Fragrant and cleansing for the mind and body, soap is more than the sum of its parts. So its no wonder the practice of making it has been undertaken with such care by one of our own local vendors, Occulture Shop. On Saturday, March 26, they will be hosting Magia Moderna, a holistic marketplace featuring natural and handmade vendors, psychic consultations, live performances and more in the historic Santora Building in Downtown Santa Ana. We sat down with owner, Johnny Gonzalez, for a quick chat about soap, Santana Pride, and yes, Justin Bieber. What we found out just might surprise and mystify you.DL: First things, first, when did you start your company?
JG: I started making soap in 2012 and then eventually OCCULTURE SHOP started in October 2014.
DL: Cool, how did you first get into soap making/body and mind cleansing?
JG: Soap making came to me by my own curiosity. I wanted to know exactly what I was putting on my body and when I found out that commercial soaps are NOT the answer to maintaining healthy skin, I made my own. Since the beginning I’ve been intrigued by the idea of bathing rituals. We practice rituals all day, every day, and showering is one I believe we can make sacred again.
DL: Rite!? There’s nothing more beautiful than a hot shower after a long day. Are you a Santa Ana native? What’s it like growing your business here? What do you love best?
JG: Born and raised! There’s so much pride that comes with being a Santa Ana native, Chicano pride, I guess. From the jump, OCCULTURE SHOP has had firm roots in DTSA. This city has shown me and my small business so much love. Its a tight knit community and everyone is always looking out for each other. I think that’s the best part of being in business in Santa Ana, we all live work and play here. So definitely the community and support from them, make it worth it.
DL: Yes, definitely! We are new to the area ourselves, but could not be more thrilled to be a part of it. Last, but not least, our favorite question: What is your Spirit Animal?
JG: I know you might expect a spiritual answer, but let me tell you that this picture is HIGH KEY giving me life right now. So I have to say that JUSTIN BIEBER in a MARILYN MANSON cut off tee, is my spirit animal!
Ok, so that’s actually the best answer ever! Come check out Magia Moderna Marketplace on Saturday, March 26 from 11am-5pm at 207 N. Broadway Santa Ana, CA 92701.
DeeLux
209 N Broadway
Santa Ana, CA 92701
714-760-4801
www.mydeelux.com