Today we’d like to introduce you to Angela Romero.
Angela, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
As a kid growing up in El Sereno, a northeast Los Angeles enclave, I showed all the signs of an entrepreneur. From back yard parties to warehouse jam sessions. I was hooked at the thought of bringing people together. Helping them sway to their own beat and relax like they were with familia. I would help my older brother Michael (r.i.p.🌹) a community organizer rooted in bringing the Lowrider sounds to underdeveloped communities. I started with promotions, handing out fliers, and managing sales and ticket collections at the door all at the age of 14. Even at a young age, my drive and work ethic was undeniable. Most importantly though, I recognized the value in giving back to the community even as an adolescent.
Years later, I would be producing my own events under CandyAss Promotions. Soul weekenders, punk rock shows, Back Yard boogies, hip-hop parties and comedy showcases. My experience with extensive event planning was a natural transition to the world of hospitality, front of house and back of house management. My priority was always to maintain an educated staff and provide a safe and enjoyable environment for them. An environment rooted in the Low Rider culture and the firme tunes that graced them. From Mo Town to Stax, Pfunk to G- Funk, I got you covered.
My most current endeavor, Hello Stranger, is a culmination of my professional and personal experience, my appreciation for sounds of Motown and soul, and deep love for the city I was born and raised in. Hello Stranger is a bar, restaurant and live music venue rooted in the East L.A. low rider culture and currently launching the Brand in events rooted in bringing people together. I learned about Love, Heartbreak, Forgiveness, and friendship through oldies. Better then any Fairytale if you ask me 😊 The best way to experience a Hello Stranger Event is to get your ass to a dance floor, feel the music, & Sway 🌹
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Both the Promotion and Alcohol world have been an uphill battle in itself. The burden of many late nights out. I keep my ear to the labels and really search to find that Old School Sound that’s alive and thriving today. I carry the Cross for my familia and my community. A huge challenge is how can I bring a positive impact daily. The process of staying true to the Brand, Paying respect to the Ogs and Veteranos that laid the foundation for our Culture to thrive.
Hello Stranger – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I am the Owner of Hello Stranger Located in Little Tokyo, DTLA
Hello Stranger is a Brand that celebrates Abuelita style cooking, Music influenced Cocktail Programs, and Firme performers and djs making you wish for bigger dance floors. I love that Hello Stranger is for everybody. Every girl that ever had a Crush. Every boy that ever took a chance. Hello Stranger brings people together for the Love of Music. I guess you could say we are rooted in a feeling that one usually gets on a Sunday afternoon just listening to Oldies and chillin with your crew.
Hello Stranger is Black Love, Brown Pride, and Japaneros all in one. Dance floors have no borders for a reason and If you have ever dropped a needle on a record and started to Sway, then Hello Stranger is for you too.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I like to create events based on a story. Whatever message I want to get across in the audience needs to be delivered to them through song. Whether it’s the sounds of Norman Carter of the Delfonics blessing our stage singing “Ready or Not Here I come…”
Kelly Finnagan dropping in to perform his newly released single of “I don’t want to wait” off his latest debut album. If I can tell a story through song and utilize the talent of Live performers such as The Steady 45s, Trish Toledo, Rocky Padilla & Aloe Blacc, Choosy & Exile, then I must say I love my job. Working with friends to collectively bring an amazing experience each event is what I thrive to do.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.Hellostranger.la
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @hellostrangerla
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