Meet Frank Ledezma Jennyfer Gramajo | Owners

We had the good fortune of connecting with Frank Ledezma Jennyfer Gramajo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Frank Ledezma, the decisions we make often shape our story in profound ways. What was one of the most difficult decisions you’ve had to make?
The most difficult decision we had to make was leaving behind our previous line of work which was events photography. We as owner and parent had to make a decision to stay above water. Reason being was because of Covid, once the pandemic happened all events were cancelled and everyone was unaware when things were going to be back to normal. Having to close your business because it was not essential was very hard knowing it was our only income for the both of us. Not knowing what will happen I remember my husband coming home one day and bring up the idea of purchasing film an amount of it which required the small amount of money we had saved. I remember saying to Frank same thing i always say to him when making decisions if this is what will help the business lets do it. Although It was nerve-racking not knowing if this will help our business, we begin selling film in offer-up. I remember the first film we sold we meet the person at a jack in the box parking lot. Wearing gloves, mask we put film inside a Ziplock bag not knowing what will happen. Although our front store still had to be close for not being essential. We started selling film from a side door of our business and delivering them as if we were doing uber eats. This is how East LA Film Shop started and continue to grow.

What should our readers know about your business?
What truly sets us apart is our commitment to friendly and excellent customer service. We make it a priority to listen to our clients, be patient, and understand their needs. This personal connection helps us stand out. Add to that a fast turnaround time and the way we actively involve our clients in their photography journeys, and it creates a strong bond of trust and loyalty.

Being part of the community has always been a big focus for us. We’ve hosted photo exhibitions, photowalks, and print exchanges to bring people together and celebrate creativity. These events are about more than photography they’re about building relationships and fostering inspiration.

Dedicating our time and energy to the shop is what has allowed it to prosper. But to be honest, it was far from easy. There were countless long days, challenges, and sacrifices along the way. focusing on our vision, and leaning on the support of our amazing community helped us overcome every obstacle. The lessons we have learn along the way is that Patience pays off: Growth doesn’t happen overnight. Listening to customers, being patient, and focusing on delivering quality over rushing has been key to building trust.

We want to let people know that our story is one of dedication, hard work, and the belief that every photo tells a story worth preserving. Whether it’s developing a roll of film, organizing a photowalks, or showcasing local talent in an exhibition, everything we do is driven by a passion for helping others see the world through a different lens—literally and figuratively.

We want people to know that when they step into East LA Film Shop, they’re not just customers, they’re part of a community that values art, storytelling, and connection.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We will start in Little Tokyo, where we wander through the shops filled with anime figures and books, and of course, indulge in some delicious ice cream. We would then head to Chinatown, exploring its unique stores and snapping photos with our cameras while soaking in the vibrant culture and surroundings. A meal at Foo Chow is a must, offering a delicious break before continuing to discover what’s new in the area. We will also take them to Grand Central Market, where everyone gets to pick their favorite dish from an incredible variety of cultural cuisines. after a great meal we will walk through downtown, with a stop at The Last Bookstore, where the kids could spend hours browsing and discovering hidden treasures from there. We also take them to Hollywood to check out the famous stars on the Walk of Fame, taking in the iconic sights and the energy of the area. If the weather is nice, we would go to Venice Beach, our favorite spot, for a peaceful walk along the shore and an opportunity to capture stunning photos.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
We want to give a shout out to our family for their continues support. Also Jacqueline Gramajo for helping us at the shop. Also to the Analog Community that continues to choose our shop for all the film needs. We want to give them all a big shout out and thank you for everything!

Instagram: East.la.film.shop