Kelly Twichel and Lauren Kimmons are two accomplished San Diego entrepreneurs with a deep love for this region and an abiding desire to help visitors enjoy everything the city has to offer. They have something else in common as well: The pair’s respective companies, Access Trax and Pop Up Picnic Co., were both part of the San Diego Tourism Authority’s inaugural Tourism Accelerator class.
Both are mobile businesses that pave the way for visitors to take advantage of San Diego’s outdoor wonders, from its famous beaches to its beautiful parks. Access Trax provides portable mats to help wheelchair users traverse beach sand and much more, while Pop Up Picnic is a full-service luxury picnic company that curates events all around San Diego.
We caught up with Twichel and Kimmons to talk about their great enthusiasm for San Diego and, as Disability Pride Month arrives, efforts to help make the city even more accessible for all.
Q: Tell us a little about yourselves and what inspired you to launch your businesses — as well as why you felt San Diego was the right place to do so.
Lauren Kimmons (Left) and Kelly Twichel (Right) share their love of an accessible San Diego for Disability Pride Month
Kelly Twichel: I have been lucky to call San Diego home my whole life. After earning a degree in biology from SDSU, I attended grad school for occupational therapy. During a school project, I was inspired by local adaptive surfers (surfers who have physical disabilities) to co-invent a lightweight, portable access mat so they could easily cross the beach in their wheelchairs. After I volunteered at a surf contest in Ocean Beach in 2016, the surfers’ feedback convinced me there was a need to make a larger impact. I launched Access Trax in San Diego in 2018 and have since empowered people with disabilities all over the world to have better access to the outdoors and recreation.
Lauren Kimmons: I’m an entrepreneur, a mom, a wife and an involved community member. I really love creating moments of connection, first and foremost with my family: We love the beach, gardening and Padres games! I also really enjoy being active in local community groups, and I volunteer on multiple boards. My creative outlet is best realized in my business. It’s the place where I bridge my passion for connecting, creating and service. In a nutshell, I started this business over 12 years ago with a desire to create a happy, inspired, memorable moment where my guests could connect with each other and create unique memories. The beautiful backdrop San Diego provides, in so many different variations, is an important aspect to our service. We wanted to frame the experience with an unforgettable view — and San Diego certainly has no shortage of options!
Q:Â Kelly, what are some of your favorite disability-proud organizations and activities in San Diego?
KT: The Challenged Athletes Foundation is one of the premier nonprofits that aims to improve lives through the power of sport. They provide competitive sports opportunities and grants for people with physical disabilities — including Veterans with Operation Rebound — and we are proud to support their work.
Access Trax is also part of a local coalition of 20-plus organizations called MCAP (Mobility Community Access Partners) that hosts an annual San Diego Adaptive Sports, Recreation & Resource Fair at Mission Bay. This year’s event provided an opportunity for people with disabilities to try out adaptive paddleboarding, kayaking, wheelchair basketball and more! We couldn’t do this without the support of the Spinal Network and the San Diego Therapeutic Recreation Services (a division of city Parks and Rec). Lastly, I’d like to give a shoutout to a nonprofit called Team Quinn Surf, which provides adaptive surf clinics in beautiful Coronado.
Q: If someone were coming to San Diego for the first time, what would you tell them to do? (Besides patronize your businesses, of course!)
KT: Most families from outside San Diego who rent from Access Trax are coming to experience the beaches here. I would also recommend the world-famous San Diego Zoo (the pandas are back!), and Balboa Park, including the museums. If they enjoy concerts, the Rady Shell at Jacobs Park is an awesome venue!
In addition, I would recommend they check out Old Town for some authentic Mexican cuisine, check out a Gulls hockey game (if during hockey season; otherwise, go Padres!), and cruise the beach boardwalk right before sunset. San Diego Parks and Recreation also has a seasonal beach wheelchair program where people can borrow a chair free of charge to go on the sand!
LK: I would recommend bringing comfy shoes plus a sun hat! Be prepared to be outside and soak up the sunshine. Wherever you’re staying, plan to stroll around and explore the neighborhood — you’ll be surprised at what you’ll find! Also, our family favorite is Cabrillo National Monument for amazing views, trails and even tide pools. Â
Q: Lauren, what is your recommended must-try item(s) on Pop Up Picnic Co.’s menu?
LK: Our Hibiscus Lemon Agua Fresca is a definite crowd favorite! It’s not too sweet and a bit floral — it’s a perfectly refreshing treat on a sunny San Diego day!Â
Q: And what are a few of your favorite San Diego locations for pop-ups?
LK: We love all of San Diego but our favorites include Cuvier Park in La Jolla and Balboa Park!
Q: What do you think would most surprise a newcomer to San Diego?
KT: The fact that we have so many diverse communities within one larger community is awesome. You can experience many different cultures through food, art, recreation, local businesses, events and more.
LK: San Diego is a city of neighborhoods! I recommend making time for a few different neighborhoods because each has its own flavor and feel. The flagship attractions always have a few adjacent streets or even whole neighborhoods that are just off the radar but are often where you find the locals.
Q: Looking forward, what makes you excited about growing your business in San Diego?
KT: So much opportunity exists when doing business in San Diego. There’s the population here, the tourism, but also the business conferences and the proximity to accessing other major cities in California and internationally. I’m grateful that when I do need to travel, the airport is right here with many direct flights.
LK: San Diegans are what excites us the most about San Diego. The people here are warm and friendly and chill. You can’t help but be nice in a city as beautiful as ours. We love serving our guests and hope to keep growing for years to come!
During Disability Pride Month and Every Month, San Diego is Accessible for Everyone
