Caticorns, Unicorns & Llamacorns, Oh My!

If we could give our customers awards, we would give Sara and Carlos an award for loyalty. They are not only loyal to junebug, but it is evident they are loyal to each other, showing up at almost every single special event that we have ever held, TOGETHER. It’s not often that we get to know entire families, so it is extra special when we do. If I could guess, I’d say their committment to supporting local businesses and sustainability is what brings them to us first, and it’s just serendipity that we happy to carry great items for kids.

Sara and Carlos happened upon junebug about 4 years ago when shopping for their daughter, Catalina, and have discovered the sweet spot of being both shoppers and sellers, covering many of their purchases entirely with store credit! We are often able top buy ALL of the items they bring to us, which is rare! We know this is because they have become so in-tune with our store by regularly shopping with us, that they have a great sense for what kinds of items we love to carry. Below Sara tells us about Catalina’s favorite pizza spots and current obsession (and her own!), why she chooses to shop and sell at junebug, and muses on the joys and challenges of parenting.

What are some of your local go-to places or favorite family activities?

We live close to the San Diego Zoo and Balboa Park, so we go there often. Catalina LOVES the beach and water, so we spend a lot of our time at Coronado Beach or Torrey Pines State Park. We also love hiking (and I love running, swimming and enjoying San Diego sunsets with some wine and cheese…). Finally, Catalina’s favorite food in the world right now is pizza, so you’ll often find us at Pizza Port or Mazara Trattoria in South Park.

What is Catalina’s current obsession or favorite toy?

Catalina loves ANYTHING unicorn related, and has a wide collection of Caticorns, Unicorns and Llamacorns, and many others! (She might be a little spoiled…) Our most recent purcahse of a giant Llamacorn is one of her favorite junebug finds. (The apple does not fall far from the tree. Sara is a self-described crazy cat lady and has 3 rescue cats!)

Why do you choose to shop at junebug?

I am heavily committed to supporting our local businesses, and I love the idea of sustainability and reusing clothes, toys and books. I also love the value that you get for top name brands, that are often only very gently used! These brands are great quality and last a very long time compared to less expensive brands. Finally, I would say it’s so much fun popping into the shop to see what’s new. We always get comments from fellow parents how well Catalina is dressed, and the unique items she wears.

Some customers are purely shoppers or purely sellers and you are definitely a combination of both. Why do you choose to sell to junebug?

I often make purchases at junebug, so this is a great way to stretch my dollar and sell some clothing Catalina has grown out of. Junebug is very fair for in store credits provided, and I feel very lucky to have found such a great store to shop at.

How has being a parent changed you?

I am sure this is a common answer, but always putting Catalina first before anything else. Whether that’s dropping everything and focusing on a problem that she’s having or coming up with a creative surprise to make her day! I am her biggest fan, and always want the best for her. When we were looking at choosing a school for kindergarten, it was a giant research project, spreadsheets and all! But we found a GREAT school in the end, and luckily were admitted.

What has been your biggest parenting challenge?

PATIENCE. There are days where I’m tired from work or it’s been a difficult day for all of us, but it’s important to try to keep a good perspective. A lot of times Catalina (being six) doesn’t know how to communicate her feelings or frustrations properly. But we try to take the time to take a break, breathe, and come back with a clear head. And just like a lot of us, I always worry about her, and want to make sure we’re doing the best job that we can for her. (While also trying to avoid that parenting guilt when we have those difficult moments and try not to dwell to much when we’re not perfect parent.)

We think Catalina won the lottery with her amazing parents. When we asked them to describe junebug in one word, they chose: A treasure. We feel so fortunate to get to know families like the Irizarrys, who are the true treasures in our eyes.