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Delilah Currie has a talented eye for special fashion finds that span decades of style.
Odds always seem to be in her favor that once she discovers them they’re soon sold from her popular store – Hotbox Vintage – in the historic Mission District of South Pasadena.
Delilah Currie (Rabina, SPHS Class of ’07), honored by State Senator Anthony Portantino with the Young Entrepreneur Award during Wednesday’s Women in Business Awards Luncheon at the Castaway in Burbank, has a background in fashion public relations, using her outgoing and friendly personality to sell an array of women’s and men’s clothing, shoes outerwear, belts jewelry and more, the store, tucked away down a long driveway at 1127 Mission Street, has become a goldmine among many.
“A hidden spot in the mission and Meridian area of South Pasadena,” said Justin L. of Alhambra on Yelp, which gives the place 4 ½ stars. “It’s very hip and trendy, which you can tell by all the young people coming by. For a small shop, it’s always stocked with cool items. I’ve managed to collect some nice button ups and always walk away with some nice sunglasses. The owner, Delilah, is always willing to help you find the right outfit combos and to help make you’re experience enjoyable as well. Every now and then they have small events for sales that are always fun as well.”
Adds Barbarina Z of Arcadia: “The store location is in the small business shopping district of South Pasadena, where you can stroll among the shady trees, enjoy coffee and pastries in the outdoor cafes, and window shop. Every time I visit Hotbox Vintage, I come across new and special items on display that are so special.”
Barbarina calls Delilah “a delightful person, generous, and happy and very professional in her knowledge of designer clothing lines, pricing, and consignment sales.”
It’s little wonder why Currie was among nearly 50 women recognized by Portantino and his staff during the well-attended luncheon. Owner of the store for since 2004, Delilah has a whole new appreciation of how much of an impact local business has on the South Pasadena community.
Along with operating the store, she is also involved in South Pasadena Arts Council (SPARC) and organizes local Women in Business community groups, providing an opportunity for small business owners to connect and collaborate to become successful.
“Today, we celebrate exceptional women whose professional skills and commitment to their community have made them outstanding leaders and role models,” said Portantino in his message at the event. “Their credentials and achievements across the broad spectrum of professions, including science and technology, environment and sustainability, and non-profit organizations, prove to girls and young women that they can be anything they choose.”
Portantino noted that the women recognized have paved the way for the next generation of leaders to follow in their footsteps.
“Innovation, creativity, entrepreneurship and persistence are so often demonstrated by the women we are honoring,” he continued. “California is home to more women-owned companies than any other state in the nation.”
Joining the honorees recognized was keynote speaker Dr. Lucy Jones, founder of Dr. Lucy Jones Center for Science and Society to foster the understanding and application of scientific information in the creation of more resilient communities. In addition, Jones is the author of “The Big Ones,” a book published in April 2018, and serves as a research associate at Seismological Laboratory of Caltech, a position she has held for 35 years.
Wednesday’s event featured the Pasadena Conservatory of Music, a legislative update by Portantino, whose 25th District represents South Pasadena, Dr. Jones’ remarks, and the awards presentation, including one to a grateful Delilah Currie.
“I feel honored to be recognized among this amazing group of women who work so hard and make a major impact in their communities,” she said.
2019 WOMEN IN BUSINESS
Young Entrepreneur
Delilah Currie (South Pasadena)
Monique Vobecky (Glendora)
Rhiannon Gillis (Atwater Village)
Trailblazer
Ellen Liggons (Pasadena)
Sally De Witt (SanMarino)
Small Businesswoman
Meredith Miller (Altadena)
Linda Sells (Monrovia)
Keisha L.Bowen (Monrovia)
Corporate
D’Aquino Wines(Duarte)
Sonia, Patricia, Sylvia D’Aquino
Lea Ubas (Glendale)
Bianca Vobecky (Glendora)
Non Profit Executive Director
Judith Arandes (Burbank)
Marianna Gatto (LA)
Debra Manners (Pasadena)
Tina Hughes (Upland)
Tara Peterson (Glendale)
Michelle Kim (Pasadena)
Non Profit Employee
Barbara Miller (Burbank)
Vickie Reinhardt (Pasadena)
Volunteer
Nancy E. Guillen (Burbank)
Talin Yacoubian (LA)
Margie Green (San Dimas)
Sonja Stump (Claremont)
Veronica Chavoor (Burbank)
Christine Ellixson (Burbank)
Jennifer Choi (La Cañada)
Empowerment
Filipino American Business Association of Glendale
Armenian Relief Society / WR
Glendale Council PTA
Inspirational
Reverend Cassie McCarthy (Glendale)
Cantor Ruth Berman Harris (Pasadena)
Law
Genoveva Talbott (Claremont)
Armenuhi Amy Ashranian (Glendale)
Lucy Varpetian (Glendale)
Diane Lambillotte (Glendale)
Environment & Sustainability
Dominique Hargreaves (Pasadena)
Susana Reyes (Glendale)
Medicine
Dr. Alexandra Levine (Duarte)
Dr. Andrea Brault (San Dimas)
Dr. Wendy Shem Yeh (Pasadena)
Dr. Srouphi Gasparian (Pasadena)
Education
Ani Keshishian (Montrose)
Rebecca Andrade (LaCresenta)
Taline Arsenian (Glendale)
Sharon Cuseo (Burbank)
Arts
Nina Crowe (Glendale)
Marlene Hitt (Sunland Tujunga)
Special Thanks to the “Community Foundation of the Verdugos”
