Meet Vanessa Valenzuela | Business Owner & Curator

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

Hi Vanessa, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
For a lack of better words, I didn’t really have one! Owning a business is something I’ve always dreamt of and known I’ve wanted to do. I grew up watching my parents own their own respective businesses, so being able to watch them lead by example was just always so inspiring and motivating. They taught me the value of hard work and to always stay genuine to myself. I’m just so grateful I can find success in an industry I am truly passionate about and get to share that with the community. Ghoulish Delights became an idea when I was in high school- I just wanted to create a space that felt like a spooky haven for like minded individuals. Everything fell into place once I found my storefront out of the blue; something just ignited in me and I knew I had to take that leap of faith.

What should our readers know about your business?
Ghoulish Delights is not your typical antique and oddities shop. We pride ourselves on working with like minded local artists and vendors in creating a whimsical gothic space for the community. My goal with GD was to make it an extension of my home, which is why everything in here is hand selected and sourced by yours truly. I want you to feel that you have stepped into a Victorian haunted mansion, it’s all about the experience. Since I was a kid, I have always loved antiquing, but I have a more strange and peculiar eye for things. I love the idea of giving something that would have been discarded a second chance at life with a little tender loving care. I wanted to make GD a one stop shop for lovers of the macabre, but still a fun and welcoming place for everyone that comes in! We also host events in here once a month that are always rotating, varying from our night markets, art displays, to themed parties. It is always a great time in here.

Starting Ghoulish Delights was definitely an experience to say the least! When I started the process of getting the shop set up I was 23 and because of my age I was constantly trying to prove my worth- that I had the knowledge, gumption, and experience to make this work. There was a lot of doubt from outsiders that I could get it up and running but I used that to keep me motivated. I refused to let that knock me down. As someone who has battled with mental health, it definitely took a toll, but I am lucky to have an amazing army of friends and family who I can lean on. I think the biggest lesson I learned was that it is okay to ask for help. When I look around my shop, I see the love my team has put into this place. GD is truly a reflection of myself and the wonderful people in my life and I think that is what makes the shop such a comforting environment for everyone.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Whenever I have friends come and visit, I always invite them to lunch at Nicolas Kitchen which is right next door to me! They have the sweetest and friendliest staff and make the most delicious pizza in town. I always suggest taking a trip to Hidden Treasures which it just a short drive up Topanga. They are a very curious little thrift store hidden up the canyon. For night life, I will always suggest HQ Gastropub which is also located in my plaza, The French Quarter. They have killer drinks and appetizers. I always love to end the night at the Rabbit Hole which is an Alice in Wonderland themed bar. They are a short drive away and the vibes are great! It is definitely a place to go to if you love to dance and appreciate a good themed bar! The staff is always dressed up and are so welcoming.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My shoutout is to my family for pushing me to believe in myself, and to my amazing friends who are in here daily being the best cheerleaders anyone can have. A special shoutout to mi papa- thank you for all the labor you have put into my shop; this place would literally not be anything without you and your dedication. You helped me build this place with so much love.

You all make me a better version of myself everyday, and for that I will forever be grateful. Whether it’s organizing events at 2am, unpacking bugs with me (which I know makes some of you squirm but you do it just to be a lending hand), or just being a shoulder to lean on, I appreciate every minute. Love you all.

Website: ghoulishdelights.square.site

Instagram: ghoulishdelights.shop

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ghoulishdelights.shop