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!