by Nina Welch

Newlyweds Becca and Alex Heumann had a vision one-year-ago before they were married. Their dream was to create a space to build up the community and support the local economy. Both San Clemente residents, they opened Divinely Restored Marketplace in February of 2022.

This unique shopping experience offers 60+ local artisans, and boutique businesses in one unique location at 307 N. El Camino Real. Their idea was to give back to San Clemente by merging into a co-op vessel. 

When entering Divinely Restored Marketplace, it appears more like a charming boutique, which includes jewelry, essential oils, candle-makers, woodworkers, a Beef Jerky Zone and homemade toffee candy available at the register. There’s a crocheted corner with beanies, purses, and soft, floppy ducks the size of a toddler, and a big surprise awaits on the second floor with an expansive 4,000 square foot showroom that extends beyond where the eye can see. 

This area features home décor, apparel, gifts, art, up-cycled flannels, and calligraphy-style hand-painted signs. There’s even a workshop studio offering a variety of lessons on macramé, painting, and how to create beauty and bath products. A faux floral section reminiscent of Backstreet, the former home décor and high-end floral design business, also occupies this space.  

“I see the upstairs as a place where people can hang out in our lounge area as a community coming together,” says Becca. 

A graduate of the University of St. Augustine with a doctorate in Occupational Therapy, Alex teaches Kinesiology at Saddleback College and works at Surf and Turf Therapy, a non-profit organization in San Juan Capistrano. This program provides physical and occupational therapy to children and adults with disabilities using both surfing and horseback riding as fun alternatives to approach traditional, functional goals.

Becca’s previous career was in radiology and she and Alex have always had a heart for helping people. Because of their backgrounds, the couple originally had the idea of creating a space where they could integrate alternative wellness in a business setting, while building up the community, especially focusing on the under-served. They currently host the Adult Transition Program (ATP) on Tuesday mornings. On these days, special needs students, ages 18-22, are trained in vocational skills, which include operating the register, interacting with customers, and honing their hidden design talent. Alex and Becca hope to integrate more therapy practices into their business in the future.  

Divinely Restored Marketplace gives artisans and curators an opportunity to grow their brand. Not only can a customer get a variety of gift-buying choices, but parking is available in the front and behind the marketplace. They also host events on the last Tuesday of the month with live music, a tasting room and free giveaways.