Who's Who in Benicia: Elisa Anderson

What do you do? I own and operate Elisa's Closet. I've been wanting to do this for 20 years

Were you in the fashion business before this? No. I've been a waitress, an aerobic instructor, a hairdresser and a bartender.

How long have you been around Benicia? I've lived in Vallejo for 30-something years

How did you get into this business? I'm the kind of person that friends say, “I'm going on a cruise. Do you have anything I can borrow?” So I'd say, “Sure, lets go shop in my closet.” I'd just let them borrow my stuff all the time. I did that so much with my friends they'd say, "You just need to open a store.”  I am having the best time.

Are you having fun? People always say, "Do what you passionate about." Success is not about how much money you make. It's about doing what you love. It couldn't be any better.

So where do you find all your stuff? I hit up yard sales, thrift stores, flea markets... that's how I've always bought everything for myself. It's the thrill of the hunt. I'm having so much fun.

How many days a week are you open? I'm open Thursday through Sunday, but with summer coming I will open up on Wednesday too. It's all word of mouth; I've never advertised.

What do you do for fun? My husband and I walk, we go wine tasting, we garden, we ride bikes. I work out and belong to a women's group. There are not enough hours in the day to do everything!

Do you have any favorite spots in town? We eat at Randy's every Friday night. I know we should try different places, but we love Randy's.

What is it about Benicia that you like? Benicia has the best sense of community. Everyone is so friendly and everybody knows each other. I love how they come out for everything. On Fourth of July they are all out here with their chairs and nobody steals them!