Dexter Lawn: The heart of Cal Poly’s creative scene

At first glance, Dexter Lawn might look like a patch of grass in the middle of Cal Poly’s campus. But spend a little time there, and it quickly becomes clear — it’s much more than that. From musicians and artists to clubs and small businesses, Dexter Lawn is a vibrant space where students bring their ideas to life. 

One student who has embraced this creative hub is business administration junior Kyan Ellis. Always passionate about thrifting, Ellis found inspiration on Dexter Lawn, which transformed his hobby into a growing business. 

“My freshman year, I would walk by Dexter Lawn on my way to class in the business building, and I would see people selling clothes,” Ellis said. “I’d see Adam, who owns Thrifty Beaches now, and I thought, ‘Oh, that’s really cool. I didn’t know you could do that.’”

Today, Ellis runs Thrift Addiction, a pop-up thrift shop on Dexter Lawn, alongside fellow student Charlie Smiles. But for Ellis, the venture is more than just a side hustle. It’s a chance to gain real-world business experience.

“I think it is good for all the students to have access to this and be able to do this,”  Ellis explained. “Not only for me to pay for rent, but also for professional development skills.” 

Dexter Lawn has become a launchpad for student projects, where students can test ideas and showcase their creativity. It reflects the diverse passions within Cal Poly’s student body.

“Dexter Lawn could definitely be a catalyst for a lot of people’s careers,” Ellis said.

One of Dexter Lawn’s unique aspects is its openness. There are no barriers to entry — any student can set up shop or showcase their talents. New faces and fresh ideas constantly circulate, adding to the dynamic environment.

“We got music over there, we got people selling clothes, like, people selling food,” Ellis said. “If I saw this, especially the clothes, I’d be like, okay, I’m going to Cal Poly.”

For Ellis, Dexter Lawn isn’t just about selling vintage finds. It’s about connecting with people and building a community. It’s a place where passion projects can grow into something bigger.

Dexter Lawn continues to be a thriving hub for student entrepreneurship and creativity at Cal Poly. Whether it’s a one-time pop-up or the start of a business journey, it’s a space where students can make their mark.