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

Hi Cristal, every day, we about how much execution matters, but we think ideas matter as well. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
I am one half of a small and upcoming business called ¡Bueno!Designs, created by my sister and I. Having grown up in Los Angeles from our Mexican born parents who had immigrated to the U.S. in the late 1970’s….the idea for our business came from our creative ideas mixed with our culture and love of Dia de los Muertos. The drive to create a business definitely came from the work ethic our parents engraved in us to work hard. Dia de los Muertos and our traditional cultural Mexican roots growing up in El Sereno/ L.A., inspired to make and create designs that show our unique and whimsical ideas.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Aside from ¡Bueno!Designs, I am a professional full time Senior Designer for a beauty brand. I have always enjoyed and art has been such a great part of my life from when I was a small kid growing up in L.A. I got to where I am today, with many challenges that made it such a better strive factor. Nothing is easy, and it makes you want more and strive for more. I’ve learned that you have to be your own “hype” person, keep telling yourself not to give up, keep going no matter how hard it gets. There will be mishaps or failures, but it makes you stronger at the end. I was lucky to have supportive family and friends that were going through their own challenges…and just having that support helps. Having those experiences and challenges help bring my work ethic and creativeness to ¡Bueno!Designs. I want people to know our small business and have our products tell our story, where we grew up, our roots/heritage and our creative ideas!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Growing up in L.A., there are so many great places to visit; for shopping, sightseeing, and of course the food! One of my favorite places I would visit has to be for some good ol street tacos! First stop would be Ave 26th street tacos in Highland Park, the tacos are delicious, fast and so many meats to choose from! The best part, is eating them right as you get them, nice and steaming hot….just standing next to your car in the back street where you will find the Ave 26th tacos. Then a trip to the Fashion District in downtown LA, so many fabrics and trims stores I visit many weekends and not far walking distance to Santee Alley. Having some great mole & drinks for dinner at Guelaguetza in Korea town. Next few days visit Venice Beach, the strand in Manhattan beach has a wonderful walking trail, lunch at Thai Kitchen is not too far away, they have the best pad thai! Taking a small hike to the Hollywood sign in Hollywood and getting a quick bite at Roco’s Pizza in West LA. The Farmer’s Market on Fairfax has so many shops and places to eat…and maybe spot a celebrity here and there! Overall there are so many place and things to do in Los Angeles, it is endless.

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?
The person who definitely would be my “shoutout” is my sister Nancy, who makes up the 2nd half of our small business Bueno!Designs. Aside from being y sister, she is a great business partner! We work really good together, bouncing off ideas on our collections and products. There are times we disagree on certain elements, but the beauty is working it out together. From day one where the idea to start this small business, she has given her endless time, efforts and is someone who stays up late working on our products, aside from being a full time working mother, wife and sister.

Instagram: @buenodesigns

Facebook: @buenodesigns

Other: Etsy: buenodesignsla

Image Credits
Cristal Bueno

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.