some places sell plants. others help you grow a home. explore this garden center located at a hardware store in midtown ventura.
Do you like plants, but feel unsure of where to start? I wanted to focus on this small garden center located at Franklin’s Ace Hardware in Ventura. Miss Jackie is the wonderful human who runs it, alongside Stacey and Nick. She has helped so many clients with great tips and by boosting their confidence to start digging and planting. This is a family owned franchise. I love supporting local businesses and feeling like a part of their community.
Ace Hardware is known for their amazing customer service and that is definitely experienced at this location. They opened their doors back in October 2024. Their garden center is a newer addition. It’s only been one year of serving the community this March 2026.
As college students, we are always looking for budget friendly places and I believe this place is a great start. Miss Jackie takes amazing care of the plants and they have a small “plant recovery” section where they sell plants for a huge discount so they may be nursed back to health.
I’m not necessarily a plant guru but this place has my heart because it brings me so much peace even just walking through it and admiring all the beautiful plants and listening to the bubbling coming from all the fountains. There are disco balls glistening and birds enjoying the bird baths. It truly is a tiny magical oasis.
“I enjoy the uniqueness of our plant selection and helping customers with which plants would suit their garden the best.” – Stacey
“I love coming out here during my breaks to listen to the fountains and birds chirping in their bird baths. The ambience is everything.” – Mary
From succulents, tropical plants, jasmine trees, to petunias and marigolds, their plant selection is very vast and Miss Jackie is always taking recommendations. Come on in and get started on your gardening journey with customized picks and tips!
Leslee Ramirez said, “Whenever I want to shop for trendy, high-quality items, I visit B Max Clothing.”
Have you ever found yourself spending an entire day visiting countless clothing stores in search of a pair of shoes for that dress? Or a skirt for that birthday party you were invited to next weekend? You’re probably a shopping lover (like me), but these kinds of situations can definitely be frustrating when it seems like we’ve searched the entire city and there’s not a single place that has anything worthy of our attention.
With rising prices and constantly changing fashion trends, it’s become increasingly difficult to find a place that offers clothing, accessories, and shoes worth buying at affordable prices. People today only shop online to save time, but I think it’s important to support local businesses. Besides, when it comes to buying clothes or shoes, there’s nothing better than trying them on and checking the quality in-person before you make a purchase.
I have visited numerous clothing stores throughout my life, and I can say that I always go back to those that caught my attention the first time I saw their window displays. But there is one in particular that I cannot resist visiting.
B Max Clothing is a boutique located in Fillmore, California. They have a wide range of items, including shoes, accessories, and clothing. The business targets women—from teenagers to adults—and all these beautiful ladies will undoubtedly find themselves walking out of this store with a new purchase.
A fantastic store is always up to date with the latest fashion trends. However, you may find different items or clothing colors depending on the season. For example, in fall, you might find high boots or a brown sweater, and in spring-summer, you might find a wide variety of open-toe shoes or sleeveless tops.
The in-store atmosphere has a California vibe. When you walk into the store, there is good music playing, from English pop to Spanish ballads. They also have a weekly arrivals section and a plus-sizes section. One of my favorite sections is the accessories section. Seriously, I could spend hours looking at the necklaces and earrings.
Accessories section
The customer service is excellent, whether you interact with a staff member or the store owner. I mention this because I have experienced it firsthand. Let me tell you about a time when I was looking for a pair of shoes to wear with a dress I had previously purchased. At the time, I wasn’t sure what color or style I was looking for, so I picked up the first pair that caught my eye. The owner was there, and I remember our interaction very well. She gave me her opinion on the right size for me and which ones would go best with my dress. To be honest, I think there’s nothing like feeling welcomed when you arrive at a shop; it definitely makes you want to come back.
You can find the store as @bmaxclothing on Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook, and TikTok. I recommend checking out their Instagram (their most active social media platform) and watching the content they have posted. You can also visit their website B Max Clothing. Do not hesitate to stop by B Max Clothing the next time you want to go shopping.
“I probably go to Marco’s once, if not twice a week.”
Marco’s Pizza is a staple of quality food at an affordable restaurant in Ventura County. Although it is a chain restaurant, the closest one to here can be found in Canoga Park. Otherwise it is in a different state entirely. Recently, Marco’s has undergone several closures in other states. Upon my recent discovery, as well as many other Ventura locals and students who depend on Marco’s for a weekly pick me up (when cooking seems out of the question) – the sign on their door left in early January seemed to show that they were yet another member of the chain to experience a closure. “I probably go to Marco’s once if not twice a week,” says Angelo Zirpolo, a local mother and student. “What’s crazy is I had just got it the night before the sign went up in their door.” And Angela is not alone as 41% of Americans get pizza at least once a week. The number grows to 55 to 75% of Americans if you exclude pizza and just look at eating out once a week or more. The good news is this closure is temporary which wasn’t known until the recent sign replacing the old one informed us they are simply temporarily closed due to a change in ownership. This comes as great news as we definitely see a revolving door of restaurants coming and going in Ventura County and we myself included love our staples. The other good news is Topper’s, another (and if not more loved) pizza restaurant is alive and well until Marco’s doors open up again. The thing in my opinion that separates Marco’s from other Pizza joints is their journey as well as their vow to use organic ingredients as seen on their website. Quality ingredients (without endocrine disrupting additives like the ones seen in Dominos Pizza and Little Caesar’s) coupled with affordability seems priceless at a time when prices seem to do nothing but rise every time we blink an eye. With that being said, we look ahead and forward to the near future when Marco’s is back open.
Ever since I got my 3D printer, I thought about starting an at-home 3D printing business. I have all the tools I need at my disposal, and just needed to take that first step to start. In this video, I document the beginning of my journey to starting my own small business out of my room, from getting my printer all set up, handling my first customers, and starting to market and advertise my services. Join me as I learn the ins and outs of being a maker, and trying to earn some cash at the same time!
Follow my Instagram accounts to keep up as I continue this project!
Carnitas El Rey entrance, 2437 E. Main St, Ventura, CAMichoacan styled murals adorn the restaurant walls.
Along the Way
Currently Carnitas El Rey has three locations in Oxnard, Santa Paula and now Ventura. All three El Rey restaurants and it’s Owners: Juan and Gricelda Zavala, have an impressive reputation for their authentic real deal Michoacan style carnitas.
Pinto beans, rice, homemade tortilla, carnitas, Agua de Tamarindo.
The Food
Nancy and I went to Carnitas El Rey to check it out. What we found was a beautifully decorated atmosphere and authentic Michoacan carnitas that were tender, full f flavor, and all around fabulous. A couple tips from fellow VC Social blogger Nick Lerma, get there early because they are SO GOOD that they could run out, and make sure to try the rice.
We made sure to do both and were not disappointed. Nancy and I each ordered the taco plate which came with beans and rice. Nancy had an agua de tamarindo and I had a sangria senorial soda to drink. I tried the green salsa, it was flavorful. While it didn’t make me sweat, it was just enough to dew my forehead. Everything was fresh, delicious, everything was clean, and everyone was warm and friendly.
Taco plate. Pinto beans, rice, homemade tortillas, carnitas, chopped onions and cilantro, green salsa.
If you’re looking for a new gem to check out in Ventura, we definitely recommend Carnitas El Rey! Check out their opening day post on Instagram on your way there.
A new small and local business that just recently opened in the Market Place in Oxnard, CA is waiting for business to take off!!
Do not let the name mislead you. Surfko is a general clothing store that sells primarily women and men’s clothing. They also sell children’s clothing. Surfko is a store for all beautiful ages. This store recently launched men’s shorts for the beach. These shorts are two in one. Not only are they every day walking shorts, but they are also board shorts. Wait until you hear how affordable these one of a kind shorts are. For only $10, you get stylish every day lounge wear and waterproof swim trunks!
Gray Surfko shorts: $10Green Surfko shorts: $10
The prices at this store are out of this world. Not only are the prices cheap, but everything in the store ranges from $2-$10. There is nothing in the store that costs more than $10! These prices are like no other 💸.
History 📜
Surfko’s very first location started back in 2012 at the Camarillo Outlets. The store was located by the well known UGG store and the food court. The company first started off as a surf company that manufactured T-shirts and sweatshirts. As business was growing, Surfko was able to expand to a more general clothing selection. Thanks to being at the Camarillo Outlets for 12 years, they are now able to have a wide variety of affordable clothing. Some clothing products that Surfko sells in store includes:
Hawaiian shirts
Jackets
Denim Jeans
Joggers
Fleece pants
Sweatshirts
Hoodies
T-shirts
Pajamas
Tank tops
Leggings
Skirts
Shorts
Dresses
Unfortunately, due to recent inflation and rent prices sky rocketing the owner decided not to pay the expensive rent prices at the Outlets. This is the reason they are at a new location in Oxnard, CA. They need all the support they can get right now!
🗣️Surfko’s Motto 🗣️
At Surfko they believe it is important to have good quality, fabrics, and great designs. Plus, the best deals on clothing items, so that we as customers can save money.
💵Forms of Payment 💳
Surfko accepts many forms of payments via:
American Express
Apple Pay
Visa
Venmo
Google pay
PayPal
Mastercard
Shop
Meta Pay
Cash
Don’t forget to check out surfko whenever you are in oxnard, ca… guaranteed you will find something you like + it is affordable 🎉!
Feel free to follow Surfko’s social media to help their business grow 🙂
The art shown above is the work of Sunimari Madrigal, a student at Ventura College. The art was made for her small business called The Moon’s Canvas. The art was made on a canvas about 13×9, made up of different art mediums such as paint, gouache, paint markers, and acrylic paint as well. The inspiration for this piece came from the beauty of the land we are lucky to have on Earth and also the beauty of the stars in the Universe.
Below is a video of her showing us how she created their piece.
L->R: Lexi Quolas (VCS), Sarah Fox (VCS), Jennifer Smith (co-owner), Sophia Smith-Grunder (co-owner), Kelyla Nelson (VCS)
A Family That Creates Together, Stays Together.
Ventura, California is home to many local small businesses, but there are none like Ex-Voto Chocolates and Confections. Offering handcrafted chocolates, organic based ice cream, toffee, house made nut butters, fresh caramel, espresso drinks and much more. This gem has captured the hearts of their patrons using gourmet chocolate that is fair trade and is of single origin.
Owned and operated by the mother daughter duo, Jennifer Smith and Sophia Smith-Grunder, it took time for them to come up with a name that would fit their passion for confections; that is when they settled upon Ex-Voto. The term “ex-voto” is Latin for “milagro” and by definition, it means an offering given in gratitude for an answered prayer.
This small but mighty business started in 2015 with Jennifer selling her decadent chocolates at the local farmers market in Ojai, California. Two years later, they opened their storefront and flagship business in Midtown, Ventura. Initially, Jennifer encouraged her daughter to focus on a cooking and baking career of her own. It just so happens that Sophia makes a phenomenal caramel, amongst other things, better than Jennifer could of dreamed. Thus, Ex-Voto grew into a run and operated family business. The business has boomed since the duo settled in Ventura and have been making history ever since.
VC Social got the chance to sit down with Jennifer and get to know the history behind the business and what ignited their future. First things first, a bit about Jennifer: she began cooking when she was just 5-years old and is completely self taught. Her passion led her to culinary school in San Francisco studying pastry and bread making. Although, she continued to educate herself, take specialty classes online and certifications courses in hopes to figure out what avenue truly felt right to her. Jennifer’s intuitive spirit led her to chocolate as she started to see the word popping up in more ways than one. It was enough to spark her interest to teach herself the craft.
Hand painted and crafted chocolate truffles.
Chocolate, Chocolate And More Chocolate!
Jennifer fell in love with how complex, scientific, challenging, and creative chocolate can be. In turn, she draws inspiration from culture, food and nature resulting in truly complex flavor profiles that otherwise wouldn’t be found elsewhere. Her creations take form of one item and converging it with another. This can be seen in Ex-Voto chocolates, like the Sweet Pecan & Chili Gianduja (in dark chocolate) or the Key Lime (paired with white chocolate ganache).
Jennifer has developed close relationships with her patrons; she pays close attention to what customers are asking for and most importantly when they want it. This has played an important role in their business model and identifying their target market. Ex-Voto began focusing on seasonal items to pay homage to the time of year and most importantly what the seasons represent. Almost all year around you can find your favorites like their Turtles (salted caramel with slow roasted almonds) or the house-made peanut butter buddhas in milk or vegan dark chocolate.
Salted Caramel & Roasted Almond Turtles
Seasonal Easter themed chocolates
Sophia airbrushes flower mold for truffles
It’s Springtime here in Ventura and the Ex-Voto team has been working hard on their seasonal selection; it comes in different shapes, colors and textures including: eggs, bunnies and flower molds. A few of their Spring seasonal items include the Baklava Caramel eggs (using honey cinnamon caramel and pistachios), Pomegranate Rose in dark chocolate, Orange Blossom in white/dark chocolate, and Bananas Foster in milk chocolate, just to name a few.
Is your mouth watering yet?
Featured Ice Cream menu and additions.
The Unique Ice Cream Flavors
Both Jennifer and Sophia come up with recipes by combining different notes, textures and complementary flavors that are well balanced to make heavenly combinations.
Ice cream is a childhood favorite for Jennifer and she has created each one offered at Ex-Voto to perfection. We asked her how she comes up with the recipes for her batches and she shared that most is trial and error. Like her banana honeycomb recipe, Jennifer explained that she had to experiment to find the best way to bring out the banana flavor considering its rather starchy. Her first initial idea was to do banana and peanut butter but she realized that both flavors were too flat. She tasted, processed and talked with Sophia and other employees, bringing up potential matches until they came up with honeycomb. It gives the banana a complementary sweetness, crunch and bitterness.
One of the flavors VC Social favored was her in-house made Queso Fresco y Miel ice cream. Jennifer explained that it took her over 15 tries to find the perfect balance between the Mexican based salty soft cheese and sweet notes of honey. The flavor has become one of their best sellers and permanently remains on their ice cream selection. The combination is almost cheesecake-like and pairs well with house-made marshmallow creme that is lightly toasted with a torch in front of you.
Honey Lavender ice cream with marshmallow creme and rainbow sprinkles in a scratch-made waffle cone.
By keeping up with customer demand their business has created a sufficient following. Most importantly, Ex-Voto takes pride in the relationships that they form with each and every customer that walks through their door. We spoke briefly to a customer, Arlene, who told us that Ex-Voto is one of her favorite places to frequent. She loves the quality of their products and whenever her grand-daughter is back in town from college, they make it a point to stop in and grab a scoop of ice cream. Their patrons genuinely feel like they are part of the family and their support in the business continues to other generations.
Supporting Our Community
It was an absolute pleasure chatting with Jennifer and getting to know the ins and outs of her and Sophia’s daily routine and life at Ex-Voto. As we continued to chat after the interview, Jennifer shared another reason why she works as hard as she does. Her son Seth, 21, a student and surfer, has an extremely rare form of cancer called Synovial Sarcoma, one that has very little research on. If you’ve ever wondered why it’s important to support our community and small local businesses, this is why.
Seth during his new test trial.Seth’s fundraising surfboard sticker. Artwork by Christine May Brand.
Please visit Seth’s website for more information about his journey, treatment and the cancer research fundraiser his family has set up. If you would like to help contribute to their cause for a cure, you can donate directly or find Seth’s custom sticker at Ex-Voto’s storefront location or online here.
Thank you again Jennifer, Sophia and Ex-Voto team for giving VC Social the opportunity to get to know you and discover some new favorite sweet treats!
Asking for help can be difficult and overwhelming. At Ventura College, we strive to take some of that weight off your shoulders and the financial aid office offers the resources needed to meet your basic and academic goals. But where and how to start?
We got the inside scoop on the best course of action for incoming freshman to get information on financial aid services from Yesika, who works in the financial aid office. She recommends the Ventura College website to get information on where and how to began the process of applying. She also suggests in-person help via the financial aid service center located next to the bookstore on campus. Financial aid offers many different types of resources for students who are eligible and in need of assistance in order to attend college. This includes grant programs like the CAL Grant, that pay for your cost of enrollment. Sate and federally funded programs like the work study program, where students can work a part-time job on campus to earn money. Financial aid can also get you set up for a school loan, either a private or federally funded loan for extended education for those who qualify.
Yesika shared that coming in prepared when applying for financial aid is an important first step. You will need to make an appointment with a counselor to get set up with an education plan via online or in-person through Academic Counseling. After meeting with a counselor, you can come directly to the financial aid window/office to apply for your FAFSA online in the computer lab. It is important to make sure you have a valid ID, social security number and income information ready for this process. Once you’ve applied, Yesika recommends to continuously check your student email and your financial aid tab on your dashboard to make sure you’ve provided all information needed and no forms are left pending in order to qualify. This also includes checking in to make sure you are meeting the minimum requirements to keep satisfactory progress. You can find those requirements online through the financial aid tab.
We asked about other resources outside of financial aid that could also be of help to students. Yesika told us about the Basic Needs Center that provides students with food, housing opportunities and wellness. There is a food pantry on campus that is available at no cost to students. Open from 8:30am to 6:30 Monday and Tuesday, 8:30am to 5pm Wednesday and Thursday and 8:30am-1pm on Friday. She also mentioned that the VC Foundation is another great resource that offers scholarship programs and is worth checking into.
Lastly, Yesika shared what she likes most about working in the financial aid office. She said she loves being able to help students who are in need and those who are feeling lost. Let the financial aid office at Ventura College help take some weight off and set sail for a bright future.
4667 Telegraph Road BCS Building Ventura, CA 93003
VC Social 