For 15 years, Victoria has balanced a full-time housekeeping job with weekend street vending to help support her family.

When I first approached the stand, the man working there wasn't interested in being interviewed. A few moments later, however, Victoria Torrez Torres welcomed me with a smile and generously shared her story.

For the past 15 years, Victoria has spent her weekends selling cookware and household utensils at the corner of Pico Boulevard and Union Avenue. During the week, she works full-time in housekeeping, making street vending an additional source of income rather than her primary job.

Her motivation has always been her family. As the mother of two children, including one currently attending university, Victoria took on weekend vending to help provide opportunities for them and earn extra income.

Keeping the business running requires constant preparation. Every two weeks, she searches for new inventory, often finding cookware and household items at yard sales before bringing them to her stand. Despite the extra work, she says the business itself has been relatively straightforward, even noting that obtaining the necessary permits was simpler and less expensive than many people assume.

While we talked, one of the family's friends joined the conversation. Learning that my father is Nigerian, he spoke about the many immigrant communities that have shaped Los Angeles and the important role they continue to play throughout the city. It was a reminder that conversations at a street vendor's stand often extend far beyond the products being sold.

For Victoria, those connections are part of what has kept her returning every weekend for the past 15 years.

Quick Facts

Name: Victoria Torrez Torres

Business: Cookware & Household Utensils

Time Active: 15 Years

Weekday Job: Housekeeping

Hours: Weekends, 6 AM–7 PM

Inventory: Purchased Every Two Weeks

Motivation: Supporting Her Family

Location: Pico Blvd. & Union Ave.

By Austin Iluore

Working Seven Days a Week