The Down Market

From Lemonade Stands to Filmmaker: Justin Porter's Entrepreneurial Journey ???? As part of The Down Market’s Retrospective Series, we’re revisiting one of our favorite conversations with filmmaker and entrepreneur Justin Porter, whose journey proves that hustle, creativity, and passion can turn childhood dreams into reality. ?? Born to Build Justin’s entrepreneurial spirit sparked early—selling lemonade, flipping products, and creating viral Vine videos. That same drive led him to reinvent wedding filmmaking, turning traditional videos into cinematic, storytelling experiences. ?? From DIY Hustle to Filmmaker What started as wedding films evolved into JPM Creative Studio, where Justin blends his love for visuals with smart business moves. His secret? Experimentation, learning from failures, and always staying ahead of industry trends. ?? Creativity Meets Business For Justin, entrepreneurship and storytelling go hand in hand. “It’s not just about filming—it’s about building something sustainable and creating opportunities for others.” His story is a reminder to follow your passions, embrace change, and always stay creative. ?? ?? Catch more of Justin’s journey at https://lnkd.in/gcRyjfNs #TheDownMarket #JustinPorter #Entrepreneurship #CreativeHustle #Filmmaking #Storytelling #IndependentFilmmaker

Celebrating Culture Through Food: Sari-Sari’s Legacy in San Antonio ????? As part of our 2024 Retrospective Series, we revisit one of our most meaningful conversations from last May during Asian Pacific American Heritage Month with Camille and Adrian De Los Reyes, the passionate duo behind Sari Sari Filipino Restaurant, Market, & Bakery. What started as a small family-run market in a garage has grown into a cornerstone of San Antonio’s Filipino community. Sari-Sari, meaning “good variety,” has evolved over generations, bringing traditional Filipino cuisine to the heart of Texas. From its humble beginnings in 1995 to today, Camille and Adrian continue to uphold their family’s legacy, ensuring that Filipino flavors and stories are celebrated at every table. ?? This is more than just food—it’s history, culture, and a movement to put Filipino cuisine on the map. Whether you’re stopping by for a plate of crispy pata or exploring the rich flavors of their bakery, every bite is a tribute to heritage and tradition. ?? Note: This episode was filmed before Beto Altamirano’s mayoral run. We proudly support his 210 Plan and his dedication to shaping San Antonio’s future. ?? Watch the full story now at TheDownMarket.com link in bio #thedownmarket #AAPIHeritageMonth #FilipinoFood #SanAntonioEats #CultureAndCreativity #SariSari #FoodIsHeritage #FilipinoAmerican #CommunityThroughFood

? 2024 Retrospective x Women’s History Month ? As we wrap up our final month of retrospective storytelling we’re shining a light on women’s health and those revolutionizing the way we care for future generations ???? ????Betty's Co. is changing the game bringing education empowerment and access to women’s health in a way that’s real personal and transformative Their 40-minute care visits ensure that young women aka “Bettys” get the time attention and knowledge they deserve ???? This is more than healthcare it’s a movement A movement that prioritizes women’s voices their health and their futures ?? We’re honored to celebrate Betty’s Co. and all the changemakers shaping a more inclusive and informed world for women ??? ?? Watch the full story now at TheDownMarket.com link in bio #thedownmarket #BettysCo #WomensHistoryMonth #Empowerment #CultureAndCreativity #WomensHealth #FutureOfCare #InnovationInHealthcare #WomenSupportingWomen ??? 4o

? March marks the final month of our 2024 Retrospective! ? As we celebrate 7 years of culture, community, and creativity, we’re reflecting on the moments and the artists who shaped the journey. This month, we highlight: ?? Manola & Maria – two powerhouse muralists adding color & stories to our streets. ??? San Antonio Street Art Initiative – redefining public art & creative expression. ?? Fashion Week 2024 – led by the visionary Saige Thomas & her incredible team. ?? Creative Mass at Legacy Park – an unforgettable moment of artistic energy in the heart of downtown. Join us every day as we create, explore, and say thank you to the community that continues to build with us. We wouldn't be here without you! ?? #thedownmarket #creativelife #sanantonio #communitylove #artinmotion ???

?? Revitalizing Downtown: A Call to Action for San Antonio’s Small Businesses ?? San Antonio’s entertainment district isn’t just for big events—it should be a daily destination where locals live, work, and thrive. ???? As Stephanie Guerra of Puro Pinche shares, revitalizing downtown isn’t just about new buildings or tourism—it’s about: ?? Affordable housing for those who make downtown vibrant ?? Activating downtown every day, not just during events ?? Creating more opportunities for small businesses to set up shop ?? Proactive support for businesses facing financial hurdles (signage, pop-ups, construction impact solutions) The key? Collaboration. ?? Investing in small businesses and giving them the space to grow will create a thriving, diverse, and uniquely San Antonio downtown. ?? What would make you visit downtown more often? Let’s talk solutions! ?? #SanAntonioBusiness #DowntownSA #SupportLocal #Revitalization #SmallBusinessGrowth #TheDownMarket

? Designing the Experience: How Aesthetics Shape Hospitality ? Ever noticed how you "experience" a restaurant before you even step inside? ???? From Instagram feeds to branding and architecture, design plays a HUGE role in shaping a guest’s journey. ?? Why Visual Identity Matters in Restaurants & Cafés: ?? First Impressions Count – A well-designed space draws people in, whether through social media or curb appeal. ?? Telling the Right Story – Design should match the soul of the brand—from the logo to the lighting. ?? Cohesion is Key – Great food + great atmosphere = an unforgettable experience. ?? Emotional Connection – Guests remember how a space makes them feel just as much as they remember the meal. A restaurant isn’t just about what’s on the plate—it’s about the full sensory experience. From a well-crafted interior to branding that speaks for itself, design is the silent storyteller behind every great dining spot. ?? What’s the most beautifully designed restaurant or café you’ve been to? Drop it in the comments! ?? #DesignMatters #HospitalityDesign #GuestExperience #RestaurantBranding #AestheticsInDining #TheDownMarket

?? The Weight of Creativity: Balancing Pressure & Passion ??? Being a creative comes with expectations—constant innovation, self-doubt, and the pressure to keep pushing forward. But how do you balance the emotional weight of creativity while staying true to your vision? ?? ?? "Imposter syndrome is real. We all go through it. But when you look back in a year, two years, five years—you realize how much you've grown." ?? How Creatives Stay Grounded: ?? Find joy in the small things (yes, even “garbage TV” ????) ?? Accept that doubt is part of the journey ?? Look back at your growth & recognize your progress ?? Remember—you’re not alone in this ? Creativity is a marathon, not a sprint. Keep moving forward, even when it feels uncertain. You’re growing, evolving, and shaping something unique. ?? How do you stay grounded as a creative? Drop your tips below! ?? #CreativeJourney #ImposterSyndrome #KeepCreating #ArtistLife #TheDownMarket

?? Better Futures: Celebrating Culture & Community with the Chancla Academy ???? In Episode 4 of Better Futures, we dive into the heart of San Antonio’s Latino experience with Joe Coronado, the visionary behind Chancla Academy—a movement rooted in storytelling, opportunity, and community pride. ?? Growing up in Cassiano Homes, Joe saw firsthand the hard work, resilience, and dedication of his community. But he also recognized the barriers that keep so many from achieving their dreams. His mission? To create opportunities for Latino creatives, amplify real stories, and redefine representation in film, media, and beyond. ?? “We need to show our struggles, our hustle, and our triumphs—because that’s what makes our culture powerful.” ?? Chancla Academy isn’t just content—it’s a platform for change. ?? Empowering Latino creatives in media & entertainment ?? Building community-driven events to support small businesses ?? Celebrating San Antonio’s culture through comedy, food, and storytelling ?? It’s about owning our narrative & making space for future generations. ?? How can we support more Latino entrepreneurs & creators? Drop your thoughts below! ?? ?? Note: This episode was filmed before Beto Altamirano’s mayoral run. We proudly support his 210 Plan and his dedication to San Antonio’s future. #BetterFutures #ChanclaAcademy #SanAntonio #LatinoCreatives #CommunityFirst #TheDownMarket

?? Bringing a New Era of Boutique Fitness to San Antonio! ???♂?? After years of expanding franchise fitness gyms and diving into digital training, I’m stepping back into the franchise space—this time with more knowledge, a fresh perspective, and a game-changing concept. ?? Excited for The Yard Gym is coming to San Antonio! ?? As one of the first founding cities in the U.S., we’re bringing a next-level boutique fitness experience straight from Australia—one that truly redefines what it means to train like an athlete in a high-end, team-inspired space. ?? What makes it different? ?? A stylish, bougie approach to boutique fitness ?? Unique training styles that push limits ?? A premium fitness experience unlike anything in the U.S. Stay tuned for the full story behind The Yard Gym and why this is the next big thing in fitness! ?????♀? Would you try a boutique fitness concept straight from Australia? Drop your thoughts below! ?? #SanAntonioFitness #ForwardStudios #BoutiqueFitness #TrainLikeAnAthlete #TheDownMarket #TheYardGym

??? Building a Better San Antonio: The Future of Housing ?? Creating sustainable, affordable housing in San Antonio is no easy feat—it requires long-term vision, local accountability, and strong partnerships. David Robinson Jr. / Downtown West SATX / Weston Urban ?? The Continental Project is an example of innovative collaboration with public and private sectors—a ground lease with the county that ensures half of the new apartments are workforce and affordable housing. It’s not just about short-term profit—it’s about developing for the future and ensuring a mix of housing options for everyone. Challenges? Absolutely. Solutions? We’re committed. ?? We live here. We work here. We’re investing in this city for the long haul. We need more developers, more partnerships, and more action to create a thriving, diverse housing market. San Antonio’s downtown revival depends on it. Let’s build it together. ?? What do you think is most needed in SA’s housing market? Drop your thoughts below! ?? #SanAntonioHousing #BuildingTheFuture #AffordableHousing #DowntownRevival #TheDownMarket