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

Hi Corliss, what do you attribute your success to?
The most important factor behind Pickle N’ Tequila’s success is that our team—Camille (founder), Erik (operations), and myself—has always prioritized authenticity above all else. From day one, we’ve focused on creating experiences that feel real, inclusive, and community-driven—and I’ve tried to reflect that in everything I capture through our photography. I don’t have formal training, but I think that’s actually worked in our favor. There’s no pressure to be overly polished or staged; instead, I lean into showing the energy, the messiness, the joy—even the bloopers—because that’s what makes people feel connected and seen.

Our growth has always been rooted in the feeling we give people: you can come as you are, play a game, laugh with strangers, and leave feeling a little lighter. That sense of belonging is what we’re most proud of, and it’s what we aim to carry forward as we expand from LA into Orange County. The visuals and storytelling help bring people in—but it’s the intention behind them that keeps them coming back.

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.
Pickle N’ Tequila has taught me that connection always beats perfection. As the photographer behind the brand, I’ve learned that the most powerful moments aren’t the perfectly posed ones—they’re the unfiltered, in-between shots: the missed serves, the belly laughs, the post-game high-fives. Those are the moments that tell the real story. People don’t just want to see a lifestyle—they want to feel like they’re part of it.

The recent expansion from Los Angeles into Orange County has been an exciting milestone for us, and it’s been incredible to see the same spirit of fun and inclusivity take root in a whole new setting. Watching new faces light up on the court, hearing laughter and new connections being formed —those moments remind us why we started, and why we’re just getting started.

Ultimately, the biggest lesson is that when you lead with authenticity—whether through visuals or expansion—you build something people actually want to be part of.

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 Santa Monica for a weekend, I’d make sure they got a full taste of what makes the west side so special.

We’d kick things off with a morning tennis session at Sunset Tennis Club, followed by a stroll through the Brentwood Farmers Market—fresh juice, a warm croissant, and the people-watching there is elite. We’d grab breakfast at Great White (their breakfast burritos are a must), then spend the afternoon playing Ola beach tennis until sunset. Dinner would be casual but lively at Gjelina in Venice.

If we’ve still got energy, we’d wrap it up dancing at the Lincoln or just chill by a fire pit with s’mores and a drink.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
A huge shoutout to the amazing Los Angeles, and more recently Orange County community!

From our recent (hard launch) event, they’ve shown up with open arms, good vibes, and unbeatable energy—and we couldn’t be more grateful. Expanding Pickle N’ Tequila beyond LA is a big step, and seeing people embrace what we’re building has meant everything.

Whether you’re rallying on the court, sharing laughs on the sidelines, or just showing love from afar, they’re helping us create something special—an inclusive space where play meets connection, and everyone is welcome.

Here’s to more games, more memories, and more laughs together. OC, we’re just getting started.

Website: https://www.picklentequila.com/

Instagram: @picklentequila ; @picklentequilaoc

Other: Personal handle: @corlissmejia

Image Credits
Corliss Mejia (myself for picklentequila photos)

Livvy List (for my profile photo)

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