Review Fix chats with community leaders and entrepreneurs Lorraine Perez, Kelly Vargas and Lisa Vega, who discuss their vendor market Lo’Kel-Li and so much more.
About Lo’Kel-Li:
Our goals from the start have always been about YOU. We planned events to give you the exposure at you need to generate an income. The pandemic has caused so much financial hardship on everyone and we are here trying our best to help all of you SUCCEED.
For additional information, or to reserve a spot at the store follow “The Three Amigas” on Instagram @threeamigas2021 and on Facebook at “Lo’Kel-Li Vendor Market,” or email [email protected]
Review Fix: How did you all meet?
We were volunteers with a community organization.
Review Fix: When did the inspiration for the store begin to blossom?
We were all small business owners. Lorraine owned a debt collection business that closed during the pandemic. Kelly owned a photography business that was also affected by the pandemic. Lisa did catering on the side that was also affected by the pandemic. We realized that there were many people like us that were affected by the pandemic. We still had our day jobs but we started thinking about others who didn’t have a 2nd income and depended entirely on their craft. We came up with the idea of doing pop-ups. We launched the Three Amigas Vendor Market with pop-ups all over Staten Island during the summer months. Many of these were held on the grounds of the empire outlets. As the summer winded down, we began to wonder what was going to happen with vendors during the cold winter months. We approached the management of the Empire Outlets for inclusion to their small business program. We were informed that we couldn’t use the name “Three Amigas” so Lo’Kel-Li was born.
Review Fix: What are some of the hurdles?
In the early days of Lo’Kel-Li, the location of the store was the major hurdle. We weren’t seen. The marketing was a major issue. We were thought to be a thrift store or flea market. The fact that weren’t been seen for what we were trying to achieve, we made the decision to relocate.
Review Fix: What have been the rewards?
Our mission statement is “Growing one business at a time.” We have been able to make a difference to various small business owners on the island. We have been able to give exposure to young and upcoming crafters.
Review Fix: What do you think makes the store special?
We are like family. Everyone, us and the vendors unite to bring success to each other.
Review Fix: What are your goals for the store?
We want o expand. We want to bring in more small businesses to give them the opportunity to show their brand.
Review Fix: What other plans do you have for the rest of the year?
The holiday season is soon upon us, so our plans are to bring more recognition to what we do and to help the vendors with their goals.
Review Fix: What are your long-term goals for this adventure?
Branching out to the other boroughs and reaching out to more small businesses
Review Fix: How are you three different and how does that make the dynamic special?
We are from different cultures and backgrounds.
Review Fix: What’s next?
We have decided to go back to the basics of the Three Amigas. We created a non-profit Three Amigas Helping Hands Inc where we will be providing community support to those in need.
Review Fix: Where can people go to find out more?
They can come to the store. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Tik Tok
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