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

Hi Elena, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Taking risks has been fundamental in my journey as an entrepreneur. Starting my own business meant stepping into uncertainty—whether it was leaving the security of a steady job, investing time and money into something unproven, or putting myself out there in ways that felt vulnerable. Every major milestone has involved some level of risk, from launching with no guarantee of success to making tough decisions that could either propel the business forward or set it back.

But I’ve learned that calculated risks are necessary for growth. Some risks have led to incredible opportunities—like building a strong community around not only my vintage brand but my dance brand as well, forming unexpected partnerships, and expanding in ways I hadn’t originally envisioned. Others have been learning experiences that shaped how I approach challenges today. Ultimately, taking risks has pushed me to be adaptable, creative, and resilient, which are all essential in starting my own business and brand.

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’ve explored nearly every career within the creative and service industries, always knowing that the corporate world would never fulfill me. That realization led to the creation of my vintage brand, Cedar & Smoke. Vintage fashion has always been a part of my life, and I was fortunate to have the opportunity and space to build something of my own.

What sets me apart is my unique perspective—rooted in both fashion and movement. I don’t just see clothing as fabric and design; I see how a piece will become part of the person wearing it, how it will move with them and express who they are. Fashion, like dance, is about storytelling and self-expression, and getting to share both passions is a dream come true.

My journey hasn’t been easy, and I’m grateful for that. The struggles of the past few years have shaped me, teaching me resilience and perseverance. There were countless moments when I wanted to give up, but the joy of seeing a customer light up when they find that perfect vintage piece or the excitement in a student’s face when they finally land a new trick reminds me why I do this. Those moments make every challenge worth it.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting, I’d start the day with coffee at Genteel in North Park—my go-to spot for the best cappuccino and the friendliest baristas. From there, we’d head to Balboa Park to explore the Botanical Garden and stroll through the San Diego Museum of Art. To round out the day, we’d stop by Panama 66 for drinks and live jazz.

For another day of food and drinks, we’d venture to South Park for brunch at The Rose, followed by some shopping at AYI. In the evening, we’d kick things off with cocktails at Nomade before ending the night with a memorable dinner at Wormwood. It would be the perfect mix of relaxation and great company.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to give so much love and gratitude to Crave Community, which has opened up endless doors for me to share what I love—not only within their incredible community but with the San Diego community as a whole. The support, creativity, and connection I’ve found through Crave has been truly transformative, and I am so grateful to be apart of something so special.

I would also like to shout out San Diego Danceworks, my pre-professional and professional home throughout my dance career. More than just a space for dance education, performance, technique, and community, San Diego Danceworks is deeply personal to me—it is my family’s legacy, and I am beyond proud to be stepping into the role of carrying it forward in the near future. This studio has shaped me as a dancer, a teacher, and a person, and I can’t wait to continue fostering the same passion, discipline, and love for dance in future generations.

Website: https://Sddanceworks.com

Instagram: @Cedarandsmokevtg__

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutSoCal is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.