We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Matilde. a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Matilde., thanks for joining us today. Do you have a hero? What have you learned from them?

My Hero. Is my Dad- Im sure Very predictable but its true. He came to this Country with $5.00 American Dollars In his pocket. I always think to myself, If My dad Would have not taken that risk- I literally would not Exist.

It Just places everything in perspective. You gotta be all in! Remind yourself why you’re doing what you’re doing. My dad left His whole Family, came to a brand new country not knowing the language. Can You imagine?

It really teaches you about perseverance. The Importance of Consistency, Sustainability, Community- Love.

He represents all of those things and more….. Which I carry with me Everyday.

Matilde., love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My Name is Matilde. I am Argentinian & Mexican- Los Angeles Native-

Ive been in the hospitality industry for many years, I was a pastry assistant for many different restaurants in the city of Los Angeles, Some examples: The First “Pie Hole, Bottega louie, Church & state, Bestia to name a few.

Once I left Bestia, I started to make my own gelato influenced by the many cultures and Flavours of my home town.
I was participating in local Pop-up Markets. I Noticed Certain things I needed that A lot of Pop-ups did not offer- For example Lack of Promotional technique,Their Markets are not aesthetically pleasing or cohesive. The Ones that did have Large Followers & large Crowds and Beautiful Marketing were Hella expensive and Not affordable to the freshly Just Starting Entrepreneurs.

I Decided to start my own space in which I myself would want to sell. I focused on brand representation, Consistency and Overall Needs of each Participant. After doing this for so many years now, I definitely made Mistakes, I am Still learning what works what does not work- I started with one location in the Arts District of Downtown L.A. I now I have Three locations. I am not going to sit here and say it’s been easy, It’s Been really hard especially after the pandemic, struggling to cover expensive overhead cost. It has been hard, But I refuse to give up.

I Pivot everyday, constantly trying to find ways to enhance Individuals experiences -Theses Pop-Up Venue Spaces are Very important for the sustainability of the Creative culture of this city. I Truly push myself everyday to Keep it going. Because if I push myself, I am bringing with me a Whole Community of individuals forward with Art+ Culture collective. It’s a Collective. Duh. The name. -lol

What I envision for Art+Culture Co. Is that It will always be there for you. If You sold at our spaces 4 years ago, You can Come back 8 years later- Entrepreneurs need Consistent locations and Places where they can make sells every month, where they can grow their customers, Brand Name, and Clientele. I hope Art + Culture Collective can be that for Entrepreneurs

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

Geez, Thats a loaded question. One thing I can say is When I first started, I was Very much so, adamant of Certain things being one way and one way only. I was Very one dimensional.

As I went along, I learned to understand that things have to change, NOTHING, I mean Nothing is set in stone. What Worked once, Might not work The same way ever again-

You have to learn to Accept change- Nothing is one way only.

We’d love to hear your thoughts about selling platforms like Amazon/Etsy vs selling on your own site.

The Website for Art + Culture Collective, Was a long time coming. Its all the hard work and patiences of The Graphique’s Joseph Soto. He is the reason why it is what it is, he really helped streamline the Sign-up Process and Consolidate the Overall Administrative part of the Business.

Its really important to have a website- Its one of the most critical tools for your Overall success and the face of your brand.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.ArtandCultureCollective.com
• Instagram: @ArtandCultureco

Image Credits
Solo with The Cup is Me! Matilde. The second Picture is My mom & dad Represents The reason why i am here right now — Represent two Countries = Durango Mexico & Rosario Argentina Third Picture is Art + Culture Collective Logo / Brand Name of The Market. Logo design Credit please by @TheGraphique Joseph Soto.