Meet Janelle Valencia | Artist/Small Business Owner

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

Hi Janelle, we’d love to hear what makes you happy.
Creativity, food, and nostalgia—these are the magical ingredients that make life meaningful. For me, creativity is freedom, imagination, and the thrill of exploring new ideas. When I make room for it, creativity becomes my superpower, giving me the will to express myself and stay grounded in the process of life.
As I dive into my art or work on my small business, I’m often whisked away on a journey down memory lane. I’m transported to a time of vibrant colors, hands-on playfulness, and simple pleasures. Creativity has always been my trusty sidekick, from childhood adventures to my professional path, fueling my energy, focus, and connection to what truly nourishes my soul. And food? Well, that it speaks for itself—delicious, comforting, and always worth celebrating!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Growing up as a Filipino American in the vibrant, predominantly Chicano neighborhood of Boyle Heights, I’ve always been deeply inspired by both Chicano culture and my own heritage—especially through something as simple yet powerful as food and aesthetics. It’s the heart of my creative journey. I create wearable and decorative food art novelties using polymer clay and other materials. I’m particularly proud of my popular pieces, like the Tacos and Beer pins, “Lechon-dary” and “Sinigang-Gang” vinyl stickers, and the “Era” series greeting cards (coming soon), all of which have brought many smiles.

I began experimenting with polymer clay in 2018. It was so much fun creating quirky, unique items with my nieces, Jessica and Jayna, that I decided to launch my Etsy shop in 2020. However, the pandemic brought unforeseen challenges, forcing me to pause and reevaluate how I spent my time. Financial struggles and moments of self-doubt tested my resilience, but they also became catalysts for growth and taught me how to balance running a small business, while working a 9 to 5 and maintaining my creative joy . These obstacles pushed me to confront my own self-esteem, find a healthier work-life balance, and let go of what no longer served me. From there, I chose to dedicate more time to honing my art, prioritizing my happiness, and building a small business that reflects my skills, time, passion, and joy.

I want people to understand that art (and your brand) is about the emotions it evokes. Life is about doing more of what brings you happiness, and I hope that every piece of art people see and purchase from me sparks excitement, joy, and a bit of nostalgia. Ultimately, I want people to feel good inside and out when they experience what I’ve made.

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.
A quick short list – here are spots I would take people to in Boyle Heights/DTLA area;
Brooklyn street (morning walk to Evergreen Cemetery)
Mariachi plaza (hang out/sight see)
Espacio 1839 (shop)
District Catorce (dine)
Thai Deli (dine)
Nanay gloria (dine-eagle rock)
Noypitz (dine and entertainment)
Tita lina (dine)
Full house (dine)
Thai Kitchen (dine)
Homegirl cafe-Homeboy industries (dine)
Chinatown (hang out/shops/dining)
Phoenix Bakery (dine/sweets)
Pho 87 (dine)
Pink & Boujee (dine)
Casa fina (dine)
6th street bridge (hang out)
Mateo street > Little Tokyo (hang, shops & dining)
Maruakai Market (grocery)
Kinokuniya bookstore (shop)
Manna Kbbq (dine)
Urth Cafe (dine)
Tatsu ramen (dine)
Mr. Ramen (dine)
DTLA 4th street murals (hang out)
Evergreen cemetery (morning walk/hang out-if you like that sort of thing lol)

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to shoutout my fiancé, Luis Vargas, who always said to do what makes you happy and to my cousin Amber Bernard who always supported and purchased my art from the start!

Website: https://www.lipsandcake.com

Instagram: @lipsandcake

Facebook: @lipsandcake

Other: Tiktok: @lipsandcake