Meet Terri Rivera | Co-Owner of The Horror Boodega

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

Hi Terri, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Starting a business is always a deeply personal journey, and for me, it was about creating something meaningful and unique. While this is my first time venturing into entrepreneurship, my partner has an impressive track record—this is their fourth time building a cohesive brand or business identity. That dynamic brought an interesting challenge: I wanted to ensure that this new venture felt like ours—a collaborative effort rather than just an extension of what they’ve already built.

We approached the process with a lot of reflection and intentionality, asking ourselves three key questions:

What have we always wanted to do but couldn’t in the past?
What’s missing in the industry we’re passionate about?
What’s something we’d genuinely love doing for years to come?
The past two years were the toughest of our lives, filled with personal and professional challenges. Coming out of that, we realized how important it was to prioritize joy. We wanted this new business to be rooted in the things that genuinely make us happy. That became the driving force behind every decision—from the concept to the branding and customer experience.

Ultimately, our goal was to create something fresh and fulfilling, not just for us but for the community we serve. That sense of purpose and shared happiness is what makes this venture so special.

What should our readers know about your business?
This business represents a new chapter for us, both personally and professionally. One of the things we love most about the horror genre is its incredible range. While horror is often associated with screams and gore, it can also be campy, funny, heartfelt, heroic, and even joyful. With the Horror Boodega, we wanted to shine a light on the lighter, more nostalgic side of horror.

Our aesthetic draws inspiration from the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s, blending elements of our personal collection of toys, collectibles, and memorabilia into the store’s design. The result is a space that feels bright, neon, and playful—intentionally contrasting with the traditional dark and eerie vibe of horror. We wanted to create a whimsical, inviting atmosphere. Even though our spooky bodega might seem like a humble hole-in-the-wall, it’s brimming with charm and personality.

What excites me most is the potential for growth and the partnerships we have in the works. We have so many creative projects planned that will allow the Horror Boodega to evolve and reach even more people.

That said, getting to this point wasn’t easy. In fact, the journey was full of challenges and pivots. One of the biggest lessons we’ve learned is that Plan A is often just a starting draft. We had to let go of our original vision and adapt repeatedly. The business we imagined at the start is very different from what we’ve created—but I wouldn’t have it any other way. Those unexpected changes felt like divine intervention, steering us toward something better than we could have planned.

I’ve come to embrace the saying, “Rejection is just redirection.” Every obstacle pushed us closer to the business we were meant to create. Today, I’m proud to say that we’re exactly where we need to be, and I can’t wait to see what’s next for the Horror Boodega.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’ve thought about this often because many of my lifelong friends live out of state, and we’re always dreaming about planning visits and reunions. Here’s how I’d map out a perfect day:

First, we’d kick things off at the Horror Boodega to set the tone. We’d grab some drinks and snacks to fuel our adventure and take in the playful, nostalgic vibe of the shop. From there, we’d head over to the Mystic Museum to explore their latest horror exhibit. We’d spend time soaking in the creativity, snapping photos in the immersive sets, and reminiscing about the classic films the exhibits pay tribute to.

After indulging in our love of horror, we’d do something more active—axe throwing! My favorite spot is Mo’s House of Axe in K-Town. It’s always a blast, and it brings out everyone’s competitive side. While we’re in the area, we’d make a stop for some incredible Korean BBQ because no trip to K-Town is complete without it.

To round out the day, we’d swing back to the Horror Boodega to grab more snacks for the evening. Then we’d settle in for a cozy night at the movies, catching a horror film on the big screen. It’s the perfect mix of nostalgia, thrills, and good food—a day full of fun, laughter, and memories to last a lifetime.

If we had more time in the week, I’d love to explore some of the other gems around Los Angeles—maybe the Hollywood Forever Cemetery, a visit to Universal Studios since it’s nearby, or even a spooky ghost tour to keep the theme alive. LA has such a unique mix of vibrant culture and hidden treasures, and I’d want to give my best friend the full experience.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
This shoutout is dedicated to my father and my partner’s mother, both of whom we lost during this journey. They were the inspiration behind creating a space rooted in joy—a “happy place” for us and the community.

My father, in particular, was the one who introduced me to horror. Growing up, we had strict TV rules—no watching until the weekend. But every so often, after my mom went to bed, my dad would let me sneak in some late-night TV. The only shows on during those hours were spooky ones like Tales from the Crypt, The X-Files, or The Outer Limits.

As much of a scaredy-cat as I was back then, I cherished those moments. It wasn’t just about the shows; it was the feeling of breaking the rules together, sharing something special, and bonding over that little act of rebellion. Those memories planted the seeds for my love of horror and taught me how powerful it is to find joy—even in the unexpected or eerie.

Their influence lives on in everything we create, and this journey wouldn’t feel complete without honoring their role in shaping it.

Website: https://www.thehorrorboodega.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehorrorboodega

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-horror-boodega-san-fernando-valley