Meet SJ Grundon

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

Hi SJ, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My journey into entrepreneurship began as a flea market vendor, where I spent years understanding customer preferences, market trends, and the importance of community in a business setting. I eventually expanded to running my own shop, which deepened my experience in managing a business, building customer relationships, and curating a space that people wanted to return to.

However, as I continued to explore different markets, I noticed a recurring gap—there wasn’t a place that combined all the elements I personally valued: a 420-friendly atmosphere, a bar where people could relax, and a space that genuinely felt fun and inclusive. I wanted to create a place where people could come together, connect, and enjoy themselves in a laid-back environment that wasn’t just about selling products but about fostering a sense of belonging.

This realization led me to start AfterHours. I envisioned it as a ‘third space’—not just a bar or a venue, but a community where people could feel at home, make new friends, and experience a welcoming, vibrant atmosphere. My experience in both the flea market and retail sectors gave me the insight and confidence to recognize this opportunity and fill that niche in the market.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Not only do I run this flea market, but I also work a full-time 9-5 job. Balancing these two roles has been challenging, but I’m fortunate to have an incredible support system of people who want to see me succeed and help me level up. My journey hasn’t been easy—there have been times when I felt lost and unsure of where my passions truly lay. However, through these experiences, I’ve learned that the universe has a way of guiding us, and that the things we love don’t come easily.

If I could go back, I’d tell my 24-year-old self that it will all work out in the end. I know that younger me would be proud of how far I’ve come and where I am today. Now, I aim to be a mentor and source of inspiration for my younger friends who might be going through similar struggles. I love sharing my professional and entrepreneurial knowledge, and I encourage others to advocate for themselves because, at the end of the day, you are your own best advocate. I’m grateful for the many people in my life who have taught me this valuable lesson.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were visiting, I’d want to give them a mix of classic LA experiences and personal favorites. We’d definitely start with a day at the beach—there’s nothing like soaking up the sun, relaxing by the ocean, and just catching up with good company. After a chill day like that, we’d spend a wholesome evening at home, cooking dinner and talking about everything under the sun.

Of course, I’d take them to my flea market, AfterHours, to show them the vibrant community I’ve built. We’d then hit the town for a night out at a club like Sound, followed by an after-party in DTLA, where the energy is electric and the night just keeps going. For food, I’d introduce them to Leo’s Tacos—an LA staple that’s one of my absolute favorites. We’d also have to do some KBBQ, and explore as many of LA’s incredible food spots as possible because the food scene here is one of the reasons I moved to this city. It’s all about creating a balance between the laid-back, the exciting, and, of course, the delicious!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to give a big shoutout to Pandora Spirakis, who referred me for this opportunity with Shoutout LA. She’s not only an incredible tattoo artist and entrepreneur but also one of my best friends and a huge mentor. Throughout our friendship, she’s been a constant source of inspiration and support. Pandora played a significant role in inspiring me to create my flea market, encouraging me to pursue my passions and fill a gap in the market. Her unwavering love and support have been invaluable, always being there for me when I needed assistance with my business.

I’m also excited to share that Pandora will be a featured tattoo artist at our upcoming flea market on August 17th. We’re doing a tattoo giveaway to support each other in our business ventures. So, come by and get a tattoo from her—she’s an amazing, beautiful, and kind soul, and I’m incredibly grateful to call her a friend and mentor.

Website: afterhoursmarket.co

Instagram: afterhoursmarket

Other: TikTok: afterhoursmarket

Image Credits
@stevemeierphotography & @a___cooper are our event photographers