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

Hi Alexia, we’d love for you to start things off by telling us something about your industry that we and others not in the industry might be unaware of?
One aspect that often goes unrecognized by those outside the industry is the significant time investment required for styling/creative directing, particularly when one lacks a styling team or established connections within the industry to source items from showrooms. I often find myself visiting multiple thrift stores in a single day to locate pieces that align with the vision of the mood board. It’s important to note that the selection at thrift stores can be quite limited, and finding the right sizes adds another layer of complexity to the process.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As I continue to evolve my work, I find it deeply rewarding to develop ideas that align with the interests and values of the people I work with, as it ensures the outcomes are authentic and meaningful to them. By crafting art that resonates to them personally, I can help bring their vision to life in a way that feels genuine. I mainly draw inspiration from my culture, music, art, and fellow creatives. As I observe their work it motivates me to create and evoke similar feelings in others. I take great pride in collaborating with numerous talented individuals—photographers, models, hairstylists, and makeup artists—each of whom has contributed to my growth and creative vision. These partnerships often lead to meaningful friendships and provide opportunities for projects in the future.

The journey to my current position has not been without its challenges. Navigating obstacles, including numerous rejections, has taught me that there will always be individuals who appreciate and understand your creative vision. One of the most important lessons I have learned is to exercise caution in trusting others, as not everyone may have the best intentions. It is vital to work with those who genuinely value your contributions and aspirations.

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.
We would begin our day at Wish You Were Here Coffee, where we would indulge in their signature raspberry pistachio matcha—a delightful blend of flavors that sets the tone for our adventure.

Next, we would visit my favorite thrift store, immersing ourselves in a treasure hunt for unique finds and vintage gems. This fun shopping spree would allow us to explore local styles and perhaps even score some unforgettable pieces.

For lunch, we would enjoy a meal at Folks Pizzeria, known for its artisanal pizzas and inviting atmosphere while we catch up.

In the afternoon, we would pick up delicious banh bo nuong from Van’s Bakery and head to the beach. Here, we would savor the flavors while painting and soaking in the stunning sunset—a perfect mix of creativity and relaxation to conclude our day.

This itinerary not only highlights my favorite local spots but also builds connection and creativity, ensuring an enriching experience throughout the week.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to highlight the invaluable contributions of Anaya Monette, who deserves greater recognition for her support in my styling journey. We always share a clear, mutual vision that enables us to collaboratively generate ideas and execute them effectively, while she supports and encourages me to freely express my own ideas. Anaya has been instrumental in my growth, consistently encouraging me to pursue my goals, no matter how challenging they may appear. Her unwavering belief in me and my vision has been a vital source of motivation. Having someone who believes in your wild dreams can truly make all the difference. She is truly my creative soul bestie.

Website: https://www.canva.com/design/DAFzI2hAbqA/EkK3Aj8XlmM4h-bvIyslfA/view?utm_content=DAFzI2hAbqA&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=editor

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexiavibes/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexia-salgado-3000aa225?trk=people-guest_people_search-card

Other: https://www.whatnot.com/user/alexiavibes

https://www.tiktok.com/@alexiaavibes

Image Credits
Anaya Monette
Cristian Castillo

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.