Hidden Gems: Meet Nuryah Benel of West Arrow Trading Post

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nuryah Benel. 

Hi Nuryah, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
It all started back in 2016 while a was in college in Los Angeles and I wanted to have a creative outlet. I always loved Interior Styling and making my spaces unique and cozy. I just could never find unique items that weren’t mass-produced. That’s when I started my shop West Arrow Trading Post online. I began refurbishing furniture I found at thrift stores. Shortly after, I realized how many incredible makers there were on Instagram. I started reaching out to them and began adding their items to my shop. 

Years later once I finished my degree the pandemic hit and my husband and I decided to move from Los Angeles to Encinitas CA. 

It was always a dream of mine to open a shop and allow different makers and artists to have the opportunity to showcase their work. After much thought, we decided to open up a retail space in downtown Encinitas on the famous 101 Hwy. 

We opened our doors in April 2021 during a difficult time of the pandemic. The process however was humbling a healing. It’s continues to let me be creative, and meet such incredible makers and artists in the community. 

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
The hardest part is the unknown. However, with any dream you take that leap of faith in hopes that others will see the vision you created. Opening up a storefront in the middle of the pandemic was challenging, but I knew all along that this community would be the perfect place to open a home decor shop, filled with local makers and artists. 

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about West Arrow Trading Post?
Our Home Décor collection provides you with options to elevate your space. Inspired by the southwest & the local beach community, we have hand-picked each maker, vendor & Artist from different walks of life that are masters at their craft. Our textiles, travel accessories & gifts are for the traveling kind. We believe that our home is an extension of ourselves, so let us provide you with authentic décor to make your home feel serene, cozy, and most importantly uniquely yours. 

We also offer Interior Styling services with Haus of Arrow. 

What sets us apart is most of our items are handmade locally and mainly bought from women-owned businesses. 

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
The best advice I can give is take the leap and trust the process. Life is too short, and no matter what the challenges are if you want it bad enough you can make it happen. I’m still learning as I go along and most likely will continue to do so as the business grows. 

Contact Info:

• Email: Westarrowtradingpost@gmail.com
• Website: www.westarrowtradingpost.com
• Instagram: Westarrowtradingpost

Image Credits
Nuryah B.