Jason Asch said when he started working at Diamond Foam and Fabric many years ago, he didn’t expect to make it his profession. It was a summer job, he explained, and owning the company came after the original owners decided to part with the store.

(photo by Patricia Sanchez)

“I always did entrepreneurial sorts of things. I sold peanuts at Hollywood Park, worked at the Forum,” Asch said. “Doing those types of jobs, I met people from other cultures and backgrounds, and the same thing happens at [Diamond Foam and Fabric]. It’s not like being a doctor or anything like that. People come here to pick out something for their home, something that makes them happy.”

Asch and his family came to Los Angeles from San Francisco. He attended UC Santa Barbara and thought he would continue on to law school at first, but that never happened, he said. But when time was up on his summer job at Diamond Foam and Fabric, Asch was in love with the company.

In 1982 when he took over the business, he expanded and moved it to its current location at 611 S. La Brea Ave. Asch said in addition to increasing the store’s products, he made it a priority to run a socially and environmentally responsible business.

“If you have compassion for people, it’s something you keep in mind when running a business as well,” Asch said. “My parents were that way, and they understood the necessity of charity and helping others. And that reflects in all aspects of my life.”

Asch researches his fabric suppliers and makes sure he buys fabrics from companies who are also socially responsible.

“It’s strange people don’t seem to or want to care about their fellow human beings,” Asch said. “To me that’s the most important thing, which is why we also get involved with the community and with our customers – to give back.”

Supporting local businesses, schools and other organizations, he said, is important to him, and even outside of his job, he is always open to helping others.

“You meet all sorts of people that you can help if you can just take the time,” Asch said. “I met this kid once who told me he was a drummer. He played at local venues and was pretty good. But, he had to sell his drum kit though to help his [family]. My son had a perfectly good drum set he never used, so I talked it over with him and we gave it to the young man.”

Asch said he also likes to collect fabric and books. He frequents estate sales to see what other people have collected and has found some interesting items, including a letter written by Joan Didion that he found in an old copy of “Billion Dollar Blackjack” by William Bonelli.

“I love finding new and unexpected things, whether it be music, books or fabrics,” Asch said. “It’s kind of how I found this [career]. I always say the important thing isn’t where you end up, but all the unexpected places you’re taken to along the way.”