18 May Celebrating Community Wins!
As spring turns into summer, lots of exciting things are happening for our community. We’re featuring four Melrose Trading Post community members who are celebrating big wins for their businesses or themselves! Learn what Allesa Willis has been working to accomplish for the last few years, learn about designer Arturo Reyes, and celebrate with Nena of Nena’s Organics and the Karapetyan Family as they both open their new local brick and mortar shops.
Allesa Willis Graduates!
Artist, DJ and Vendor Allesa Willis just graduated from CSU Dominguez Hills with two Bachelor’s Degrees: Psychology and Studio Art. She also just received word that she’s been accepted into the Getty Marrrow Arts Internship program, joining this summer’s cohort. Congratulations Allesa on your accomplishments in this season of creative growth!
Allesa ready to graduate with TWO degrees!
Allesa by her artwork at her Senior Art Show
Check out Allesa’s Artwork: IG: Allesawillis_art_studio Website: Allesawillis.com
Designer Arturo Reyes Featured on ShoutOut LA
Designer Arturo Reyes doesn’t currently sell at the Melrose Trading Post, but he is near and dear to our hearts. Arturo grew up at MTP, learning the in’s and out’s of selling at a marketplace from his family.
In the first question of the interview, Arturo spills the tea on his unique upbringing and important lessons his parents taught him:
“Hi Arturo, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
There wasn’t really a “thought process” when starting a business. I basically grew up in flea market called Melrose Trading Post. Every Sunday, my family and I would set up a both, and sell vintage jewelry and furniture. So right from get go, I was already influenced by the commotion of business. At age 12, my parents taught me to never be afraid of taking risks. After hundreds of different business ideas, I’ve landed on creating a clothing brand that thrives on sustainability.”
Read the full article on ShoutOutLA.
Arturo’s Shop: reyesxcollection.myshopify.com
Instagram: @reyesxcollection
Nena’s Organics Brick & Mortar Shop!
Vendor Nena of Nena’s Organics has a huge business milestone to celebrate: She’s opening a brick and mortar location! Her hard work and determination have grown her business and her network of dedicated customers. We’re excited to celebrate this impressive milestone!
Her new shop will open mid August and it is located at 1001 Carson St, Suite P, Torrance, CA.
In the meantime, check out her IG @nenas_organics and her website NenasOrganics.com.
LA Film Camera Brick & Mortar Shop – Now Open!
Photo of the LA Film Camera Shop by @JMP
LA’s favorite camera and film vendor, “LA Film Camera” has opened up a brick and mortar shop in Studio City. Operated by MTP Vendor Yurik Karapetyan and his family, this is a local gem and a must-visit for photographers and camera lovers. You can purchase vintage camera and film at their shop, and they also offer camera rental services which can be found here. You can also catch them every Sunday in space R26.
Shop Address: 11020 Ventura Blvd Unit # A, Studio City, CA 91604. IG: @lafilmcamera_