Gail Silverton is an original Valley Girl, raised in Sherman Oaks, California with her sister, the acclaimed pastry chef and restaurateur, Nancy. At family meals in the 1950s, when most mothers were taking advantage of streamlined food preparation, Doris Silverton was teaching her daughters the goodness of lentils, goat cheese and the art of a beautifully set table. This early influence has given Silverton an appreciation of family and a desire – in her own businesses – to create a product and environment that is always pleasing and comforting as well as one that makes a contribution to community.
Silverton studied childhood development at Cal State Northridge but changed to a career in fashion. After the birth of her first child, she re-examined the idea of childcare as a profession and took a position in her son’s nursery school. Pregnant with daughter Annika, her youngest child, and going through a divorce, Silverton enrolled in the classes required to complete her certification as a child care director. She and her then-partner opened their home day care center while building their school in Sherman Oaks. The Neighborhood School opened in 1989, serving children from 2 ½ to kindergarten. At present, the highly recognized school has three locations; Silverton retains ownership of one, caring for ninety students.
The success of the Neighborhood School made Silverton aware of the powerful relationships that community centered business can nurture. She began to develop ideas for another business that would be a natural progression to the frequent after-
school gatherings – one where people could meet, network, connect and feel that
they were part of a neighborhood. (more)
GAIL SILVERTON
Co-Owner / Proprietor
