Meet Stacey Corona | Marketing Specialist, Event Coordinator & Founder of Unidos Community Event’s / Cultura Market

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

Hi Stacey, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
In embarking on this venture, I drew from my own experience as a small business owner in the popup world. I keenly felt the absence of guidance and the constant worry shared with my colleagues about the potential shutdown of events due to past experiences. It almost always felt as if these events were solely about the bottom dollar. These personal experiences fueled my determination to create a business that not only supports fellow entrepreneurs but also addresses the challenges and uncertainties we faced firsthand. My goal was to establish an event company that not only supports and incorporates small businesses but also uplifts communities. Ensuring 100% compliance with all necessary permits from cities was paramount to prevent any event from being shut down. I aimed to guide fellow entrepreneurs through the legal processes for selling at city events. With Unidos Community Events, my aim was to educate entrepreneurs on the array of permits required, dispelling the misconception that a seller’s permit suffices. Our mission is to create a supportive culture where learning and guidance thrive. We host free, family-friendly community events with activities for children, particularly in the wake of challenges like the pandemic. Overall, I strive to curate events showcasing the talents of local small businesses, fostering community connection and discovery.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?

Unidos Community Events  hosts various community events, but is not just an event company; it’s a beacon of support and empowerment for minority-owned businesses. We take pride in being more than just organizers; we are educators, mentors, and advocates for our vendors, guiding them through the intricate processes of business setup and city event participation. Our commitment to community goes beyond hosting events; it’s about building relationships, fostering collaboration, and creating opportunities for growth.

One aspect that sets us apart is our unwavering dedication to compliance and quality. Drawing from my own past experiences I wanted to ensure that every event we host meets all necessary regulations and standards, sparing our vendors the anxiety of unexpected closures or loss of inventory. By prioritizing proper documentation and certification, we provide a platform where entrepreneurs can confidently showcase their products and talents, knowing that their hard work is protected and respected.

However, our journey has not been without its challenges. In the early stages, we faced the daunting task of navigating unfamiliar city regulations and bureaucratic red tape. Yet, through persistence and resourcefulness, we overcame these obstacles, forging partnerships with city hall, health department and advocating for the recognition of pop-up markets as valuable community assets.

Moreover, building attendance at our events required creativity and perseverance. We experimented with various marketing tactics, leveraging the power of word-of-mouth recommendations and harnessing the reach of social media platforms like Instagram. Through these efforts, we have cultivated a loyal following of vendors and attendees who see Unidos Community Events not just as a series of gatherings but as a cherished tradition and a hub of community connection.

At the heart of our mission is a deep-seated commitment to uplifting small businesses and fostering a sense of belonging within our communities. We want the world to know that Unidos is more than a brand; it’s a testament to the transformative power of community support and collaboration. Our story is one of resilience, passion, and the unwavering belief that together, we can create something truly remarkable.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

Crafting the ultimate week-long itinerary for an unforgettable experience, I’d first recommend a visit to the Uptown Whittier Night Market hosted on a Wednesday. As the manager of this vibrant event on historic Greenleaf Avenue, I can attest to its fun, family-friendly atmosphere spanning three blocks and welcoming pets.

Next, don’t miss out on the live music and delicious food hall at the Whittier Brewing Company on a Friday or Saturday night. Indulge in their killer smoked BBQ, pizza, and café de olla. And if beer isn’t your thing, they also offer wine. Before leaving, a quick stop at Cultura Market for some retail therapy is a must. This hidden gem is filled with small businesses offering unique finds.

For an unforgettable dinner experience, head over to Voxx Kitchen located in Fountain Valley, known for its consistently exceptional food and service. Then, make your way to Lock & Key in Downey for a delicious cocktail.

Of course, no trip would be complete without meeting Aurora and Bryan, the delightful owners of Tacos y Que in Whittier, who serve up some amazing tacos. With so many amazing places and things to try, it’s hard to choose just one! Amidst all the discoveries, take some time to unwind at A La Mode Nail & Spa Lounge in Whittier with a relaxing mani-pedi.

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?
Undoubtedly, the success of this company is indebted to my steadfast backbone and remarkable business partner, whose unwavering dedication and belief in my vision have been invaluable. While I contribute as the creative mind and organizer, Jay’s expertise surpasses mere paperwork; he deftly handles permits, health regulations, accounting, and numerous other crucial tasks, ensuring our triumph. His invaluable contributions, often unseen like a silent guardian, form the bedrock of our operations. Thankful and couldn’t have chosen a better business partner.Furthermore, I extend my gratitude to my family and friends who consistently attended almost every event, ensuring both our company and the vendors felt the warmth of community support. In the early days, when our events struggled with foot traffic, it was devastating. But I knew I could always rely on 15-20 loved ones to show up, shop, and offer their backing. Thank you to Mom, Jaime, Grandma, Liz, Ruth, and many more.And, of course, heartfelt thanks are due to the vendors who believed in our company’s mission from the outset. They journeyed through the ups and downs with us, and it’s so beautiful to witness their success now at our events. We went from being lucky to have 100 guests stop by an event to now blissfully thriving in events attended by 10,000 guests.Additionally, I want to express gratitude to all who have collaborated with us to host these amazing events. I and all the small businesses appreciate everyone who has opened their business space to us. Special thanks to John from Whittier Brewing, one of our first launch locations. Brunch Sunday is still going strong two years later. Gratitude also goes to Plaza West Covina, 2nd & PCH, and the Uptown Whittier Association for being part of this journey.A big shoutout to the city and city workers who make our collaborative events possible. Special thank you to Johnny who goes above and beyond for the city of Whittier. Thank you to the community who continually comes out to support us and the amazing entrepreneurs we host. This is all thanks to a full circle of community—from family and friends to our vendor family and the community we serve. Of course, all who are a part of the success aren’t mentioned, but you know who you all are. Thank you! 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unidoscommunityevents?igsh=ZWI2YzEzYmMxYg==