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Advice Student Life at VC

5 Easy Side Hustles for Broke College Students

Many students struggle with the costs of everyday life and many of them don’t even have time for regular part-time jobs. As someone who has also been actively looking for more ways to increase the amount in their bank account, I thought that I could help others by sharing my findings. Therefore, I’ve compiled a list of common easy side hustles that people do for some extra cash. These can be easily implemented into your routine without taking over your entire schedule.

  1. Selling Homemade Goods

Many people already have a hobby that they enjoy. Whether it’s crocheting, clay art, baked goods etc. If you already have something that you enjoy doing, you can potentially turn that into cash. You can easily set up an Etsy, Facebook, or eBay page and put your homemade goods up for sale. Depending on your skill level and other market prices, price your goods accordingly. Eventually you may be able to start taking orders or feedback from customers to better your products.

2. Campus Tutoring

Ventura College offers a wide variety of on campus jobs and one of them is their campus tutoring program. You can be a drop-in tutor which is where you choose your hours and go to the tutoring center and kind of wait for students to come (which can be easy money), OR you can be an embedded tutor where you have an assigned class. The requirements are that you have a minimum 3.0 GPA, an A or B in the subject you will be tutoring in, are in good academic standing, and you need a faculty recommendation. You don’t have to be a full-time student so that can allow for more freedom and working hours. Their pay rates are $17.33/hr for drop-in tutoring and $18.19/hr for an embedded tutor. The downside is that you can’t apply anytime you feel like it. Sign-ups seem to be only at the end of the semester. Join Our Team | Ventura College

3. Rover

Rover is an app/website where pet-owners can hire people to pet-sit or walk their animals. You can set your own rate and work your own hours. If you decide to put yourself at a minimum wage rate of $16.90 in the state of California, and work of a minimum of 10 hours a week, that means you can cash an extra $160/wk. It may not seem like much but it can add up and cover some basic costs or extra personal interests you may have.

4. Food Delivery Services

There are many food delivery services that are readily available now such as DoorDash, Grubhub etc. If you have a car, you can make this work a bit easier (keep in mind cost of gas), but there are also many people who use bikes to deliver food. People make most of their money on food delivery services through tips, and payments vary per delivery. Some tips I found were to work during peak hours. These would include lunch and dinner hours where people are more likely to order food.

5. Flipping/Reselling Items

I interviewed a fellow VC student and he said that he buys cameras off Facebook, eBay, or local thrift shops and: cleans/fixes them up, makes sure they function well, and packages them to resell for a small profit. His hobby is collecting cameras and he wants to be a photo journalist so this extra cash grab also allows him to further his knowledge of cameras and their value/quality. This shows that you can take something you are already interested in and already do and make a profit. It may not be much monetarily but the value of honing his skills more makes up for that. This can be done with clothing, toys, furniture, other electronics etc. There are so many opportunities.

One last little thing I’d like to add. Make sure that for whatever you decide to do, you plan it out accordingly. Keep in mind your actual net profit after expenses and taxes.

Finally, I asked our fellow VC student if he had any final words of advice or of encouragement and here’s what he had to say:

“Understand that it isn’t going to be “easy” easy, but that hard work will pay off. Don’t overwhelm yourself and start with a huge task or expectation. Don’t worry. If one thing doesn’t work out, don’t be afraid to try something different.”
-Quentin Giesea Obeck

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Student Life at VC

Breaking the Stigma: Ventura College’s Basic Needs Center Supports Student Stability

Academic success often depends on more than grades and attendance. For many Ventura College students, access to food, technology, and basic necessities plays a critical role in their ability to remain enrolled and focused.

Located in the same building as Financial Aid and the Dreamer Center, Ventura College’s Basic Needs Center serves as a centralized support hub for students experiencing financial strain or temporary hardship. The center provides weekly grocery distribution, hygiene items, technology assistance, and referrals to campus and community resources.

Exterior entrance of Ventura College Basic Needs Center and Dreamers Center building.
Exterior view of Ventura College’s Basic Needs Center, located in the same building as Financial Aid and the Dreamers Center.

During a recent visit, the space was organized and welcoming. Clearly labeled shelves, posted selection limits, and structured distribution guidelines emphasized fairness and accessibility. Students moved through the process calmly, selecting grocery items while staff and student workers provided support.

Ventura College Basic Needs Center bread and bakery shelves stocked with bagels, loaves, muffins, and pastries for student distribution.
Shelves of bread, bagels, muffins, and pastries available to Ventura College students through the Basic Needs Center grocery program.
Refrigerated grocery section at Ventura College’s Basic Needs Center displaying fresh produce, dairy items, and labeled selection limits for students.
The refrigerated section includes fresh produce, dairy products, and perishable items, with clearly posted selection limits to ensure fair distribution among students.
Shelving units inside Ventura College’s Basic Needs Center stocked with canned goods, boxed foods, grains, and clearly labeled section limits.
Shelves stocked with canned goods, rice, pasta, and other pantry staples are organized by section, with posted limits to ensure equitable access for all students.
Daily snack section inside Ventura College’s Basic Needs Center offering grab-and-go items for students.
The daily snack area provides quick, accessible options for students needing immediate nourishment between classes.

Maria and Vanessa, who help coordinate operations within the center, emphasize that the program is designed to reduce barriers that interfere with academic progress. “Our goal is to remove obstacles so students can focus on their education,” they explained. “Asking for help should not feel stigmatized.”

Vanessa shares how the Basic Needs Center supports students beyond the classroom by addressing food insecurity and connecting them to essential campus resources.

Beyond food assistance, the center connects students to counseling services, housing support, CalFresh enrollment assistance, and other campus programs. For students balancing work, family responsibilities, and coursework, these resources can significantly impact retention and completion rates.

Technology support is another important component. Students who lack reliable computer access can receive assistance, ensuring they are able to complete assignments and participate fully in academic requirements.

While some students may hesitate to seek help, the Basic Needs Center exists specifically to serve Ventura College students. By prioritizing dignity, organization, and accessibility, the program reinforces the college’s broader commitment to student success.

As awareness grows, the Basic Needs Center continues to play an essential role in supporting students beyond the classroom — proving that stability and access are foundational to academic achievement.

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Arts & Entertainment Business Fashion & Retail

The 3 Best Vintage Shops in Ventura, and Why You Should Ditch Fast Fashion

Location: Olive’s Vintage

If your first thought after reading the title is that you would never shop second hand, this article probably isn’t what you want to read. I think that is exactly why you should continue reading. 

Ventura has some of the most unique and wonderful vintage shops for being a quiet beach town. That alone is all the more reason to check them out. What is there to do for fun in a small town? Vintage and antique stores bring a lot of charm to the area, and people’s lives. If you’ve never been to a vintage shop before or are just curious, let me be your guide to the top 3 in this nook of Southern California.

My first recommendation is Poppies Vintage, located in midtown Ventura. This store carries such gorgeous pieces, and the whole spot is full of color and life. Garments, shoes, and bags that date back to the 60s and 70s! Even if you just enjoy aesthetic interior, you would likely be fond of Poppies Vintage. To top it off, there is a section dedicated to local business’ merchandise for purchase, such as handmade candles and novelties. Poppies is warm and inviting, and you wouldn’t regret a visit. 

Location: Poppies Vintage

My next pick would have to be Out West Market, which seems to be growing a wider customer base through social media. This shop is special, not only for their curated one of a kind items, but the space itself. Out West has a lovely western theme, with decor of all kinds on every inch of the walls. One of the highlights being an indoor and outdoor area, which is sweet if you want to enjoy browsing on a sunny day. OW also offers bins with bargain prices, so you can shop even with just $5 in your wallet. 

Last but not least, and my personal favorite choice, Olive’s Vintage. There may or may not be a hint of bias here, but I encourage you to hear me out. Olive’s Vintage is located downtown and owned by the lovely Jeannie Rollo, kind-hearted and knows a gem when she sees it. Jeannie has been collecting knickknacks, clothes, art, and everything under the sun, pretty much her whole life. I asked her why she decided to start selling vintage. 

“I had so much of it. I thought I should share it with other people, and give it a new life. So that this collection can get a new home”

With such a wide range and variety of Jeannie’s collection, the space feels authentic and true to what vintage is all about. Vintage items can be best described as timeless, whimsical, and chock-full of stories. Jeannie has an eye for art, whether it’s for sale or just decor. She also has her own pieces hanging around, along with her previous studio that appeals to many visitors. For Jeannie, it’s truly not about a sale, as she keeps her prices more affordable than most and tailored to each item. I wanted to know if Jeannie had any insight for why vintage is a better alternative than fast fashion and big retail.

“It has a past life. Vintage is just made better, and made to last, even all this time. You can tell how much people have put work in to make these things. They are like pieces of art, that you just treasure more.”

Whether you have been shopping vintage for a while, or you don’t know much about it, I urge you to take a visit to a local vintage store (even if it’s not on this list). Purchasing antique and vintage items, especially clothing, helps reduce waste and promotes sustainability. By shopping vintage, you purchase with intention. You are taking home an item with a story behind it, and the quality to last you just possibly another generation. If you do it right, you may even find it saves you money long term. Instead of buying poorly made, new retail clothes that need frequent replacing, you have something that dazzles your wardrobe or home for years to come. Bring some whimsy into your life! 

Categories
Business Fashion & Retail Food & Beverage Food & Dining Local Business Spotlight Student Life at VC

Best Ventura County Hidden Gem

If you have been looking for the perfect coffee shop in Ventura County let me introduce you to Heritage Coffee & Gifts. This family owned coffee shop is located on 210 W 7th Street in Oxnard, California. You can find it as one of the many establishments in Heritage Square. It is owned and managed by Fernando and Teresa Larios and their son Carlos Larios. They offer specialty espresso and coffee drinks, as well as sandwiches and pastries.

While I was here, I ordered two drinks and a sandwich to really try this place out and give it an honest review. The drinks that I ordered were a honey lavender latte and a turmeric latte. I also got their caprese panini.

I decided on the honey lavender latte (pictured on the left) because the barista said that one was her favorite, so I had to give it a try. I loved that it was not overly sweet. I find that a lot of coffee places have overly sweet drinks where you can barely taste the coffee. This drink had the perfect subtle sweet with a dash of florals from the lavender. I can definitely see why this was one of her favorites.

I ordered the turmeric latte (pictured above on the right) because I had never seen or heard of anything like that before. I was so intrigued that I had to try it. I’m surprised to say it was really good. I thought it was not going to taste the best because turmeric is generally supposed to have a warm, bitter, earthy taste to it. I can definitely pick up hints of that but in a good way. The warmth was very slight and after the first few sips you could barely notice it. I quite enjoyed the earthy taste of it. I’d say the turmeric latte is on the same level of earthy flavor as a Thai tea would be.

I very much enjoyed both of those drinks and would get them again. I got my drinks with oat milk instead of cows milk and I am so thankful that they had other options. As someone who is both vegetarian and lactose intolerant, I am grateful when places have accommodations.

In addition to the drinks, I also got their caprese panini which has pesto, mozzarella cheese, and sun dried tomatoes on sourdough bread. The panini was freshly made to order so it was warm and melty. The bread was toasted to perfection with satisfying char marks on the side. Honestly one of the best sandwiches I’ve had in a while. There is something to great when a simple recipe is done well.

I had the pleasure of getting to speak to Mr. Carlos Larios (owner/manager) when I went into the store to try it out. He was very kind and a great conversationalists. We started talking about what exactly they sell, when he said something that made me smile.

“More than anything, we really want to create a friendly and welcoming environment for everyone who comes in.”

I can say that they 100% accomplish that feeling. From the second I stepped foot inside, the room was filled with people talking and laughing. There was only one open table, which told me that business was going well. What makes this place feel so homey and unique is because it is in an actual house. All of Heritage Square is made of old houses turned into shops or businesses. The coffee shop is where a front living room would essentially be. Make sure to check out the video below to get a peak of what the inside looks like.

Inside, there is a fire place with a TV above it that plays calming and relaxing music on Spotify so people can see what they are listening to. In front of the fireplace is a coffee table that is surrounded by sofas. It really helps to bring that warm and welcoming feeling in. It truly does feel like you just stepped into someone’s home. They even have a counter designated for other local businesses cards so their customers can see and take them. The video also highlights the gift shop that is connected to the coffee shop. The gift shop features all handmade items. Some of them were even made by the owner Teresa Larios.

If you are in the area, this place is a can’t miss! I might have found my new favorite go to spot and I can’t wait to try out the other things they have to offer. Make sure to also follow them on their social media, linked below.

Categories
Food & Beverage Local Business Spotlight

My Go-To Coffee Spots in Ventura County

I feel like I am always trying new coffee spots, especially during the semester when I need a change of scenery. Sometimes I just do not want to sit at home and study, and I focus better when I get out of the house. I decided to check out three coffee shops in Ventura County: Ragamuffin in Oxnard, Caje in Ventura, and Honey Cup in Oxnard. Even though they are all pretty close to each other, they each have a pretty different vibe.

Ragamuffin, Oxnard

Ragamuffin is located within The Annex at The Collection in Oxnard, and the first thing I noticed was how much seating there is. It feels open and not cramped, which I really liked. Some coffee shops can feel crowded fast, but here there is a ton of space to actually sit and stay for a while.

Another thing I liked is that The Annex has a lot of other food spots inside. So if you go to Ragamuffin for a drink, you can walk across and grab food from somewhere else. That makes it convenient if you are meeting friends or planning to stay longer.

I ordered a vanilla matcha and it was really good. The vanilla did not overpower the matcha, which I liked. It tasted smooth and balanced without being overly sweet. It was simple but still really good and I will for sure be ordering it again.

Caje, Ventura

Caje is honestly one of my favorite coffee shops in Ventura County. The vibe is so cute and since it’s downtown, you can grab your drink then walk around Main Street for a while.

I tried their lavender matcha and I loved it. Lavender can sometimes taste too strong but theirs was balanced well. You can actually taste the lavender without it overpowering the matcha. Out of everything I tried, this one was definitely my favorite.

I also felt like I was able to focus more while studying at Caje. They have seating that is more tucked into a corner, so it feels a little more private. I did not feel as distracted, which is a bit surprising since it is downtown and usually busier.

Another thing that makes Caje stand out is that it is also a cocktail bar so you can go during the day for coffee and go at night for a cute cocktail. I think this makes it stand out from other coffee shops within the area.

Honey Cup, Oxnard

Honey Cup is a smaller coffee shop, so there is not as much seating. It is not really a place you would go to study for hours, but it is still really cute and inviting.

They have good coffee, but the cinnamon roll is what got me. It is honestly one of the best cinnamon rolls I’ve tried. It was soft, flavorful, and not dry at all. When I go back, I will for sure be ordering it again.

Final Thoughts

After going to all three, I realized how much the environment changes the entire experience.

Ragamuffin feels more open and convenient. Caje feels more trendy and has my favorite matcha. Honey Cup feels smaller and more cozy, with the best cinnamon roll.

They are all in Ventura County, but give off different moods depending on what you are looking for that day.

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Business Student Life at VC

Top 5 Ways An Auto Detailer Can Save Your Car And Your Wallet!

Our car’s value is always a big deal, especially if eventually there will be a time where you want to sell it. Scratches, stains, and damage from the sun can all be solved, but when it’s not, then your car’s value can really drop! Especially here in Ventura County where we have year-round sun, sand from the beach, and dirt from our fields that could really damage a vehicle over time if not maintained. That’s where professional auto detailing comes in. Auto detailing isn’t just just about giving people a clean car, it’s also about protecting your car and keeping its value. With that being said lets jump into the top 5 things a detailer can do to save your car and your wallet!

1.) Paint Protection

Let’s be honest, when we look at a car the paint is almost always the first thing we really look at. When it’s exposed to UV rays all day there can be swirls on it, there can be bird droppings that burn through your paint, and tons of dust and dirt from the agriculture in our city. These things slowly make your car oxidize or even fade. What we do is use things like wax, paint sealants, and ceramic protection. These things are like different layers of shielding for your car. Preventing paint damage monthly saves you from expensive repainting later and just value drops in general.

Lets hear what a dealership used car manager says about this service

“When someone brings in a car for trade in, the first thing we notice is the exterior condition. If the paint is faded or scratched up, the value drops almost right away .”

2.) Interior Work

Cracked dashboards and worn out leather seats are the worst, especially since it’s so easy to avoid. They don’t just show up out of nowhere; it happens from all the heat and neglect. Interior work like conditioning the leather and protecting interior dashes and materials keeps them soft, clean, and will prevent cracks that make your car look 5 years older. “Cars that are maintained regularly almost always bring the strongest offers,” the dealership manager explains.

3.) Wheel Protection

Brake dust builds up super fast every time you drive, and it’s actually corrosive. If you ignore it, it can permanently stain and damage your wheels. A proper wheel cleaning removes all that buildup safely and can protect the finish of them.

4.) Keeping The Engine Clean

In all honesty, unless your car is a show car or has an impressive engine most people will never really think about the engine bay, but dealerships definitely do. A clean engine compartment shows that the owner cared about the vehicle and it also really helps with spotting leaks or problems early before they become expensive repairs. A good detailer will use degreaser to remove all the corrosive gunk that will build up in the engine and will remove all the debris.

5.) Consistency

The key to keeping your cars value is just plain consistency. Regular washes, interior cleanings, and all the things mentioned above really do prevent small issues from turning into big ones. As  Jeff Myers, the used car manger, said from our interview “It’s much cheaper to maintain than to hire someone else to restore our inventory.” Detailing once every few years just can’t undo years of neglect and use so the best solution is just to keep it maintained year round.

Categories
Local Business Spotlight

Best Tacos in Oxnard

​I had the pleasure of interviewing a small business owner in Oxnard. He runs one of the best taco catering trucks around called Tacos El Vladis. You can find them located in the Chevron gas station parking lot off Vineyard and Oxnard Blvd. His tacos are amazing honestly some of the best I’ve ever tasted in town. My personal favorite is the Tacos de Al Pastor, which is pork with al pastor sauce, onions, cilantro, and avocado. I always pair it with an Agua de Horchata (cinnamon rice water).

​Here are the questions I asked the owner:

​1. What is the name of your shop? Tacos Vladimir.

​2. How long have you been doing this? It has been a family business for 16 years, and I’ve been doing it myself for 10 years.

​3. What is your name and age? My name is Vladimir and I am 29 years old.

​4. Do you plan to expand your business? Yes, but it takes time and money. In the near future that is a plan we have.

​5. What is the most famous item on the menu? The “Surf & Turf Taco” which are shrimp and asada tacos with cheese and a special sauce.

​6. What hardships did you face during your first year in business? Finding clients. We didn’t have any clients at first because we were a new face and people didn’t know us yet.

​7. How long does it take you to prepare for a night sale? It takes me a couple of days to prep everything cutting onions and cilantro, prepping the meat, salsas, etc.

8. ​Where do your recipes come from? My mom. She used to sell tacos and got her recipes from my grandparents in Mexico. Now I use them for my tacos.

​9. What is one quote you would tell an upcoming shop? “Don’t give up.”

​10. In one word, describe your best-selling salsa. Roja (Red). It’s amazing.

​I honestly believe this taco shop is one of the best here in Oxnard. You definitely should try it!

#Tacos #besttacos #oxnard
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Categories
Fashion & Retail Student Life at VC

Going Secondhand: A Smart Choice for College Students

Fast fashion is everywhere. Stores are always putting out new clothes, and the prices are cheap, so it’s easy to keep buying. But all that buying creates a lot of waste. The fashion industry throws away millions of tons of clothing every year, and most of it ends up in landfills.

As college students, we’re always trying to save money but still look good. Thrifting helps with both. It’s affordable and it’s better for the planet.

When you shop secondhand, you’re giving clothes a second life. Instead of being thrown away, someone else gets to use them. That means less waste and less demand for new clothing to be made. Even small changes, like buying a few thrifted pieces, can make a difference.

One VC student said, “I started thrifting to save money, but now I love finding unique pieces you can’t get anywhere else.”

Thrifting is also great for your budget. You can find good quality and name brand clothes for way less than retail prices. When you’re paying for tuition, rent, and food, that really helps.

In Ventura County, there are a lot of places to thrift. Stores like Goodwill and The Salvation Army have great options, plus there are local resale boutiques around the area.

Sustainable fashion doesn’t have to be expensive or boring. Thrifting shows that you can look good, save money, and help the environment at the same time.

Next time you need something new, try a thrift store first. Your wallet and the planet will thank you.

Check out this video of one of my thrift hauls where I scored some fashionable and trendy clothes, giving them a second chance in life:

Categories
Advice Arts & Entertainment Business Food & Beverage Food & Dining Local Business Spotlight Nature & Outdoors Student Life at VC

Livin’ Large on Laundry Money

Broke… but romanticizing it.

You might be like most college students, experiencing a specific type of broke that comes in the form of realizing that you have exactly enough money for gas… and maybe laundry. Between classes, textbooks, and trying to have some sort of social life, “fun” starts to feel like a luxury you might not be able to afford.

So I decided to test something: Could I spend and entire day exploring Ventura with just $20?

In the words of Sia, “I love cheap thrills.” This challenge felt like the perfect way to find them. The day started as a budgeting experiment but became a reminder that Ventura is uniquely suited for inexpensive fun. We’ve got ocean views that don’t cost a thing, locally owned coffee shops that still feel personal, and small businesses that remember your face.

Preparation: What you actually need

Before setting out, I kept it simple- A $20 bill, a jacket (because Ventura is a bit unpredictable sometimes), a water bottle, and a small packed sandwich to hold me over.

Packing something small ahead of time helps stretch the budget without taking away from the experience. We’re not trying to “go without”, just spending intentionally.

Morning: Donuts, Coffee, Views

First stop – KD Donuts on Telegraph Road. Not only are you getting what I will confidently call the actual best donut in town, but you’re also supporting a family-owned business that has been part of Ventura for nearly 40 years. It’s a win-win, you get an awesome treat, and you can feel good about where your money’s going. An insider tip: If you’re nice, she might throw in a few donut holes. And let me be clear — it is a requirement that you order the apple fritter. It’s massive. You won’t feel cheated once you feel the weight of it in that little paper sleeve. At $1.75, you kinda feel like you’re getting away with highway robbery. As soon as we drove up, the owner smiled and said,

“I haven’t seen you guys in a while. Did you move? How are you? Come back more often.”

That one comment says everything about why local businesses matter. It doesn’t feel like a transaction, it feels like building community. Our total came to $1.89.

Stop #2 – Daylight & Moon cafe on Loma Vista Road. The space is bright and clean, the staff are genuinely friendly, and they actually care about the quality of what they serve, even if it’s just drip coffee (which is what we’re getting). The coffee is strong and punchy which is perfect to pair with our sweet treat. My drip came out to $3.77.

Running total: $5.66

Stop #3 – With coffee and donut in hand, we set out for Cemetery Memorial Park. This might be one of Ventura’s most underrated spots. There’s something about the grass, sunshine, and island views (all completely free might I add). That’s the thing about this challenge: the best parts of the day were free. We sat, talked, took our time, and genuinely enjoyed it.

Afternoon: More Views, Treasure Hunts, Wandering

After our slow morning, it felt right to lean into another one of Ventura’s natural beauties. We headed up to the Botanical Gardens (which are free on Fridays). If you can time your visit right, it’s one of the best free experiences. The trails wind up the hillside with ocean views that will force you to come back at your earliest opportunity. And if it’s not Friday? I recommend Arroyo Verde Park. Still beautiful. Still completely free.

Stop #5 – The $3 thrift challenge. A challenge within a challenge. To keep things interesting, I added a rule: If you’re going to buy something, it has to be under $3, and it HAS to be something you love – not just something cheap. So you either get to walk out proud that you saved your money… or you find a hidden gem that you really treasure. After scanning shelves and digging a little, I found what I’m pretty sure is a shot glass. But for me, I will be using my $2.14 tiny mug to pot a succulent. If you aren’t as successful as me, you still get some great entertainment and to browse with a purpose.

Next was wandering through downtown. We continue the browsing- but window shopping only this time. Downtown is built for strolling, so you won’t feel like you stand out for not buying anything.

Running total: $7.80

Botanical Gardens.

Coalition Thrift.

Walking Downtown.

Evening: Tacos, Layers, and a Sunset Finale

Now’s a good time to bring out that jacket. We made our way down to Beach House Tacos along the promenade. Tacos and ocean views are always a winning combination for me, so this felt like the right place to close out the day. The menu has plenty of options, but this is where things got interesting. While we were in line, I mentioned the $20 challenge to another customer. She immediately leaned in and said,

“Order the kids street tacos. I got them for my kid once and they were so good I started ordering them for myself too. It’s the best deal on the menu.”

And she was right. The kids street taco plate was $6, simple, flavorful, and more filling than expected. Add a coke for $4, and dinner came out to $10.78. And best of all, it still felt like a real “going out” meal.

Talking to people, exploring your options, and staying open, will all help you find better ways to spend your money.

We took our tacos further out on the Ventura Pier and sat watching the waves roll in as the sun set. Tacos and ocean air. Not bad for laundry money.

The Final Tally

{Morning: $5.66} {Afternoon: $2.14} {Evening: $10.78}

Total spent: $18.58

Money left: $1.42

We stayed under budget and had so. much. fun.

Another great thing about this day was noticing how much Ventura offers when you slow down enough to look for it. Supporting family-owned businesses, talking to strangers, walking instead of rushing, hunting instead of impulse buying. If you’re a VC student who feels like fun is getting too expensive, I’d encourage you to try something like this, maybe not the exact same stops, but your own version. Pick a number, pick a jacket, bring a friend, see what you find. Ventura makes it easier than you think.

Categories
Local Business Spotlight Nature & Outdoors

A Blooming Legacy: The Family Behind a Thriving Local Flower Business

Here at home in Ventura County, a family-owned flower distribution company has grown into one of the largest companies of its kind in California. What some may not realize is that behind the warehouses, cold storage units, and daily shipments is a former nursing student whose career path did a complete 180 in 2020. 

Channel Islands Flowers began in August of 2020 during a time of extreme uncertainty for Manuel Ayala and his family. After the company where he had been working for many years shut down, Manuel Ayala, my best friend’s father, was suddenly left without a job. When his former boss offered him the opportunity to purchase the suffering business, it was a major risk, but one he was willing to take. A few months prior, his daughter, Valerie, had moved back home from Santa Barbara, where she had been studying nursing at Santa Barbara City College. As the pandemic completely interrupted her education, she enrolled at Ventura College to continue nursing while also nannying full-time. At the same time, she began helping her father rebuild the newly purchased business from the ground up, a decision that would ultimately alter the entire trajectory of their lives. 

Screenshot

 Reflecting on those early days, she describes the company as something that needed to be rebuilt almost entirely. “We had about 11 employees at the time, and we rebuilt and expanded completely,” she said. “Now we have over 100 employees, multiple field locations, and a warehouse. Back then, it felt like we were gathering the marbles that were dropped everywhere.”

For the Ayala’s, their growth came about from years sacrifice. “When they got here, they started working super young,” she said about her parents’ immigrant journey from Michoacan to the United States. “They have always had a strong work ethic, and without that, they wouldn’t have been able to accomplish anything they have so far.” That same mindset shaped her own turning point in early 2022. While balancing nursing school, nannying from 7AM to 3:30PM, evening classes at Ventura College, and late nights working for her family business, she realized that she was no longer able to spread her time. “My workload with the business became so much that I had to quit my nanny job and shortly after, I dropped out of school,” she said. “That’s when I realized, this is what I am doing now.” 

Today, Channel Islands Flowers is recognized as one of the largest distributors in California. On a scale of one to ten, she rates the company at an eight. The business supplies florists and other flower companies with stems like Ranunculus, Calla Lilies, Lisianthus, Delphiniums, Hybrid Lilies, and a variety of other seasonal flowers. A majority of their products are sold throughout various sellers in the Los Angeles Flower Market, one of the largest wholesale flower markets in the country. Additional distribution is sold in major grocery stores like Trader Joes and Vons. Despite the company’s scale, Valerie remains very humble about her position. “It’s very eye-opening,” she said. “I think we’re still in the stage of imposter syndrome… but our family is very supportive, which allows us to continue to do what we do.” 

What started as a risky decision during the pandemic has grown into one of Ventura County’s most successful distribution companies. From balancing nursing school and long workdays to stepping fully into leadership, her journey reflects the unpredictable nature of growth. Channel Islands Flowers continues to bloom each day because the Ayala family chose to plant those roots. 

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