Meet Ariell Ilunga | Small Business Owner

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

Hi Ariell, how do you think about risk?
I’ve come to think of risk as the cost of authenticity. When I opened Carla’s, I wasn’t just trying to build a financially sound business—I was also trying to create a space that reflects my values. A place where people feel welcome, where community is nourished, and where good food becomes a vehicle for connection.

Every decision since has carried some level of risk, but they’ve all been rooted in what I believe is right: investing in people, in community, and in the long game of building something meaningful. Risk shows up in ways people don’t always see—saying yes to mutual aid when funds are tight, staying committed even when the path isn’t clear. But for me, the biggest risk would be playing it safe and losing what makes this work matter in the first place.

Risk has been the bridge between vision and reality, and while it’s uncomfortable, I’ve never regretted choosing the road that feels most true.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Carla’s Fresh Market is a neighborhood market reimagined—offering fresh, local, organic produce alongside household staples and innovative products made by small food makers. We also feature a natural-focused beer and wine selection. Our mission is to create a vibrant shopping experience centered around quality food that is always fresh, mostly local, and above all, delicious. We’re deeply rooted in our community and committed to accessibility—we accept EBT and offer a 50% discount on all produce for EBT users, because everyone deserves access to nourishing food.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I rarely leave my NELA because I’m so busy, but luckily everything I love is right here. We’d start the day at Tacos Villa Corona for their legendary breakfast burritos, then spend the afternoon browsing Shop RiriKu and Mi Vida—two of my favorite spots for thoughtful design and beautiful gifts.

I’d send her to get her nails done at Sage, then grab an early dinner at Homestate—tacos, queso, and margaritas in the sunshine is always a win.

Another night we’d head to Hippo, —and I’d insist she order the white negroni, one of my favorite cocktails. We’d follow that with a backyard hang, sharing a bottle of natural wine from Carla’s,

If we did venture out, it would be for a peaceful afternoon at Descanso Garden Spa.

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?
My self-care team: my therapist, Dr. Jeanine Johnson, the woman that keeps my grounded and faithful Janae Archuleta and of course my little sister Raina Ilunga

Website: https://www.carlasfreshmarket.com/

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

Image Credits
Photo Credit: Kort Havens