Meet Ximena Vagu | Creative and Entrepreneur

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

Hi Ximena, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
How is my work-life balance?

Maintaining a work-life balance has been and continues to be a complicated endeavor. Transitioning from a traditional 9-5 job to working from my home office while managing a food pop-up business with my sister, creating art, and maintaining a social life presents unique challenges.

How do I think about the balance?

I believe that organization is key to maintaining a work-life balance. While it remains a complicated task, having a supportive circle of friends and family who continually encourage and assist me is invaluable. Their support helps me stay motivated and resilient in balancing these various aspects of my life.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I could talk about this for ages, but I’ll try to keep it brief. I love creating—from painting and drawing to styling and designing. Anything that requires creativity captivates me. It’s hard to bottle everything into just one thing, but this year has brought its share of challenges. Working full-time at our food pop-up, Momo’s, with my sister has been incredible. We’ve built everything from scratch and organized events, which has been a rewarding journey. Additionally, I’ve dedicated more time to painting and made the decision to go back to school.

It’s been quite a ride, but I’ve learned that life is unpredictable, and you can’t fulfill others’ dreams instead of your own. It hasn’t been easy—there are days when I want to give up. However, I remind myself why I’m doing this. Seeing the joy our food and my art bring to people is immensely rewarding. I keep going because I trust that we will succeed, and I believe that with more tools, I’ll be able to help my people and those dreaming with me.

What sets me apart might not be something specific that I can see right now, but I know I do everything with love and dedication. I want the world to know that I did it scared, I did it with faith in myself, and I succeeded.

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.
Day 1: Arrival and Relaxation

Morning: Pick up my friend from the airport and head straight to Griffith Park for a short, refreshing walk.
Breakfast: Have a lovely picnic that I’ll prepare that same morning, featuring fresh sourdough bread baked by my sister, cream cheese, homemade jam, and delicious coffee from Cipota Coffee.
Lunch: Enjoy a hearty meal at Gangnam Station Korean BBQ.
Afternoon: Take a leisurely walk around my neighborhood to soak in the local vibe.

Day 2: Art and Culture

Morning: Visit a local art gallery or museum to get inspired by the creativity around us.
Lunch: Try a new restaurant in town, perhaps a trendy café or a hidden gem like arroz and fun.
Afternoon: Spend time painting or drawing together, sharing our creative processes and ideas.

Day 3: Food and Fun

Morning: Cook a delicious breakfast together, experimenting with new recipes or sticking to classic favorites.
Lunch: Prepare and enjoy dishes from @diningatmomos so they can experience our unique food.
Afternoon: Visit the oeste store to buy some scented candles they can take home.

Day 4: Nature and Adventure

Day Trip: Head out to Joshua Tree or another beautiful nature spot to hike, relax, and enjoy the stunning landscapes. Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy in the great outdoors.

Day 5: Community and Connection

Morning: Volunteer together at a local community center or charity, giving back and connecting with others.
Lunch: Have a meal at a local diner or a small family-owned restaurant like saigon dish.
Afternoon: Visit a nearby park or beach to unwind and enjoy the scenery.

Day 6: Local Delights

Morning: Explore a nearby town or neighborhood that has a rich history or vibrant culture.
Lunch: Eat at a popular local spot known for its unique dishes and friendly atmosphere.
Afternoon: Attend a local event, such as the Hollywood farmers’ market, street fair, or live music performance.

Day 7: Reflection and Farewell

Morning: Have a relaxing breakfast at home, reminiscing about the week’s adventures.
Lunch: Prepare a farewell meal together, using ingredients and recipes we’ve discovered throughout the week.
Afternoon: Take a final walk around the city, visiting any favorite spots one last time before heading to the airport

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?
I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to my incredible family. They have been the cornerstone of my growth and success, always standing by me through thick and thin. My mom, Patty, and my dad, Giovanni, have been my unwavering pillars of support, offering wisdom and love at every step. My brothers, Gio and Paolo, and my sister, Ines, have been my constant companions and cheerleaders.

Ines, in particular, deserves special recognition. Since we started our food pop-up, Momo’s, she has been a great support and guide. Her dedication and insight have been invaluable, and I wouldn’t change our partnership for the world. Additionally, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to all my family in Guatemala, who helped raise me, and to my grandparents, who I always carry in my heart. Their influence and love have shaped who I am today.

I would also like to thank my husband, Rodolfo, whose endless love keeps me going every day. His unwavering support, encouragement, and belief in me have been a source of strength and inspiration.

Website: https://www.diningatmomos.com/

Instagram: @ximenavagu and @diningatmomos

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