We were recently introduced to Isai’s paintings focusing on his parents and their dry cleaning business in connection to South Central, Los Angeles. As he currently works on a third piece to this series reflecting his role running the shop with his family, we spoke with him about his previous work, and how it was influenced by the gentrifying real estate developments in his community. While at Isai’s Inglewood home studio, he shares his experience of having to move due to the high cost of living after the gentrification of his neighborhood took hold. Isai further elaborates on how he perceives small business aesthetics versus modernized “cookie cutter” shop design, as well as the freedom to design your home outside of an HOA system.