Here in Corona, we have many amazing local spots that some may or may not know about; one place in particular that I will be writing about is a store/cafe located in the Dos Lagos shopping area named The Manifest Lab. This store not only sells items but also offers various classes and sessions. For example, they offer spiritual readings, meditation, and sound booth sessions. So, not only can you enjoy a delicious snack or drink, but you can also shop, talk, and relax!
The manifest Lab opened on August 30, 2023. They are a family-owned and operated small business. They offer various products, including paintings/creations from other local companies and artists, clothing, crystals, and more. They also have an outdoor lounge area in the front of the store where customers can sit and relax. I can say after being there myself, I felt welcome and comfortable. After walking around and observing the cute clothes and beautiful crystals, I was intrigued to see what else they had to offer. They also had spots where you may have your sessions in the most comfy and inviting space.
Although my favorite part had to be the “Secret Cafe” in the back of the store, I was amazed by the cafe’s enlightening aroma when I first walked in. Instead of harsh, bright lights, they have beautiful, soft hanging lights and lamps. Instead of regular chairs, they offer comfortable couch seating and chairs for the best study spots. Music softly plays in the background, which you can hear while people are conversing and laughing. They also offer board games, cards, and books in a large cupboard open to everyone and live music you may schedule to perform! It also includes a TV that plays movies and paper with pencils/pens/ chalk around the tables, so if you are feeling creative, you can make a creation. Also, throughout the cafe, you see chalk written all over the chalkboard walls with people writing all over. This is fun and cute and brings a very inviting atmosphere that invokes a warm and fuzzy feeling.
And not to mention the fantastic cafe that offers many drinks like coffee, hot chocolate, and even seasonal beverages. My favorite is the vanilla cappuccino; they also have baked goods and snacks. One of my favorite things they do is instead of yelling out your name to receive your order, no matter where you are around the store, they hand-deliver every single drink. This came as a shock to me; as someone who has a terrible memory, I believe I could never remember who ordered what, but they managed to do so with each customer. It may be because the workers have excellent memory, but it may also be due to their care and attention to customers.
Last but not least, to add to the list of all the things they offer and have at the location, if you walk to the very back of the store, passing the coffee shop, they have a hidden space for meditation. It’s filled with pillows and cloth surrounding the space with light music playing where anyone can sit and meditate in their own time. When I first came here, I went with my sister, and she showed me this spot; I was in complete awe and felt like I was taken to a hidden place that only she and I knew about. Although I would love to keep it a secret that only she and I know about, I knew I had to share it with those around me. So one of my favorite activities is to show people this spot and hidden meditation space, and each time, they are amazed and shocked, not knowing this was even here. So, I highly recommend that if you ever have time or are walking around Dos Lagos, you stop at this hidden gem and shop, eat/drink, and feel like you have your secret place.
