Today we’d like to introduce you to Marissa Lujan.
Hi Marissa, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey to where I am today began about a decade ago hand making buttons out of earrings and selling them on Etsy and to my surprise, customers were buying them! I was very motivated to continue to create accessories. I began vending at any event all over LA and the OC, along with selling my product in small boutiques.
All while growing my business, I went to the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising in Downtown Los Angeles. I then graduated and got a job designing junior accessories for some of the top retail companies at the time such as Nordstroms, Hot Topic, Modcloth. These experiences helped me grow and understand the back end of the fashion world. I then took a break and became a flight attendant for two years. Although this job allowed me to see the world, I couldn’t stop dreaming about having a brick and mortar. December 2021, I FINALLY took the steps to open Dainty Disco in North Long Beach, CA.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Nothing has been easy, everything has been about taking risks. Taking the big step to finally open my first brick-and-mortar was scary but so exciting!
I actually had a sprained elbow when I first got the keys to my store. I had one working arm to paint and move things in. Luckily I had the best support system and still do today. I would not have been able to get to where I am today without them!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Dainty Disco sells a mix of local artists’ goods, quirky gifts, and a balloons for all occasions.
We work with over 35+ local artists who hand make all sorts of goods. We have items such as handmade jewelry, home accessories, purses, greeting cards & more!
Dainty Disco is filled with pop culture and items that have some of our favorite motifs like rainbows, checkers, happy faces and feel-good vibes. We love to hear our customers giggling about something they see in the store.
We also have an in-store balloon bar and offer custom balloon garlands for all types of celebrations!
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Something surprising Dainty Disco has recently started offering has been workshops to bring our community together! We just hosted a beginning crochet workshop and hope to bring in a variety of workshops in the future.
We also have begun to host art walks so that artists and small businesses can have a safe space to sell and display their art for the community.
Contact Info:
- Website: DaintyDisco.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daintydisco_/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DaintyDisco
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/DaintyDisco
