Conversations with Diana Campos

Today we’d like to introduce you to Diana Campos

Hi Diana, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Born and raised in Los Angeles. I’ve always been captivated by the city. The hunger and struggle to survive everyday living. My admiration from everything around me, has molded me to be strong and independent. Everyday is a blessing to wake up and do what I love to do. As a mother of 2 my children give me the strength to juggle any obstacle that comes my way. Their unconditional love is always my guidance for a better tomorrow. My work and my art are a representation of kids. Putting myself as a kid in their feet, and remembering my own struggles as a young child.

In 2019 I started my journey as a full time seller at LA flea markets. Before that I was makeup artist, and makeup vendor @ local swap meets in the LA area. Being a makeup artist was something that I truly loved for that period of my life. I still enjoy getting ready and applying my own makeup. Sadly makeup didn’t get me anywhere in my career.

At the age of 28 I decided to sell clothes on websites like depop and poshmark. During the weekends I would sell at vintage markets, like Rose Bowl. After covid hit I was stuck at home and would sell online 99% of the time. Growing a small following of costumers online.

During the times of 2020-2021 my business was growing. I would be selling at flea markets every weekend. My business was called TSUNAMI60. In 2023 I changed my business name to TSUNAMI DOLLZ. Tsunami is what people in the flea market community know me as. I was always really captivated by that word when I was teen. One of my favorite bands in middle school was called Tsunami Bomb. So I kinda just stuck with that word a lot. And I continue to use it for my business. I mention this because I get asked a lot why Tsunami?

With the thrifting community growing each year, my chances of finding the things I wanted to sell became a bit harder for me. I would continue to thrift in hopes to find cute things to sell. During 2022 my routine started to change a bit. For so long I always wanted to make stuff, but didn’t have the time. I knew I was always a creative and bright person, but didn’t know how to bring that out. After having my kids I tried becoming a “normal person” if that makes any sense? I felt like I had to change who I was because I was a mom. Truthfully I was not happy not being able to express myself the way I wanted to do so. I decided to dress up again, try new looks and styles to things I always liked but never truly embraced.

One day at home I just decided I wanted to sit and rhinestone some hair clips, with some music in the background. And I got LOST. With so many cute ideas, I started charming up glasses, lighters, and even clothing. The love I received when I debuted these items at work had me over joyed.

Fast forward to now. I’ve had the opportunity to connect and work with many small LA creatives. Everyone I have met continues to inspire me everyday. Im so grateful to be around so many individuals who bring out the best in themselves, and their work. Trying new stuff has led me to this position in my life. I’m grateful to embrace any new thing that I learn along the way.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
One of the hardest obstacles in my life was losing my sister in 2010. At the age of 18 my sister Monica lost her life. Leaving all details aside, my sister was such an inspiration to me. Losing her was a very traumatic time for me in personal life. I dealt with some depression and some mental health issues. That I don’t wish upon anyone. For some time I had no direction or purpose in my life. I felt anxious that I couldn’t escape that hurt.

Years later I have felt better and more at ease. I truly believe my sister is with me, even In death. I know that sounds weird to say, but I definitely believe she is my angel. I know my sister would be proud of me. Her creative ways and look was always so appealing to me. She was the definition of TREND Setter.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
“Y2K meets Kawaii” is what I can best describe my work. I decorate sunglasses, lighters, and all kinds of accessories. Inspired by 90’s and 2000’s fashion. Ive had many people describe my stuff as “Hardcore Kawaii” which is really cute way of how people see my work.

Any big plans?
I would love to grow my business in different directions. Whether it’s meeting new people, making new connections, and exchanging ideas. In the future I would love to throw my own Flea market. I want to help and connect with local artist and creatives in my community.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @tsunamidollz
• Other: https://www.depop.com/tsunamidollz