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

Hi Lauren, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
The question of “what if” always weighed on my mind. I had spent years after college trying to discover what I was meant to do with my education and my skillset. I always gravitated toward jobs in mission-based organizations, that gave back to the community. From working at cancer support nonprofit organizations, to organizations that raised money for victims of domestic violence and human trafficking, being able to see how I could make a difference in my community was eye-opening. Those jobs shaped me and positively pivoted my career goals in life. During these jobs, I always wondered if this was the only thing I could do in my career journey. I knew that if I had the opportunity to create my own small business, it would not only require me to take risk, but it would require constant effort and creativity. The pandemic truly shifted the entire world, and when I was laid off at my job in my last nonprofit, I knew this was the time to step out of my comfort zone and take that idea I had put on back-burner into motion. Culture and community have always been important to me. I was always taught as a child to bring honor and respect to my roots, coming from a Filipino and Mexican background. I wanted my business name, my branding, and my products to reflect the love I have for my heritage.

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 have always considered creating art a healing place for me. An escape from stress, an outlet of expression, or just something I’ve always considered essential in my life. I always wanted my art to evolve with my business. I wanted to find more ways to think out of the box, and try hard to never let myself quit on a design that has potential. Most of my designs are inspired by things I’ve heard growing up half Filipino, or traditions that are relatable to those who grew up in a Filipino household. Whether it’s the traditional food that embodies the culture, or by the common relatable phrases that those in the community would immediately recognize, Love, Seresa was meant to be an approachable brand that would give someone a sense of being in the pamilya (family). The hardest thing about producing products with your art on it, is the self-doubt and second-guessing that can creep in. By creating something so public I open myself up to criticism and opinions from others who I may not know, but I’ve had to learn that if negativity presents itself, it should never make me question what I’m creating. I want my branding to convey a subtle nod to my Filipino background. From designing my logo to have the colors of the flag of the Philippines, to naming my business after my mom Cherry (which is Seresa in Tagalog), everything has deeper meaning to it.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Ventura County has so much to offer! From the beautiful coastline, to the awesome foods spots, even if you’re a local here, there’s always something to do. If I were to map out my ideal day here in Ventura County this is what would happen… To start off my day I would definitely recommend waking up early and heading to Waypoint Cafe located at the Camarillo Airport, this local spot has some of the best brunch anyone in the family would love. Plus since it’s located by an active runway you can relax on their outdoor patio area eating your food as the planes come in. I would then head over to Ventura Harbor Village where you can enjoy live music, the beach, rent pedal boats and do other water activities. If you’re a fan of Disneyland’s dole whip, Coastal Cone makes their own rendition of the sweet treat and is perfect on any hot summer day. For lunch I would go to Downtown Ventura for great thrifting spots, antique stores, and some delicious Thai food at Rice By Mama. There’s also tons of amazing murals around Ventura to walk to! To end off my day I would take a little drive over to Thousand Oaks for Mouthful Eatery for some Peruvian-inspired food! Their variety of lemonades and agua frescas paired with anything on their menu makes for a perfect date spot or casual night out!

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?
My small business is completely inspired by my culture and community. Being raised in a household where it was always encouraged to embrace those different traditions, food, and languages, is what shaped me into who I am today. My parents have always been my hub for unconditional support and encouragement, and my husband never hesitates to uplift me on those days I feel burnt out. Everything I do and who I am is thanks to my family. Entering into a small business community that welcomed me with such open arms was something that I never anticipated, but meant so much when it happened. Being able to relate as creators, in our failures and successes, reminds you that you’re not alone on this journey. I’d rather collaborate and encourage creators around me, then compete with those working incredibly hard to make their dreams a reality.

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

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/laurenranglebarrera

Other: Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/LoveSeresa

Image Credits
Jennyroso Photography by Jenny Generoso