Meet Caroline Zamayoa of Whittier

Today we’d like to introduce you to Caroline Zamayoa.

Hi Caroline, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I have been a horror fan my entire life. I always knew I was destined to have a job in a creative field. I didn’t realize those two things would come together, creating a job I thought I could only ever dream of.

I was raised believing that art was not a feasible career choice, and told when I went to university, I needed to major in something to make money and minor in what I truly loved. I took this advice to heart, and was completely miserable throughout my undergraduate program. In reality, I still didn’t know what I wanted my life to look like. Once I finished university, I did the “responsible” thing, and got a job in the career field I thought I wanted to be in. Two years into that job, the program I was working for was closing, and everyone (myself included) was laid off. At the time, I was only doing art part-time. I decided it was time to take the leap, and pursue my creative endeavors full-time. I owed that to myself, after doing everything that was expected of me.

And man, am I so grateful I took that leap. In doing so, I have created a community that I care for deeply, and found a full-time job that continues to empower me to create.

My husband took me to my first horror convention in 2018 – Celebrating 40 years of the Halloween franchise in Pasadena, California. This was my first exposure to the horror community in Southern California, and I was in awe. I remember walking through the artist halls, and feeling so inspired. I didn’t know this was something I could even consider as a career. I thought to myself, “Why don’t I do that?”

I saved the website url and Instagram handle before even knowing what I wanted to do, just because I knew something would come of it. Caffeinated Coven Co. was brought to life in December of 2019. I love coffee, and was born on National Coffee Day – that’s kind of where the brand name came from. Just a caffeinated fangirl with a dream. Since opening, I have had the privilege of vending at numerous conventions, raising money for mutual aid, and meeting some of my heroes. I am truly so honored to have the platform that I do, I could never take that for granted.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Not in the slightest. I constantly feel imposter syndrome. I know that I work hard for the opportunities that I am granted, but I can’t help the voice in my mind that has instilled doubt throughout my entire life.

Being motivated to create has also been a huge struggle for me. I lack consistency, as I balance a full-time job, a family, and trying to survive in my own mind sometimes. There isn’t much else I can do about it but continue to push through, and try to do the best that I can.

It’s also just a really weird time to be an artist. It doesn’t feel right to push people to buy things that aren’t necessitates while the world feels like it’s on fire. I utilize my platform to share resources, fundraise for important causes, and play my part in combating fascism. I know I have lost quite a bit of support in doing so; some people would prefer if I just stick to art. But that hasn’t, and will never be me.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
During the day, I work full-time as a graphic designer and social media content creator for a small business in Claremont, California called The Grove.

Once I clock out, I come back home and clock into my passion project: Caffeinated Coven Co. I take a lot of pride in having merchandise made for fans, by a fan. I would not create anything that I wouldn’t personally use or purchase. Horror has remained a constant throughout my life, so I create a lot of fanart inspired by my favorite films. My merchandise ranges from stickers, accessories, and apparel.

I think the item that I am most known for is my, “I met Matthew Lillard and all I got was this lousy tote bag.” totes. The story behind that design is really silly. I made one for myself to use at Monsterpalooza in 2022, because it was my first time meeting my favorite actor. I made it with the sole purpose of making him laugh, which I did! He offered to sign it for me, and signed it, “Lucky SOB!” with his name and a heart. I have never used the original tote bag since; it can be seen hung in my office.
I posted a photo of us online, with him posing with the tote, and it BLEW UP. Everyone wanted one for the conventions they would be attending. It has since become one of my most popular items, which I love. People buy it to get it signed, or to wear in their photos with him. It warms my heart every time to get tagged in their photos, and seeing that tote featured. Matthew himself recognizes them (and myself) now too, which is a huge honor.

How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I am always honored to be considered for collaborations! The best way to contact me is via email at caffeinatedcovenco@gmail.com.

I am really active on Instagram at @caffeinatedcovenco and @carolinelikescoffee. I am also on Tik Tok at @caffeinatedcaroline 🙂

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.caffeinatedcovenco.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caffeinatedcovenco/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/caffeinatedcovenco/
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@caffeinatedcaroline?lang=en