April 24, 2017

Meet Angie Martinez of Novacane Bar in Huntington Park

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Angie Martinez.

Angie, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
My parents have been owning bars for 30 years now. Since I can remember, I’ve always wanted my own business and to be my own boss. Seeing my mom be such a hard-working woman always inspired and motivated me. Her daytime job is managing a high-rise building in downtown and at night being a bar owner. From my dad coming to the U.S. and working his way up since day one. I grew up with self-made bosses. My parents and bars raised me. When we didn’t have any sitters, I would stay in my dad’s office in the bars. I loved seeing my dad being so respected as an owner and I knew that I wanted that for myself. Once I grew up and became more responsible, I was ready to start my career. My parents and I started to look at properties in different cities. Came across Huntington Park and I knew right away that I wanted that location. Why? Well because it was raw and it was the definition of la. It’s not in the nicest neighborhood but that’s what makes it more special in my opinion. I was able to transform it into something Huntington Park never had.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Nothing is easy. That’s just life and everyone knows that as cliché as that sounds. It’s been an amazing journey and I’m so thankful for my parents and the community of HP for supporting me and welcoming with open arms. It hasn’t even been a year yet but the outcome has been amazing. This is only the beginning of it all too. Hasn’t even been a year!

So, let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Novacane Bar story. Tell us more about the business.
I do everything. From bartending, serving, etc. We create our own house cocktails. Always using fresh ingredients and creating our own infusions. Wide selection of crafted beers. I’m a whiskey lover so our whiskey collection is pretty big. We honestly have it all. And if we don’t, we most likely have something way better in replacement. Our theme is very artsy and chill. I’m proud to say that I’m the only bar in HP that is doing what I’m doing. The community deserved their own bar to be proud of coming to and not feel discriminated or out of place. It carries a good energy and vibe from what everyone tells me. Our kitchen caters to vegan, vegetarian, carnivores, and pescertians. Being vegan myself I know the struggle going to bars that don’t have many vegan options. I’m proud of my Novacane girls who work their butts off and provide amazing customer service to my customers. They are the face of Novacane. I love my team and we’re just growing more and more every day.

Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
It’s not good luck or bad luck it’s destiny and God’s work.

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