Story & Lesson Highlights with Camille Mejia of Santa Monica

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Camille Mejia. Check out our conversation below.

Hi Camille, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
This question makes me laugh because I feel like the ‘perfect’ answer is that I wake up at 6am and run 10 miles. In reality, I hate running and I love to sleep. So my first 90 minutes are pretty simple: I ease into the day, catch up on TikTok, make myself some eggs, and then get outside. It’s nothing crazy, but it helps me start the day feeling relaxed, recharged, and ready to work.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Camille, the founder of Pickle N Tequila, a social club in LA that brings people together through events, some with pickleball and some without. I started the brand in April 2024 to create a space where people can meet like minded friends, try something new, and feel genuinely welcomed. Since then, we’ve hosted a wide mix of events, from speed dating pickleball tournaments to wellness mornings and brand activations. Our focus is on community over competition. We’re all about celebrating wins, having fun, and building real connections. Right now we’re growing our event lineup and partnering with brands that share our energy. If you’re looking to meet great people and enjoy a good time, Pickle N Tequila is the place!

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who taught you the most about work?
The person who taught me the most about work is my dad. He’s always had an entrepreneurial spirit and a determination that shaped how I approach life. When my sister and I were in high school, he encouraged us to start our own fashion business, Newport Madison. He took us to the LA Fashion District and had us talking to vendors, negotiating prices, and making real decisions on our own at just 16 and 18. We learned the ins and outs of building a business, an experience we never would’ve had without his support. He taught us to be confident, to work hard, and to believe we’re capable of anything.

What fear has held you back the most in your life?
The fear that’s held me back the most is the feeling of not being ‘ready.’ I used to think I needed more experience or more time before starting something new. But the more I’ve done—especially with Pickle N Tequila—the more I’ve realized no one ever actually feels ready. You figure it out as you go.

Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My closest friends would say what really matters to me is community and sharing my passion for all racket sports with friends. Whether it’s pickleball, tennis, padel, anything really, I love creating spaces on the court where people feel like they belong.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What will you regret not doing? 
I think I’d regret not taking more chances to create and build experiences that bring people together. Whether it’s something to do with Pickle N Tequila or pursuing other passions, I’d regret playing it too safe and not putting myself out there to try new things, connect with people, and grow creatively.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.picklentequila.com
• Instagram: @picklentequila
• Other: Tiktok: @Camille.picklentequila

Image Credits
Camille Mejia images are my own