‘Rebuild & Renew’

Pop-Up Boutique Offers Free Shopping Service to People Impacted by LA Fires

By LILY TINOCO | Assistant Editor

With the hope of providing some sense of normalcy to those who have been impacted by the Los Angeles fires, friends Courtney Mizel and Erin Maggio launched Rebuild & Renew—a free pop-up boutique in Santa Monica.

Described as “a collaborative effort led by friends, fashion students, designers, stylists and volunteers,” the boutique invites people impacted by the Palisades and Eaton fires to “shop” for new or curated vintage clothing and essentials through the end of April.

Maggio said the inspiration behind Rebuild & Renew came “from a deeply personal place:” Her family lost their home in the Montana fires five years ago, and she witnessed the devastation of losing everything.

“When the fires struck the Palisades and California, I knew I had to act,” Maggio said to the Palisadian-Post. “I rallied my Montana community to donate new and gently used clothing, but I also knew there was only one person I could call who would understand the vision I had: Courtney Mizel.”

Maggio said she had a vision to create something more than a donation drop, but a space for individuals to “shop with dignity and experience a sense of normalcy amid chaos.”

“Courtney not only shared that vision, she brought it to life,” Maggio explained. “From securing a space, to building a team and being hands-on every step of the way in California, she truly spearheaded Rebuild & Renew. This boutique is a reflection of both our shared commitment—and her incredible ability to turn compassion into action.”

Individuals are invited to shop the boutique by appointment only, to ensure privacy and personalized attention. Volunteer stylists are available at the boutique to support individuals and assist them in choosing from its offerings.

To make an appointment, interested individuals need to fill out a “short registration form. After submitting the form,” a team member will review and approve it.

Individuals and families affected by the 2025 Los Angeles fires are eligible to shop. The service is entirely free.

Once approved, individuals can schedule an appointment to visit the Santa Monica boutique. During a single appointment, individuals are able to pick 10 items. Individuals are also able to return once per week, as needed, for additional items.

“When someone arrives at Rebuild & Renew, they’re welcomed with warmth, compassion and genuine care,” Maggio said. “Our team, made up of incredible staff and volunteers, has poured love into every inch of the boutique. We take the time to connect with each individual, learning about their needs, their work, their lives and their stories. We aim to create a deeply personal, joyful and empowering shopping experience. It’s about more than clothing. It’s about being seen, heard and uplifted.”

Of being able to help families and individuals affected by the fires, Maggio said the experience has been “incredibly meaningful.” The generosity has been “overwhelming”—with an abundance of donations being made, from clean beauty products to sunglasses, cookware sets and more.

“It’s not just about providing clothing or essentials,” Maggio said to the Post. “It’s about restoring a sense of joy, confidence and possibility. We’ve seen women use this moment to rediscover their style, take chances with fashion, and feel excited to make dinner plans or go on a date again because they have something that makes them feel good. Watching people from all corners come together with so much heart to support these families has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.”

For more information, including a link to make an appointment, visit rebuildrenew.org.