Lucky Stars Market

Centering female, queer and people of color owned businesses

WHITNEY LYNN / CONTRIBUTOR / THE USD VISTA

A new market opened in San Diego called Lucky Stars Market has a variety of items for sale. Attendees can expect to find vintage and upcycled clothing, jewelry, ceramics, crochet, art, food and more.

Lucky Stars Market features female, queer and people of color vendors. Founder Kimberly Lee shared her motivations for Lucky Stars being centered around these groups.

“When I started selling vintage in San Diego I noticed that it was a very male dominated space and I felt like there was a need for a space where these [other] groups feel comfortable. I feel like Lucky Stars Market is very community forward, where vendors and shoppers feel safe and supported. I’m always learning, but I really make the effort to try and make it an environment where people don’t feel judged but uplifted,” Lee said. 

Lucky Stars has grown significantly, with about 65 vendors participating in their next market. The first market was in December 2021. October’s market will be their seventh event. 

two men in hats under a tent looking through racks full of clothes
Shoppers browsing a variety of records and items at the Lucky Stars Market. Photo courtesy of Kimberly Lee

When asked how she worked to connect with these communities, Lee explained, “At the beginning I asked my fellow vendor friends to join and just went to markets to kind of scout people out and just spread the word of what I was trying to do. But now through social media and word of mouth is how a lot of vendors find out about vending and we have an application.” 

USD senior Hannah White plans to attend Lucky Stars’ next market. 

“I try to avoid fast fashion, so I prefer shopping secondhand or from small businesses,” White said. “It definitely matters to me who I’m buying my clothes from. I like using my buying power to support businesses that align with my values.” 

The next market will be held on Sunday, Oct. 2 at Queen Bee’s Art and Cultural Center in North Park. The address is 3925 Ohio Street, North Park. Admission is free. The market will be open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. For those unable to attend this upcoming market, the next one will be Dec. 4. More information can be found on the market’s Instagram @luckystarsmarket or TikTok @luckystars.market, where they post spotlights on vendors and items sold at the market. 

Lucky Stars is drawing in a new generation of consumers who recognize that where they choose to spend their money matters. The diversity of vendors and items provide unique pieces for varying individual styles.