Meet The Founder
Ariell Ilunga is a community-driven entrepreneur, curator and former manager of the Hollywood Farmers’ Market. As the founder of Carla’s Fresh Market, she led one of Los Angeles’ most thoughtful experiments in community grocery retail, championing small producers and shaping what modern neighborhood markets can be.
Ariell continues to build models that center people, sustainability, and beauty in everyday food experiences. Some of her favorite makers from Carla’s are now featured in the online shop, alongside an expanded digital presence and real-world experiences including dinner parties, workshops and travel that explore food and culture.
More Than A Market
Carla’s Fresh Market opened in Highland Park with a simple idea: to reimagine what a neighborhood grocery could be. It was built as both a marketplace and a meeting place, where access, culture, and curiosity came together through food.
Over two years, Carla’s became a platform for discovery and connection, supporting more than 40 small food and beverage brands, many led by BIPOC and women founders. We partnered with California family farms to bring fresh, seasonal produce to the community, hired directly from the neighborhood, and hosted gatherings that celebrated food, art, and local culture.
Though the physical store has closed, the spirit of Carla’s continues in the relationships formed, the lessons learned, and the ongoing work toward a more connected and equitable food landscape.
