Meet Liliana Reynoso | Treasure Hunter

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

Hi Liliana, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I was born in Guadalajara Jalisco Mexico and came to the USA at the young age of 5. My mom was a single mom of 6 kids who had very limited means which meant that we had to get all our necessities from the thrift store. I quickly learned how to browse the isles and pick the best quality items which of course happen to be vintage. My eye was naturally drawn to colorful 60’s and 70’s graphic designs and patterns. Over the years I collected a lot of retro / vintage items to the point where I knew it was too much to keep so I decided to start selling my finds. I knew that the US was a place where you can become your own boss and make ends meet doing something that you love. After many unhappy work environments I knew it was time to do something that I was passionate about. Its true what they say, “one mans trash is another mans treasure” and I’m happy I can share these treasures with people and make it a career to support my family. I now take my 3 year old thrifting and I’m passing it on to him. He tells me “Mommy I found something!” and let me just say the he is a great picker! Over the years I learned that happiness IS success and you can say I’m quite happy with what I do.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I have a booth at King Richards antiques. I started out with a very small booth on the upper floor but now have a large booth on the main floor. They give me creative freedom to decorate my space and that’s what I love the most because I love interior design and art. Since I was young I’ve always been known for having funky decoration styles. I love to rearrange my room and now I can do it in my booth!

Most days of the week consist of me getting up early and going to estate sales, thrift stores or yard sales. Like everyone else, there are days where I don’t feel like going to work and I’d rather sleep in and watch TV. but then I think about what I could be missing out on and I lace up my shoes and go hunt for treasures. I get so exited to think of what I could find, I always imagine a unique piece in my mind that doesn’t exist but then to my surprise I will find something quite similar years later. I envision the things I want to find and you’d be surprised how many times it becomes a reality. I often times get social anxiety and don’t feel like dealing with people and it has prevented me from many opportunities but I’ve had to fight to urge to be a hermit and put myself out there.

I think what makes my style unique is that there are no rules, I can mix purple and orange and its okay. There are no fashion don’ts when you have total creative freedom. I can bring my love of vintage and art into one space. My only hope is that people are aesthetically pleased when they pass by my booth. I want them to feel nostalgic to remind them of better times.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
A place where I love to visit is Sunken City in San Pedro Beach where you can overlook the ocean and get lost in its abyss. I have a lot of found memories of going to Venice Beach and seeing the performer and vendors. I would take a friend for a morning stroll to the Rose Bowl Flea Market in Pasadena. We would then go to Can Coon Thai in Bellflower for some delicious authentic Thai food. Then I would take them to a night out to the Observatory Theater In Santa Ana to catch a live band and have some beers.

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?
Without the love and support from my mom I wound’t be where I am today. She has been a strong force in my life who always picks me up when I’m down. She has always encouraged me both mentally and financially with all the crazy ideas I’ve had over the years. She reminds me that everything is possible with hard work and dedication. Seeing how strong she was during hard times lets me know that I can do the same.

Instagram: Moon Child Mod

Image Credits
Mayra Cardenas