“Small businesses shine in monthly West Adams Pop-up Sale”

Candles, crystals and community: for small business owner Janet Ortega, that’s what MidCity Mercado, a monthly pop-up in the West Adams area, is all about.

“It doesn’t seem like you’re there to sell or really do business,” Ortega said. “You just feel like you’re at home with family and you feel really safe there.”

Ortega is one of over 20 vendors who sold and shared their products at the MidCity Mercado from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday.

The event features local vendors who sell and share food, drinks, clothing, plants and more.

Ortega’s business Yerba Mystica Botanica, sells an array of spiritual candles, plants, incense and crystals online. The MidCity Mercado is the one event she takes her business in-person. She was inspired to start her online business in 2020 as a way to cope through loss.

“I basically started this brand just to sell stuff that I was passionate about,” Ortega said. “I was going through the grieving process since I lost my brother two years ago, and I just wanted to do something that would make me feel like me again.”

Ortega said her favorite part of MidCity Mercado is getting to connect with other vendors and share stories of their experiences and brand purpose.

“It makes you feel you’re in a safe place, like it’s okay to be you,” Ortega said. “Nowadays, it’s so hard to actually really show off who you really are, but there... no one’s going to judge you. If anything, people are going to welcome you.”

By Jose Romo, Mateo Gutierrez, Sophie Sperber and Rory Burke

April 18, 2022 at 1:29 pm PDT

.• Crystal Guide •.

This crystal guide was created to help anyone who is starting in their spiritual journey. Crystals were the first items that really grabbed my attention into learning more about healing, metaphysical properties, chakras, and uses of stones & crystals. Now, I carry this guide with me to all Markets to help people choose their significant crystal(s). Crystal guide(s) may be updated from time to time, so look out for any changes.

For any other question feel free to contact me on Instagram: @YerbaMystica

Available to Print, Share, and Love

Shop in Person…

Now you can shop in person at one of your local mercados. Monthly markets & events will be posted here and updated every month. Keep an eye out to catch us at an event close to you!

♥  Te Veré Muy Pronto, Can't wait to meet you ♥