Rediscovering Joy

As I've journeyed through the process of healing from childhood trauma and reconnecting with my inner self, I've stumbled upon a profound realization: tapping into the things that brought me joy as a child can lead to true fulfillment and happiness in adulthood.

Growing up, I experienced my fair share of challenges and struggles. As a child, I had to go to speech therapy, grappling with shyness and a fear of public speaking. But amidst these challenges, there were moments of pure joy and passion that lit up my world.  

One such memory is from my time in the bilingual program offered at my elementary school in the 90s. Being immersed in a Spanish-speaking environment, thanks to my abuela who cared for us and only spoke Spanish, I found immense joy in helping my classmates navigate their studies.

I also discovered a love for leadership. There was something exhilarating about taking charge, guiding groups, and spearheading projects.

Recently, I had the incredible privilege of hosting and moderating the Caracol Book Club, aligning with my love for literature and community building. It's been a rewarding experience bringing like-minded individuals together to reconnect with their childhood joys and dive into the world of Latinx literature.

Additionally, I've been presented with the opportunity to instruct an in-person course titled Pon tu Negocio en Línea (Get Your Business Online) in Spanish at WEV (Women's Economic Ventures). Although I haven't begun instructing the course yet, the prospect feels serendipitous and purposeful, aligning perfectly with my experiences and passions.

It's a full circle moment for me. My friend and co-founder of Mujeres Makers Market, Lili, first introduced me to WEV when I embarked on my journey with La Segunda. And now, here I am, leveraging my experiences and passions to empower aspiring entrepreneurs to turn their dreams into reality.

This journey has taught me the power of embracing my inner child, listening to what brings me joy, and fearlessly pursuing those passions. As I continue to navigate life's twists and turns, I'm committed to staying true to myself and finding fulfillment in the things that truly matter.

After all, sometimes the most meaningful opportunities are the ones that come full circle, guiding us back to where it all began.

[Image description: Elysia, a first-grade student, sits comfortably at a small table, wearing a cozy pastel knitted sweater adorned with tulips and geese. The image captures a heartwarming moment in a brightly lit speech therapy classroom. Unaware she was in therapy, Elysia appears content, her therapist capturing the moment with a camera. The atmosphere exudes warmth and encouragement, reflecting the dedication of both the student and therapist in Elysia's journey to improve her speech skills.]

Ventura Unveiled

Welcome to Ventura, a coastal gem nestled between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. Having called this vibrant city home for a few years now, I've had the pleasure of uncovering its many hidden treasures. From delectable eateries to unique boutiques and unforgettable experiences, Ventura offers something to delight every visitor and resident alike. Join me as I share my curated guide to some of my favorite spots in this truly special city.

Eat: Savor the Flavors of Ventura

Ventura's culinary scene is as diverse as it is delicious, offering a feast for the senses. Kickstart your perfect day in Ventura with a hearty breakfast at Frontside Cafe, where the welcoming ambiance pairs perfectly with mouthwatering dishes like the Fresh Aussie (keep an eye out for their weekend specials!). For a lunchtime treat, indulge in authentic Mexican tacos at Las Delicias de Abuelita or head to Beachhouse Tacos for their grilled shrimp tacos and irresistible chips + salsa.

In need of an afternoon pick-me-up? Look no further than Singing Sun Coffee for an iced golden latte or Prospect Coffee Roasters for an iced matcha latte (don't forget to add honey!). And when evening rolls around, embark on a culinary journey at Strange Beast, where rotating ramen specials (Sundays only), hand rolls, and Sama wings await. Wash it all down with a Chartreuse Swizzle cocktail crafted from the Good Lion Hospitality folks, and end the night on a sweet note with a visit to Rori's Artisanal Creamery.

Shop: Discover Ventura’s Hidden Treasures

Ventura is a haven for those who love to shop local and uncover unique finds. Wander through the eclectic boutiques along Main Street, Midtown, and the Avenue, where you'll stumble upon hidden gems like Findings Market, Coalition Thrift Store, and Bells Art Factory. Discover curated wine selections at Midtown Wines or dive into a literary adventure at local bookstore Timbre Books. Don't miss The Refill Shoppe for eco-friendly household products or the exclusive first Friday at Bells Art for one-of-a-kind artwork by local talents.

Experience: Dive into Ventura's Vibrant Culture

Ventura offers more than just culinary and retail delights—it's a city brimming with unforgettable experiences. Spend an afternoon exploring Ventura Harbor Village, where you can rent a kayak or paddleboard and soak in the serenity of the harbor waters. Take a leisurely stroll through downtown and admire the historic architecture, including the Ventura County Courthouse. Don't forget to visit the iconic Ventura Pier, where you can take in panoramic views of the coastline and Channel Islands.

On Saturdays, make sure to visit the Downtown Ventura Farmers Market, where you can experience the vibrant atmosphere, sample fresh produce, and browse artisanal goods from local vendors.

As the sun sets, head to Grant Park for breathtaking views of the coastline and Channel Islands, or immerse yourself in Ventura's vibrant live music scene. Whether it's jazz at The Grape or diverse performances at Ventura Music Hall, there's something for every music lover to enjoy.

Support Local: Preserve the Spirit of Ventura

As you explore Ventura and indulge in its offerings, remember to support the local community by patronizing small businesses. Whether you're grabbing a coffee from a neighborhood cafe or picking up a handmade gift from a local artisan, your support makes a meaningful difference in preserving the unique character of Ventura.

Ventura holds a special place in my heart, and I hope this curated guide inspires you to uncover the magic of this coastal city for yourself. From culinary delights to charming boutiques and unforgettable experiences, Ventura invites you to explore its hidden treasures and create lasting memories. So venture out, support your local community, and let the spirit of Ventura captivate you. Happy exploring!

What I've Been Up To Lately

Hey there! It's been a hot minute since I last popped up on here, hasn't it? Life has its way of keeping us on our toes, and let me tell you, it's been a rollercoaster ride of highs and lows, especially in the business world. The past year has thrown us all some curveballs, forcing us to navigate rough waters and try to stay afloat. That's why I've made the decision to pivot and temporarily pause the shop feature on this online platform, as well as scale back on table designing and pop-up markets this year, all in the pursuit of prioritizing being more mindful and present in my day-to-day life.

I don't know about you, but there are days when the mere thought of mustering up the energy to engage in social interactions feels exhausting. The constant charge and discharge of our social batteries can really take a toll, can't it? And let's not even get started on witnessing some of our favorite businesses closing their doors—it feels like a little piece of our hearts breaks each time.

But amidst the chaos and the struggle, I've realized the importance of taking a step back and truly assessing what brings me joy and fulfillment. As someone who dabbles in hospitality and hosts markets here and there, finding that balance between work and personal growth has been nothing short of a challenge.

photo credit: Daniel Gonzalez

And guess what? This year, I'll be hitting the big 4-0! Can you believe it? Sometimes, I find myself wondering where all the time went. But you know what they say—age is just a number, and I'm determined to make the most of every moment.

I've also learned to prioritize self-care, not take things personally, and surround myself with people who bring out the best in me. I'm committed to keeping the joy alive by dancing, laughing, and continuously learning to be a better human being. Currently, I'm loving game nights, jazz shows, home dinners, neighborhood walks, and soaking in relaxing baths.

In the spirit of embracing change and growth, I've been exploring some exciting new ventures that align with my values and passions. One of my recent endeavors involves shining a spotlight on women-owned Latinx brands—an initiative close to my heart. There's something incredibly empowering about uplifting others while staying true to your roots, don't you think?

As I continue to expand my horizons, I'll be curating thoughtful guides and digital mood boards that celebrate diversity and inclusion. It's all about taking a more holistic approach to my business, going beyond vintage and embracing a multifaceted perspective.

But hey, it's not all work and no play! You can still catch me doing my thing on TikTok and Instagram—be sure to give me a follow if you haven't already! I'm all about keeping the fun and silliness alive. If you prefer hanging out in person, you can find me at Santa Barbara-based pop-up markets like Mujeres Makers Market, Farmer and the Flea, or Dart Garden Market hosted by Loud Flower Art Co. You can also explore my curated collection of vintage clothing at Lazy Eye Shop in Old Town Goleta. Don't forget to check out the flyer below designed by my talented amiga Barbara! And for some quality hangout time, join us at Dune Coffee Roasters.

Oh, and did I mention the Caracol Book Club? The turnout at our first meeting blew me away! It's truly heartwarming to see so many like-minded individuals coming together to reconnect with their childhood joys and dive into the world of Latinx literature. It's become an exclusive book club, and we've already started our first book.

Well, if you've made it this far, I just want to say thank you. Thank you for taking the time to journey alongside me as I navigate through this crazy thing called life. Let's continue to uplift and support each other. After all, we're all in this together.

Until next time, friends! Remember, when things get tough, it's okay to pivot and reassess. Keep spreading those good vibes and chasing after your dreams. Stay resilient and keep moving forward. We've got this!

Mucho mucho amor,

Elysia

P.S. Don't forget to follow along on my adventures—I promise, it'll be a wild ride!

Frida Fiesta

¡Viva La Frida! My friend Lili (owner of Colibri) and I hosted a Frida Khalo themed, private dinner party on July 14th at El Presidio Orchards. We sold out tickets in record time. We had three different table scape designs—-combining vibrant, bold colors, textures, and patterns. We paid great attention to every table scape detail, including vintage ware, regional Mexican pottery, hand selected florals, custom Frida sugar cookies (made by Lorraine) and candles galore to set the tone of the intimate event with Frida touches everywhere.

As guests filtered into the reception, they were welcomed with refreshing margaritas, crispy tortilla chips, and fresh salsas. The memorable celebration carried well into the evening as everyone chatted underneath the sparkling twinkle lights with a ranchera-meets-rock-en-español playlist to liven up the atmosphere. Our guests enjoyed homemade tamales, chicken verde enchiladas, ensalada de nopales accompanied with arroz and frijoles de la olla. Last but not least, creamy flan for dessert!

It was such an unforgettable and magical evening. We look forward to more upcoming dinner events that are unique and pays homage to Mexican culture. A huge thanks to Michelle and Celina for snapping photos.

Un abrazo, Elysia

Life of a Latinx Vintage Curator

Hola. Elysia here.

Thank you for being here, a safe space for all. Let’s start by saying that the last few years have been difficult and challenging, the silver lining was starting La Segunda Estudio. There is so much that goes into running a vintage business and it’s definitely not as simple as just buying some goods and slapping them on the internet! Honestly all days are different and no to look the same. These are a few things that I do:

• Sourcing: estate sales are my jam! It usually consists of long drives, several stops and scouring through closets and boxes. Some are a bust, and I bring nothing back. And some are testing the load limits of my car, but all of the are interesting!

• Cleaning products, washing threads and repairing if needed

• Social media and marketing - creating content, engaging with online community market, dm’s and responding to comments

• Packing, shipping and countless trips to the post office

• Photographing products and preparing for story sales (online shop coming soon!)

• Researching items to determine prices. Also adding to POS and attaching price tags

• My least favorite: bookkeeping! But the most important and necessary for my business to thrive

• Prepping for pop-up markets. I participate in 2-3 every month and in the holiday season I usually book myself up to 6 events. These in-person events are a great way for me to gain customers and connect with other small business owners

It’s truly a labor of love and requires a lot of attention and energy, as well as a genuine affinity for customer service. But it’s all worth it!