Business
Ruth Monrroy’s Entrepreneurial Journey on Hollywood Boulevard
Join Ruth Monrroy on her inspiring entrepreneurial journey along the iconic Hollywood Boulevard as she navigates challenges and triumphs in pursuit of her dreams.
Ruth Monrroy, a 44-year-old Guatemalan native, fulfills her childhood dream of owning a business on the bustling Hollywood Boulevard. Inspired by her mother’s restaurant in Guatemala, Ruth now operates a metal cart in front of the iconic TCL Chinese Theater six days a week.
Her cart offers a variety of items, from refreshing fruit salads to energizing drinks like Gatorade, attracting the attention of passersby with her enthusiastic calls of “Mango, water, soda, Gatorade, hot dog!” amidst the Hollywood Walk of Fame stars honoring celebrities like Bruce Willis and Billy Crystal.
Street vending is deeply ingrained in California’s culture, with an estimated 10,000 vendors in Los Angeles alone. While the recent legalization of vendors along Hollywood Boulevard has provided some relief, challenges persist. Tourists, on a budget, sometimes hesitate at the prices, making it difficult for vendors to turn a profit. Additionally, the growing number of vendors in the area has intensified competition, adding another layer of difficulty for long-time sellers like Ruth.