Here’s how you can turn your hobby into a small business

With a crown and a passion, Diana Diaz gives a tour of her brand-new shop which carries everything from Latino-inspired children’s books to clothing. Diaz owns the Goddess Mercado Boutique, a collective of local entrepreneurs in El Sereno. In addition to books and clothing, the business sells art, makeup and even handmade greeting cards. The boutique is also a way for Diaz to sell her goods and share the cost of the shop. "I’m a former street vendor and my parents worked in manufacturing," she said. Diaz is a full-time high school counselor and started making purses as a side hustle six years ago. During the pandemic, her "Mexichic Crafts" took off prompting Diaz to realize that her hobby had more potential. "When I first launched the boutique I realized I needed a larger network — that I had so much to learn, so much I didn’t know," she said. Looking for some help, Diaz teamed up with the California Association for Micro Enterprise Opportunity, or CAMEO for short, which helps small businesses throughout the state thrive. "I was like what do I do? But, miraculously these women from these organizations were coming to help," Diaz said. "I got […]

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