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

Hi Erica, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My journey to starting Needles House began with my background in interior design. I graduated from FIDM with a degree in interior design, and in 2017, when I became pregnant with my son Mateo, I transitioned to freelance interior design work. This shift allowed me to have a flexible schedule while doing what I loved. Over the next few years, I took on luxury commercial design projects, gaining invaluable experience.

My sister, Cecilia, a fine arts major, and I shared a vision of creating something that combined our passions for design and art. This vision led to the creation of Needles House, a lifestyle brand and residential design studio. The name “Needles House” holds special meaning for us, as it originates from Needles St., where our grandparents lived. We have memories of spending holidays at their house, which inspired us to name our venture after this beloved street. My husband and I even bought a house on Needles St., further cementing the connection.

Initially, we planned for Needles House to be an online-only store, operating our design studio from my home office. However, when a brick-and-mortar space became available in our neighborhood shopping center in the summer of 2023, we saw an opportunity to expand our vision. The physical store became an extension of our homes, embodying the warmth and sense of community that we cherished at our grandparents’ house.

Our goal was to create a space that felt like an extension of our own homes, offering an inviting environment for our customers. By combining our design expertise with our love for creating beautiful and functional spaces, Needles House was born.

What should our readers know about your business?
Needles House is a curated lifestyle boutique and design studio located in Chatsworth. We offer a blend of artisanal products and residential design services. What sets us apart from others is our commitment to quality, sustainability, and community. We collaborate with small-batch artisans and eco-conscious brands, ensuring that our products are not only beautiful but also ethically produced.

This journey allowed us to create a space that feels like an extension of our own homes, providing an inviting space for our neighbors to gather, shop and create. We offer creative workshops in our space, including paint and wine nights, charcuterie board building, and calligraphy workshops featuring other local small businesses— bringing our community together and providing a creative outlet for our customers.

Getting to where we are today business-wise was not easy and we are still learning everyday. We face numerous challenges, especially in bringing in a steady flow of customers and increasing awareness about our presence in Chatsworth and online. The high cost of brick-and-mortar rent in Los Angeles was another hurdle, though we were fortunate to find a location within our budget in our own neighborhood. To overcome these challenges, we have been participating in artisan pop-ups throughout Southern California on weekends for brand exposure and are getting better posting on social media to reach a wider audience. While we love having a store in our neighborhood, we often find that we have more clientele in other markets—we crush it in Pasadena.

The lessons we’ve learned along the way are invaluable. We’ve discovered the importance of perseverance, the power of community, and the necessity of staying true to our vision. Flexibility and being able to pivot quickly have also been crucial.

What we want the world to know about Needles House is that we are more than just a store; our story is rooted in family and a love for design, and we strive to create a space where our customers feel inspired and at home.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We’d begin the day with a quick hike on the Andora Trailhead, just behind our house at the end of Lassen— keep an eye out for wild peacocks! It’s an easy hike with great views of the valley. If it happens to rain, you’ll be treated to a cool little waterfall toward the top. After working up an appetite, we’d head over to The Country Deli, a great neighborhood spot. I highly recommend the Chatsworth Omelette — be sure to sub pepper jack cheese—it’s delicious!

A trip to LA isn’t complete without going to the beach. Take a drive down Topanga, through the canyon which leaves you off at PCH north of Pacific Palisades. The scenic drive offers beautiful views and beats taking the 118 to the 405.

We’d make our way North to the Malibu Country Mart for a little shopping at Vuori and Sunlife Organics for an Acai bowl. Summer evenings we like to hang out by the pool and grill, catch a movie or listen to live music in Warner Park or drive into the city and watch a show at the Hollywood Bowl .

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Our mom, Delora, deserves all the credit and recognition in our story. Growing up, she was always there for my sister and I, providing unwavering support and encouragement. She is truly the backbone of our company, and we wouldn’t be where we are today without her.

Delora helps me immensely with my son Mateo, managing school pick-ups, drop-offs, doctor appointments, and so much more. Her presence at the store with us, seven days a week, is invaluable. She assists with day-to-day operations and brings a sense of warmth and family to Needles House. Her dedication and tireless work ethic inspire us every day.

Most importantly, she is our biggest cheerleader. Her belief in our vision and constant encouragement have been instrumental in our journey. We owe so much of our success to her, and we are incredibly grateful for everything she does.

Website: https://www.theneedleshouse.com

Instagram: @theneedleshouse

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theneedleshouse

Image Credits
The photo of Cecilia and Erica was taken at our interior design project (a guest house) in Brentwood by Josh Bustos Photo.

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