Elysia Guillén
I’ve always been drawn towards the beautifully unusual—-as a child scuffling through racks of old clothing and searching for wares at “la segunda” (literally, the second, or secondhand store) with my grandmother, she would tell me I had a “thrift eye” and someday I should put that natural talent to good use.
So here we are. La Segunda Estudio is one of those few surprising gifts that came as a result of the pandemic. During the summer of 2020 I found myself furloughed from my hospitality job, without work for the first time since I was sixteen. With nothing but time on my hands I picked up this childhood dream again of being a vintage curator and stylist.
I love to surprise and delight my customers and clients with unexpected, distinctive finds and designs for their homes and intimate gatherings. And while I don’t limit myself to any one aesthetic, my work is often inspired by the cultural traditions, textiles, objects, iconography, and music of the diverse indigenous groups throughout Mexico.
My hope is to inspire people towards more thoughtful consumption, and to remind them that new is not always better. Pieces that have been pre-loved have endurance, a history, and character. And when we buy secondhand, we’re casting a vote against the hurried ways of mass-consumption and turning towards a more sustainable and meaningful future.
COMMUNITY • CULTURE • SUSTAINABILITY
Mujeres Makers Market
Out of all the women-owned businesses, only 18% are run by BIPOC women. That said, I am whole-heartedly committed to elevating other female-presenting BIPOC business owners and entrepreneurs. This commitment was realized (also in 2020) when I collaborated with four other badass Latinx women to start the Mujeres Makers Market. This project was created as a need to promote community and unity amongst women creatives.
La Segunda Estudio & Mujeres Makers Market in the Press
How Santa Barbara’s Online Creators Make Money and Brand Deals on Social Media
Apartment Therapy: Throwback Month Takeover
Fiesta marketplace sets up in Casa de La Guerra
Mujeres Makers Market Comes to Casa De la Guerra
Makers Market Centers Santa Barbara Mujeres of Color
Exploring Life & Business with Elysia Guillen of La Segunda
Siteline SB: Odds & Ends
Mujeres Makers Market
Out of all the women-owned businesses, only 18% are run by BIPOC women. That said, I am whole-heartedly committed to elevating other female-presenting BIPOC business owners and entrepreneurs. This commitment was realized (also in 2020) when I collaborated with four other badass Latinx women to start the Mujeres Makers Market. This project was created as a need to promote community and unity amongst women creatives.