Meet Virginia Lopez | Founder of Reusable Finds

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

Hi Virginia, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
In today’s world, consumers are becoming increasingly conscious about the impact of their purchasing decisions on the environment. As a result, we here at Reusable Finds are offering an option by implementing strategies and actions that minimize negative impacts on the environment and society, while also promoting long-term economic viability. This involves considering the entire lifecycle of an item from sourcing to disposal, and making choices that prioritize environmental conservation and social responsibility. We are offering a product/item a second life opportunity.

We are promoting the movement towards a greener, healthier, and more responsible future.

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?
Reusable Finds is where we Recycle, Repurpose, Reuse and Resell!

Nested in the industrial area of South Bay Park, you will find us transforming and
upcycling. We are committed to diverting usable materials from our landfills.

Upcycling encourages a shift towards sustainable living by promoting conscious consumption.
It took a while to get to this point in time. I had a career in the hotel hospitality industry for a couple of decades prior to being able to go full force with my own business. In 2008 I started upcycling in my backyard. In 2012 I opened a 500 sq ft storefront that was manageable, and was welcomed by the neighborhood. It had been pretty much a smooth road until the demand for more inventory. We needed to find a larger storefront. I would say finding a larger place was challenging. In 2014 we ended up finding the ideal location nearby, a 5000 sqft warehouse in an industrial area in South Bay Park that took care of all our needs. We even have a garden, and workspace, something we didn’t have at the last location. The community has supported us all these years and that feels great!
All of our finds are considered as possibilities for a new life in some shape or form. The store has a myriad of home decor, to include ceramics, pottery, furniture, jewelry, art, glassware, kitchenware and garden art. You can even find vintage clothing!

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.
San Diego has so much to offer, but since we are talking about Reusable Finds, I think starting the adventure in the neighborhood will be a good start. Morning coffee and treats at Bay Park Coffee on Napier Ave, then a bit of shopping at Reusable Finds (Wink, Wink). Shopping always makes me hungry and thirsty so we then will walk around the block to Banks Street where Pizza Cassette and Deft Brewery offer gourmet pizza and beer! Lost Cause Meadery is also in the same area for tasty mead. We just may be lucky enough to enjoy live music in their shared patio!

We will have to flip a coin on where to visit for the rest of the week as there are so, so many of my favorite places to to share, such as Balboa Park where we will be surrounded by the delightful blend of culture, nature, and architectural beauty, The Word-famous Zoo to experience the 100 acres of fun, Ocean Beach to catch the sunset at Wonderland but not before stopping in at Hodad’s for the iconic hamburger, Coronado to tour the legendary Hotel Del Coronado, La Jolla for a whaler at the renowned landmark La Valencia Hotel or the Poseidon Restaurant in Del Mar for another perfect sunset and the best crab cakes in town!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to dedicate the shoutout to my parents as they’ve shown me the path to kindness, honesty, strength, perseverance and they instilled in me as a young child the importance of recycling and reusing.

Whether it be with clothing or toys, if it became non useful then I was told to gift away or donate it. If something needed meading we mend it. If it was broken, we fixed it! Never throw it away. These values are the principles that guide me on how I live and work today.They helped shape who I am.
And a special thanks goes out to my customers who have a likewise passion to reuse and have supported me for the last 16 years.

Website: http://www.Reusablefinds.com

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/reusable_finds

Facebook: http://www.Facebook.com/reusablefinds

Image Credits
Virginia Lopez