Jessica Ruiz

Visual Storyteller

Plaza Mexico

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Location: Orange County, California

Nationality: American

Biography: Jessica Ruiz is a bilingual photojournalist and lifestyle photographer based in LA.

Plaza Mexico has a gazebo in th...l Street Journal" MEXMALL

Plaza Mexico has a gazebo in the front of the main building entrance, where shoppers and visitors gather looking to stay cool on a hot July day. “CREDIT: Jessica Ruiz for The Wall Street Journal" MEXMALL

Jose Gutierrez and his family a...l Street Journal" MEXMALL

Jose Gutierrez and his family are the owners of El Quelite Produce. He expresses concern about fixing the air conditioner as sweat drops from his forehead. For Gutierrez and his family, July and August are the slowest months of the year. He explains that his fruit wouldn't spoil as fast if they had proper ac. “CREDIT: Jessica Ruiz for The Wall Street Journal" MEXMALL

People shop here because many o...l Street Journal" MEXMALL

People shop here because many of them can't go back to their towns in Mexico, "no tenen paples" meaning they are undocumented, says Nancy Rojo. Coming here is like getting a little piece of their home in Mexico. More than anything, it's a community, says Rojo. “CREDIT: Jessica Ruiz for The Wall Street Journal" MEXMALL

The carousel is the main attrac...l Street Journal" MEXMALL

The carousel is the main attraction at Plaza Mexico, it's surrounded by bigger name businesses like Curasado, Plant Fitness, and Fashion Q. “CREDIT: Jessica Ruiz for The Wall Street Journal" MEXMALL

Luis Maldonado opened his shop,...l Street Journal" MEXMALL

Luis Maldonado opened his shop, Inti Arts and Crafts, 16 years ago. I’m the only one in the whole Plaza that sells these products say, Maldonado. He is hopeful that the new owner will bring more clientele to the Plaza, which will untimely help him sell more products. “CREDIT: Jessica Ruiz for The Wall Street Journal" MEXMALL

In the outdoor area of Plaza Me...l Street Journal" MEXMALL

In the outdoor area of Plaza Mexico, many boutique stands are selling the same traditional Mexican attire, bracelets, dresses, and hats, resulting in a competitive atmosphere among the boutique owners and fewer sales. “CREDIT: Jessica Ruiz for The Wall Street Journal" MEXMALL

Although the Jang family busine...l Street Journal" MEXMALL

Although the Jang family business is located deep inside the main building of Plaza Mexico, where the air conditioner doesn't work properly, shoppers still gather around Italy Gold and try on the jewelry. “CREDIT: Jessica Ruiz for The Wall Street Journal" MEXMALL

Lorena Jacuinde, 31, and daught...l Street Journal" MEXMALL

Lorena Jacuinde, 31, and daughter Isabel Saldivar, 3, enjoy a Sunday afternoon ride on the carousel. If they ever make their way to the plaza, which isn't often, it's always for ice cream and a ride on the carousel. “CREDIT: Jessica Ruiz for The Wall Street Journal" MEXMALL