Meet Kendal Wright | Small Business Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kendal Wright and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kendal, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
It all started with a pair of shoes.

During one of my first visits to Mexico I bought a pair of huaraches hidden away in a dusty little shop. I had never seen that style of shoe before and did not think much of them other than that they were cute.

After wearing-in my handmade leather sandals I realized I loved them so much I thought others might enjoy them just as much as I did!

With a single thought, “I wonder if I could sell these?” I decided it was worth a shot to start an import business of artisanal goods.

The shoes are not only sustainable and fair-trade, but beautiful and practical. Slow-fashion meets comfort. A product with a face. A soul. A small business supporting another small business, which in turn supports a global economy!

I am not reinventing the wheel but rather shining a spotlight on what can truly be accomplished by our own two hands, as was done lifetimes before us.

It’s fun. It’s creative. And is shared as an opportunity to make what other cultures have to offer easily available.

Quality product for the dreamers, seekers, and travelers…because good shoes take you good places!

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
A lifetime traveler, turned import business owner.

BoHo Imports was created to discover hidden Artisans and make their craft obtainable. Bringing handmade cultural artistry to your doorstep!

Like many others, I had lost my job during the pandemic and as time went on I knew I wasn’t ready to go back to a 9-5, yet had no clue what direction my life was going to take.

Using my passion for travel, I thought what better way to sustain my livelihood than support other people’s passions and livelihood around the world.

I thrive in different cultures and new encounters. I meet friendly faces wherever I go and they in turn give back to me priceless experiences. Whether it be a shared craft only once or a long-term partnership, it is a once in a lifetime moment that is well worth all the effort poured in on both ends.

It is reciprocal and hopefully cyclical. We are the same. Striving to support our dreams and further our goals while still sustaining fair-trade product that has more meaning than initially may first meet the eye.

As my business grows, so does the inspiration. I am continually impressed by the hard work and talent poured into their artistry and hopefully it will be carried on in our ever changing modern world.

And the best part is that the sky is the limit! There are no boundaries to the amazing cultural craft that is ready and waiting to be discovered.

The right connections and love for travel can and will carry us into a future where other small businesses will be recognized and supported too.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Living in San Diego has unlimited perks when family and friends come to visit and we get to play tourist together!

I definitely have a sweet spot for where I live in Ocean Beach. It’s a very laid back vibe with so many local attractions and businesses. On one end is dog beach. When people say Disneyland is the happiest place on earth, it’s only because they’ve never been to dog beach! The other end of the town is called sunset cliffs and yup, you guessed it! It has one of the most epic views “where the sun goes to set.”

Everywhere in between “OB” has incredible local restaurants and rooftop bars. Mike’s tacos hands down has the best carne asada fries and fish tacos. It’s Raw Poke Shop has poke flown in from Hawaii weekly and is the best, most fresh poke I’ve ever had. Val’s coffee shop is authentic Brazilian acai bowls where I’ve never tasted one so similar to the original ones in Brazil. And last but not least there is OB Noodle House, known for their peanut butter and Jameson shots, creators of Screwball, and whose menu stays consistent in deliciousness and price.

That is just scratching the surface not just in OB but San Diego! For epic views a trip to Coronado Island has a gorgeous view of downtown on one side then a beautiful beach on the other side with the iconic Hotel Del Coronado. La Jolla offers up close wildlife where seals and sea lions perch close by or you could even go snorkel with leopard sharks!

Balboa park is absolutely stunning and the San Diego Zoo is world famous for a reason! Even the foliage and aviaries take you to another part of the world where you forget you are in the middle of a city.

A week stay is excellent amount of time to visit San Diego, but even after living here almost 12 years I can say there are endless places and things to check out in America’s Finest City!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I am lucky to say from day one I had the huge support of my friends and family in showing up for my business in any way possible.

However, hands down my business would not be where it is today without the guidance and love, sacrifice and support from my fiancé, Jenaro Rios.

He is nothing short of a “cheerleader” when it comes to the growth of my boho dreams. Driving hours throughout Mexico looking for potential manufacturers, meeting and securing my most valuable shoe maker in a parking lot in Guadalajara, always helping to find solutions to the many problems that consistently come with a start up.

He is able to see beyond my own vision and capabilities and is happy to help open so many doors that wouldn’t have been available to me without him.

Website: https://www.boho-imports.com

Instagram: boho_imports

Facebook: BoHo Imports