversation. Hello there, Marissa. >> Hi. >> So good to have you as well. These powerhouse women, right, Councilwoman, you know, I just wanted to ask you, and Councilwoman, feel free to jump in, too. you have um you're the owner of of two bars, but they're two very different experiences. Let's talk about that. >> That is correct. So, we own Horse Trailer Hideout and the stadium. Uh Horse Trailer High's actually having its 5-year anniversary in April. >> Kudos to that. >> I know. I can't believe we made it. But it's actually a country western like industrial chic. When we first started, I thought it was just going to be a complete honky tonk bar. I wanted like peanut shells on the floor and I just wanted it to have that vibe. But the arts district really chose what that bar was going to turn into. So you'll see we have local muralists all over our walls. It's a really unique space. We have a game room where you can just keep yourself entertained and have friends play pool. And then we have a really incredible back patio space so you can play cornhole. We have a little rope and bowl out there in case you want to test some of your skills out. >> I love it. >> Um but it's just been a really unique space for us to build. >> Very cool. And let's talk about the stadium really quickly. So, as we were living in the arts district at the time, um I'm a really big v like Vegas Golden Knights fan. I love the Knights. Yeah. I was like, they really connected the community, especially in the time that they opened and like just had their inaugural season. >> And none of the bars in the arts district really played sound for the games. And every time we would go, they would have the game on, but there was never sound. And I just I kind of missed that energy. So my husband had looked at me and said, "We should open a sports bar downtown." I'm like, "Are you crazy? Like, you want to open up another bar?" And he says, "It's needed. Like, we need it. We need it for not just the local residents, but also, you know, some of the tourists that come in that want to watch their favorite game." So, we open up the stadium with our business partner, Tim Burke. We have 23 screens, surround sound in every seat. We have like all the stadium meets, nachos, hot dogs, hamburgers, chicken wings, and we really kind of love having that energy cuz there's nothing like a game day energy, especially when you're sitting with a bunch of people that just want to watch the game with you. >> I love that you have all the things that we need for the game and then you got to have the atmosphere, too, cuz if you've ever been inside uh uh T-Mobile during a Golden Ice game, it's electric, right, Councilwoman? >> Very much so. you know, just I I would you were really adamant about bringing these two dynamic women on the show. Just, you know, talk about what it means to you to have, you know, such successful women business owners and how you've created that um network of support. >> Well, it's all them, the glory and the praises, all of them and their talent to, you know, have those skills to lead and run and grow businesses because Marissa started one, now she's at two. Sarah, I think, is one of the pioneers in the arts district. So, she knows what it was and what it has become and just to basically endure all the different es and flows of the economy is um Marissa was coming live post pandemic and so we didn't know what was going to happen. So, I just think that it's so amazing that um we have women represented today in so many different roles. I know that I'm the first woman to be the Ward 3 representative, too. So, >> kudos to that, too. Yes. >> Um, we're we're we're making it in different places and spaces. And I love the the sisterhood, the camaraderie, and like knowing that Yeah. It's very intense work, and we're, you know, we're we're fit to heed the call and lead in the spaces that we have the skills and the talent to do so. And what I love is that I feel like we stand on the shoulders of others, right? >> That they're strong women that told us uh we could um do whatever. So in my background, my mom's mom was the medicine woman for the town. Um so basically, she heeded the call and she was there for other women giving birth, um other people needing medical assistance when a doctor isn't even around. And so she had that courage, right, to face and see things that a lot of us would just like just faint. and not be able to tend to. >> That's right. >> And so I think they probably have also women that were very impactful. And so what who was someone who inspired you? >> Great question, >> Sarah. >> Well, my mother always had my back. >> But uh thinking in history, the one woman that I look up to is the first woman millionaire, >> Madame CJ Walker. All right. Yes. >> And that's the reason why I bought this tool. >> Talk about that because I've had an experience with that particular >> home. So, Matthew CJ Walker saw a need >> in the community and there was no stopping her >> and she kept going. She overcome the naysayers. She fixed the problems. She figured it out. >> Yes. >> And she made it happen. And she's the first female millionaire. That's right. The first self-made female millionaire African-American woman. And so she saw a need for, you know, women in the community to have opportunities to have economic empowerment and upward mobility. And what's the best way to do it? >> Beauty. >> Beauty. Right. And she did it by way of that pressing comb. And for those of us who grew up with the pressing comb, we had quite a few days of having what they would do and put the pressing comb over um a stove top, heat it up, and then you use it to straighten your hair out. Look at that. And so Marissa, who would be that standout female that's inspired you? >> Well, for the longest time it was Cleopatra. I just always I always looked up to her, but um being a mom of my second baby, I had to re-evaluate that answer. And it's honestly moms in business. I truly look up to them. I I didn't even understand the capacity of what it took because you are wearing so many hats when you're running a business. But then you add a whole another dynamic. And I just I have so much respect for those women that are doing business, having families, single moms. Like I don't know how you do it in all honesty. I have such a good support system at home. But seeing these women work and just get to business and teaching these kids on just better foundations and seeing them still show up for them every day, they're my true inspiration. >> It's a beautiful thing. And probably there's someone out there watching that needed to hear that and you poured into them by saying that. Lord knows I need to hear it sometimes. That's fair. >> I want to say we have great husbands that support us and we wouldn't be able to do the work that we do without having them. So, this isn't just about celebrating the sisterhood or womanhood, but it's also about the community and how we need um our better halves to also compliment us because they do bring the best out of us when we have them. >> I love it. It takes a village, right? >> It absolutely does. >> And you know what? Before we before we wrap up really quickly, I want you to do a little show and tell. We have about 30 seconds. You brought some goodies here, too. >> Oh, yes, I did. >> Oh, yes, you did. >> Yes, I did. So, this one is actually our not so fluffy cowboy. It's actually a mocktail because I think it's just a big movement. And to know that, you know, bars sell more than just cocktails. You know, there's something for everyone. It's a toasted marshmallow, a um burnt wheat stem, and then it's our toasted syrup with a pineapple juice. It's super delicious. >> And then our number one seller, which is our farmhouse fashion. It's a take on an oldfashioned. We do our infused bourbon and then two types of bitters. A maple syrup instead of simple syrup with a scorched blood orange wheel and a little fogat smoker on top. >> Oh my goodness. Oh boy. Well, we're going to have to continue with the rest of the show. We have a little cocktail break, ladies. Wow. Well, you guys really know how to do it up. And you say that's one of your most popular drinks. >> Oh, absolutely. Like it's been our number one seller since we put it on. >> And tell me the name of it again. Um, not so fluffy cowboy and the farmhouse fashion. >> I love it. Farmhouse fashion. That's great. Well, I'm getting the wrap, so we have to wrap here. But before we do, I I know I'm gonna get in trouble, but I have to do this really quickly. The mystery bags. Can Can you show people the mystery bags? Really? Th Now, this is a a something special that you do at your shop, right? They're $5. And one of your customers opened it and it went like viral on Tik Tok. So, can we open one? I really >> Yes, I bought. Now, part of the experience is not only opening them, it's choosing them. >> Oh, >> okay. So, I bought six of them. >> Oh my goodness. >> They Some of them have hints. >> So, we get to choose one, Sarah. Okay, we got to choose it really fast cuz we got about 30 seconds. I think our 30 seconds is up, but that's okay. We're still going. Oh, okay. >> Wait, this one says spot. >> Oh, yeah. She wants the spot. What did you get, counsel? Which one? Mine says, "You are my sunshine." >> Oh, >> that's the one I want. >> Bring in your stuff. >> Okay, we can >> Here we go. Okay, we have a drum roll. We're going to open our mystery bag. >> I've actually bought a few of these mystery bags. >> I love Oh my gosh. Let's pull out one item from our mystery bag. That's something I have to blow up. Is it a Dora? You explore it. I think so. It's a beach ball. I love it. So, I'm going to go to the beach. I can have some fun. >> Falls. Oh, that's What is that? >> Chin up buttercup. >> Oh, that's so cute. >> I love that. How about you? What' you get? >> Little rubber ducky for a spa day. >> I love it. Well, this has just been too fun. Ladies, listen. We have to do this again. Shall we do this again? >> We'll do it again by stopping by your shops. How about that, >> Councilwoman? Great job. Love our guests. But listen, we're not even finished yet, but we appreciate you wonderful ladies for being with us today. This is how you kick off an International Women's Month, right? >> Yeah. I think this is how you do it. All right, we have to take a quick break, but coming up, the local chef who took home the top prize on a reality TV cooking show and received a key to the city. We'll have another hint for you coming up. All right, stay with us. We'll be right back. We're back with Councilwoman Olivia Diaz talking all things War 3. So glad you could stay with us. >> Yeah. >> Well, I tell you what, we are going to take a trip outside the studio. You ready to go? Always a good day to take a field trip, Crystal. >> I love it. Well, we shall do that. In fact, we were just talking to a couple business owners, women business owners from the arts district. So, now the council woman is actually going to take you there and finally reveal the local chef who took home the top prize on a popular reality TV cooking show. Let's take a look. >> Let's go. Let's go. >> I'm here at Main Street Provisions in our fabulous arts district. It's located on Maine between Colorado and California. It's a womanowned business and she has a special guest inside. Let's check it out. We're here in an amazing restaurant in the arts district, one of my favorite places for a date night. Um, and with the fabulous owner of Main Street Provisions, I have with me Kim Owens. >> Hello. Good morning. How are you? Happy International Women's Month. Amazing. >> Thank you for joining us on today's show. And look how amazing um this place is. It's a staple now of the arts district offering. And how has this journey been for you as a woman who wanted to open her own restaurant, have her own place, and um you did everything you could to be here in this space? >> Yeah, it's been a it's been an incredible journey. It started um I left my corporate restaurant job in 2017 and had no idea what I was going to do next. It was just one of those things where do I find a job? Do I move? Do I stay in Las Vegas that has been home for so long? Um so started looking around, decided let me open a restaurant on my own. Um I've had lots of practice. So >> opening other people's, right? >> Opening other people's. Yeah. I opened 15 restaurants in my career before I opened Main Street Provisions. So I um I looked all around the valley. I looked in the suburbs, all over um the four points of the you know valley itself. And I kept coming back to the arts district. And when I was coming to the arts district, there were still just two bars, one brewery, a few coffee shops, and two restaurants. And everything else was either boarded up or it was a mechanic, you know, a mechanic's shop, >> industrial commercial, >> light industrial stuff, right? So, I just kept looking around, but this neighborhood kept drawing me back. First of all, it's the center of our entire valley. So, that means that everybody from all over the city can come in and the county can come in um easily from anywhere they live. And it just felt right. It felt like it was it felt like I was going to be a part of something bigger than just one restaurant. And that's what I wanted. I wanted a community. I kept three original things from the building when it was built in I think it was 1947. Um the trusses are original, the concrete floor is original and one of the cinder block walls is original. So yeah, I wanted to keep those bones and keep that spirit that vintage Vegas spirit. So, what could you tell the women that are and the men, we don't discriminate, but the viewers, what could you tell the viewers about what it means to be a female small business owner? Don't make me get tearyeyed. It's absolutely worth it. There's no question about the fact that it's worth it, but you just can't ever stop. You um you have to be ready for whatever is going to come your way. And if you're not ready for it, you have to figure out how to prepare for it and get ready for the next move. It has definitely been a journey opening up in the middle of COVID 25% capacity. Um my guests didn't even know what the bottom half of my face looked like for the seven months that we first seven months we were open. Um until we came out of mask. So my advice is just well first of all make sure you've got enough capital to get you through those first few years because it can be intense. But more so just never give up. If this is truly what your vision is and your dream is, never waver from it. Adapt to it when you have to, but also just don't give up. >> Keep running through the roadblocks. >> All right. And I understand you have uh something special to bring out to us. >> I do have something special. Are you ready for it? >> Can't wait. These are coming. >> Oh my god. >> Good morning. >> How are you? our amazing famous chef Ellie Parker. >> The winner of >> Health Kitchen edition number >> 24 >> 24 >> Battle of the States. >> So so proud of you. >> Thank you so much. >> Especially that you're homegrown basically here in Las Vegas. You went to our Northwest Technical Career Academy. and um you've just been all about this space. So tell us a little bit about your story for those who don't know you. >> You know, I yeah, I graduated Northwest CTA. Um in 2017, I did restaurant management at UNLV. Um ever since then, uh before Main Street, I was all over the strip, just working my way up as a line cook, doing a few, uh sue chef positions. Um and when I came back here, I actually started off as a line cook. year later worked up to a sue chef. A year later worked up to my first executive chef position. Um, and I've been loving it. And obviously during that time I went and competed on Hell's Kitchen. >> Um, you were sharing that was no joke. It was very intense. >> Tell us about the those conditions of >> because we're always hungry. >> Our beautiful crudeo council woman. >> So this is what we have in house. So, it's our beautiful salmon with some yuzu. We like to finish it off. I don't know if you want to give it a little sprinkle. Is this the Ellie Parker special? >> This is one of our Yeah. Our crudos here. This is definitely something we've created and very proud of. >> And don't have to feel guilty about eating it. >> Absolutely not. >> Very high protein. >> Oh, yeah. Oh, yeah. wasn't us working on our beach bodies for the summer. You know, we got to be conscientious about what we're putting in. >> Tell us how was that experience to go and be there for longer than two weeks. As you parted ways from here, you're kind of saying, I don't know if I'm going to be back sooner or later. But tell us, how was that whole experience? >> Nerve-wracking. Uh I didn't even we didn't know it was Battle of the States either. So, when that got announced, I mean, just the the amount of pressure put on me. Now, I'm not just representing myself. >> I'm now representing my entire state. >> And I'm so proud to live here in Las Vegas. I love everything about here, our state, our community, our people. Um, so that was a huge element of motivation, too, to you know what, I need to kick myself into gear right now and win this and and represent our state proud. Um, but I I like to say it was the most joyful thing I've ever done and also the worst thing I've ever done. Just the stress, how hard it was. I mean, it's >> is not easy on anyone, is he? >> I mean, I'm so honored to have even just met him and been, you know, to cook for him. Um, and that never went away. No matter how many times I put a dish in front of him, the butterflies never went away. I don't I don't think it ever will. >> So, tell us, you're behind the doors. In the last episode, the winners, you don't even know. You're not announced until you know whether your door is a go and you can come out of it. That's how you know you were the champ. And so, >> explain how was that moment for you and kind of walk us through what were you going through? >> The only thing I could say to myself in that moment, I told myself congratulations on taking second place and I gave myself a pat on the back because I truly never thought that my door would open. Um, but I was just so proud that I got to that point and all I could think of was my parents are proud, my siblings, you know, my fiance, my friends, my mentor, Kim. >> You made it past two weeks. >> Yeah. She let me leave and not lose my job for that whole time. And >> thank you, Kim. Um, I just knew that I was going to make everyone proud. I had made myself proud. And I really uh just told myself, hey, all of it, it was it was worth something. and all the heartbreak and you know hard times. So, but then when it did open it was whoa the the immense sense of pride that I felt >> and I know there was a whole crowd here watching >> when it aired. >> Someone shared um a little snippet of the video. >> All I could do was cry. All I could do is cry because I was surrounded by all my loved ones, everyone who supports me and my restaurant and life. Um that was a moment I will never ever forget. Cool. How cool. And then you came back home and the mayor dropped by to let you know that all of Las Vegas were rallying behind you. >> What were you presented? >> The key to the city of Las Vegas and this is very proudly displayed on my mantle at home and I show every person that walk. I showed my dogs when I got home that night. I am so proud to be a part of this community. We really rally behind our people and behind our achievements, not as just individuals, but as businesses, as a community, it just everything allin-one. And um you know, hard to say goodbye for the short period I'll be gone, but Vegas will always be home to me. And um I know one day. >> So, got to let everyone know that you're here through >> So, I should be working here um through the end of March at Main Street. Um, and then I'll head off on my journey at the end of May to go up to Foxwoods in Connecticut and take over the Hell's Kitchen there. >> She is cooking the stuff she made on Hell's Kitchen for this next month. >> Thank you so much and we wish you the best of luck and thank you for representing last week. >> It's been an honor. Thank you. I will keep representing us. >> Aren't you so proud of Ellie? >> I am. >> Wow, that's amazing. I mean, it's no easy feat. She's um such a budding >> star and she's only 26 years old. So so young. So proud of her. >> Aren't we though? And then she's going to leave, like you said, toward the end of May to go to Connecticut and oversee that Hills kitchen there. But >> but she's still going to be coming back home. She's like, I'm coming back to Vegas. >> Doesn't know how, when, where, but her family's here, so we know she'll come here ever every so often. and she's going to continue to make us proud wherever she goes. >> 100%. We also got to send our love to Kim, the owner of Main Street Provisions, and what amazing job that she's done. She took a chance on starting there during the pandemic. So, >> women supporting women is so awesome and so we need to continue to do more of it. Crystal, >> I love that. What a great way to wrap up the start of International Women's History. >> Our start doing the access cuz it's been only David Wgleman and so now it's it's different. >> I know. Hey, David. We still want to say hi to you. You laid the foundation, but I think we're having a lot of fun out here, right? All right. Absolutely. Well, we can't wait to see you in another six weeks. >> Yes. It flies by and the weather's already gorgeous, so I'm sure it's going to be amazing next time. >> Another opportunity to go out. Yes. >> And check out what's happening in the community. >> It's going to be on our radar next time. >> That's a tease, everybody, in case you're wondering. So, Councilwoman, thank you. Appreciate you. Hey, we always want to hear from you. If you have something you want to share with the councilman, you can call her at 702229-4623 or send her an email at wart3lo vegasnvada.gov. You can also visit the W3 website for the latest information. Don't miss our next show be beginning on March 19th with W2 Councilman Cara Kelly. City of Las Vegas TV is streaming. You can catch all of our shows on YouTube at citylo vegas. You can also watch online at lo vegasenvada.gov/connect. And be sure to check out our newsletter. You can subscribe by scanning that QR code in the credits at the end of the show. As always, we appreciate you for watching and we'll see you again next time. Take care. Heat. Heat.