We had the good fortune of connecting with Yesenia Rodriguez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Yesenia, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
It started with making my daughter a hairbow to match her outfit. And then she asked for more bows, and then her friends asked for bows. Then it escalated to making party decor (banners, cake toppers, etc…). Next up was personalizing cups and mugs. And every year I challenge myself to adding a new line of items to my shop. Now that little girl who wanted a bow, no longer wears bows and is a 2nd year student at UCSB.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our communi        ty?
It all started with one hairbow. I made a hairbow for my then 6 year old, then her friends starting asking for bows and her friends friends starting asking for bows. And now that 6 year old is a sophomore at UCSB, and mama still makes bows. In addition to bows, I’ve added tumblers, mugs, totes and keychains to my little shop.
I set up shop at popup events locally. I love setting up, meeting new people, and seeing how my stuff makes others happy.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Uptown Whittier has it all! So many places to eat depending on your mood, Let’s catch a movie at
Starlight cinema, Then we get some ice cream or coffee and walk around and shop.
And on Saturday…let’s get lucky at Uptown Flea!
Located at Whittier high school, check their Instagram for the next event. The Uptown flea has it all, delicious food and treat vendors, unique thrift finds, jewelry, clothing and more.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Shout out to Uptown Flea in Whittier. We were coming out of a pandemic, scared to go outside. Yet they created a space for small business to flourish. And boy has it grown! I was a vendor at their first event, and continue to return because of the great vibes.

Instagram: Yeseniasfiestacreations2

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