BUENA ONDA | WAYUU MOCHILAS

HANDMADE - FAIRTRADE - ONE OF A KIND

Wayuu

New Dog Collars Are Here!

Kevin KennedyComment
dog collar.jpg

We are excited to announce we have new dog collars just in time for autumn.  Because each one of our dog collars is handmade and one of a kind, we only make a small batch for each season.  If you are interested please check out our shop!  Each dog collar is crafted by the Wayuu People of Colombia, which is why each design is unique.  The best part is each collar comes with a matching bracelet, so you can look just as good as your best friend!  

We've been everywhere, man (Festival Life)

Brett WaggonerComment

"I've been everywhere, man. I've been everywhere, man. Crossed the desert's bare, man. I've breathed the mountain air, man..."

Over the past few months, Buena Onda has been living a Johnny Cash song, criss-crossing the country showcasing the amazing Wayuu mochilas at a myriad of music festivals. Alabama, Arkansas, Washington, Michigan…I’ve been everywhere, man.  

On our journey, while sharing a slice of Wayuu culture with the western world, I received a crash-course in festival culture.

As a “Festie Virgin” I was greeted in open arms by savvy veterans, who were as eager to enlighten me about festival culture as they were to tell me about how bitchin’ that Phish set was at Bonaroo ’09 or about “that one time” at Burning Man…for the fifth time. 

Shaky Knees, Hangout, Sasquatch, Wakarusa, and Electric Forest: great music, better people -- people of all shapes and sizes, races and religions. Short, tall, strange and awesome, at these festivals, people are uninhibited by the constraints of reality. It’s both beautiful and shocking to a newcomer (I’ve seen some stuff, man - the type of stuff you can’t un-see *feverishly rips a cigarette*).  But here’s the thing: everyone is your friend, everyone looks out for one another, and everyone shares the collective goal of having as much fun as humanly possible. Moods are high and vibes are great. Everyone es buena onda, if you will…nudge nudge, wink wink. 

Using mochilas as our medium, we were able to impart a piece of Wayuu culture to curious concertgoers. This "mochila-medium" as I've been calling it since right now (better trademark that), allows us to share the plight of the Wayuu People. And our message did not fall on deaf ears, in fact, it resonated -- an amazing feat, really, given that many of our patrons were fresh off a face-melting dose of acid 120 decibels of Bassnectar.

At the end of the day, we made a lot of great friends, witnessed some incredible performances (Charles Bradley is the G.O.A.T.), and were able to connect the Wayuu with the western world. One mochila at a time.

Of travel (and porta-potties) I’ve had my share, man. I’ve been everywhere. 

 

Wakarusa Waterfall at Mulberry Mountain Arkansas
Wayuu Wakarusa Friends
Well, it's the verbal Herman Munster a.k.a. Chali 2na performing at Wakarusa. 

Well, it's the verbal Herman Munster a.k.a. Chali 2na performing at Wakarusa. 

Heading to Sasquatch Festival

Kevin KennedyComment

Buena Onda is on the road again heading to the Sasquatch Festival.  It has been a long drive from Hangout Festival in Gulf Shores, Alabama but we are super excited to get to Washington State.  We are currently driving through the great state of Wyoming!

On the Road to Washington

Feliz Navidad from Buena Onda

Kevin KennedyComment
Feliz Navidad from Buena Onda!

Feliz Navidad from Buena Onda!

Buena Onda would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas!  Feliz Navidad!  We hope everyone is have a happy holiday season with their friends and family.  God Bless and we will see you in the New Year!

If you are still looking for great Christmas presents please check out our Wayuu Mochilas, Wayuu Dresses, Wayuu Clutches, Wayuu Bracelets, and Wayuu Belts.

Santa Loves Wayuu Mochilas

Kevin KennedyComment
Even Santa Claus Loves Wayuu Mochilas.

Even Santa Claus Loves Wayuu Mochilas.

Merry Christmas Eve from Buena Onda!  So we were talking to Santa recently and we realized he loves Wayuu Mochilas.  In fact, we found out his "red bag" is actually a Wayuu Mochila!  We hope you were good this year, because Santa only delivers Buena Onda products  to the good girls and boys of the world.

Buena Onda is now being sold at Nomad Surf Shop

Kevin KennedyComment

Buena Onda is happy to announce that we are being sold at Nomad Surf.  Family owned and operated, Nomad Surf has been around since 1968.  It is located on A1A - 20 miles south of Palm Beach. They are loved by locals and tourist from all over the world.  They build custom boards to help everyone from a beginner to an advanced surfer catch the perfect wave!  They also have a great selection of both men and women's clothing and accessories, including Buena Onda Wayuu Mochilas.  Are you looking for that perfect gift this holiday season?  Be sure to stop by Nomad Surf and check out their selection of amazing products.

Nomad Surf and Buena Onda

Our New Buena Onda Model

Kevin Kennedy1 Comment
Ilana on the Beach

We would like to introduce our newest Buena Onda model, Ilana Brown!  Ilana is from New York and happened to be visiting Colombia when we were doing our photoshoot.  Below you can read her first hand account of taking great photos for Buena Onda.  

"I ended up hanging out with Kevin all day, modeling his clothes on the beach. I’ve never modeled before and I don’t know that I’ll get the opportunity again, but wow. What an experience. I was not just randomly modeling in a weird way. I was in handmade local clothes that we bought from a local family, laying on the beautiful beach of palomino. I was beside myself at that moment. I was running in the ocean, sitting in the jungle, I was climbing on trees, laying in the sand, my hair was in it’s own world completely, no makeup, no nothing. I don’t know how I looked, but I felt beautiful. The situation, the scenery, the waves and sounds, the Mosquitos and frizzy hair, all of it was just incredible."

To read more of Ilana's story visit

Ilana in the jungle
Ilana on the beach

Happy 4th of July

Kevin KennedyComment
Mochilas on July 4th.

Mochilas on July 4th.

If we have told you once, we have told you a million times:  There is a mochila for every occasion.  This beautiful red, white, and blue mochila is the perfect bag for the 4th of July.  It is also a loop style weaved mochila, which means each stitch is included with a small loop on the outside of the bag.  This adds a lovely texture and an esthetic style that is completely different than typical Wayuu Mochilas.  So be sure to check out our entire supply!

Thank you Megan!

Kevin KennedyComment

Buena Onda would like to take the opportunity to thank Megan Miller (@meg_millz6) for her amazing work as our intern.  Megan is moving on to a full-time HR position and we wish her all the best.  We know she will be successful in all her endeavors.  With that being said, Buena Onda is looking for new summer interns so if you have any interest please contact TheBuenaOnda@gmail.com.  #thebuenaonda #buenaonda #internships  #wayuumochilas #newcompany #work  #beoneofakind 

Our New One of a Kind Model: Maria Paula Dangond Arteta

Kevin KennedyComment

The Buena Onda spotlight is on Maria Paula Dangond Arteta.  She is our newest model at Buena Onda and she truly is one of a kind.  Read her story below:

"I live in Barranquilla, Colombia, a city dreamed by those who haven't seen it, and never forgotten by those who have. In Barranquilla, you will meet happiness face to face.

I currently studying Fashion Marketing and communication in Lasalle College, so I can build a strong foundation for my professional journey.  However, I expect to enrich my knowledge with other more specific disciplines within Fashion marketing.

Whenever, I have time to spare, you can find me listening to jazz music. However, one of my passions in fashion is using my makeup skills to work. Usually, my friends ask me to help them get ready and gorgeous for different events.  I am always excited to help because I genuinely adore having fun with colors, hair, and makeup.  When its not my friends, I enjoy trying new stuff and playing with the colors on myself.  I can honestly say, makeup is one of my biggest joys. 

As common as it may sound spending time with my friends and family is a really big part of my life. I really appreciate those moments around them as one of my favorites things in the world. However, I think that better than family and friends, is family and friends around a table full of delicious all kinds of food.

Last but not least, I love investing my time into foundations that help impoverished children. When you put a smile on their faces, they'll make sure to put one on your heart.  

I always discover something special about each and every person I meet.  I've always dreamed of being a very successful woman, who pursued her love for fashion, while helping other people find their looks according to their personality.  I want to help people speak through their clothes, and feel through their looks.

I dream about having a big and happy family, with whom I'd have time to share.  I want to be able to find balance between those two big dreams: a family and a job. However, without even having that family yet... I already know they'll be my number one priority.  I hope that all my future kids and I can always be a kind hand to anybody who needs it, because I think life is nothing if you're not helping your neighbor.

Me gusta Buena Onda, por la sencilla razón de aportar un granito de arena a la evolución de la cultura colombiana, por valorar a las mujeres trabajadoras de nuestra tierra, por crea una campana de consumo responsable y por llevar el amor colombiano a distintas partes del mundo." 

-Maria Paula Dangond Arteta-

Maria Paula Dangond Arteta

Maria Paula Dangond Arteta

Hanging out with Buena Onda

Kevin KennedyComment

Buena Onda is at the Hangout Festival in Gulf Shores, Alabama.  We are so excited to be able to share the  Buena Onda Story with everyone this week.  Please feel free to stop by our tent where you can see our large selection of Wayuu Mochilas, Wayuu Dresses, and other awesome products.  We will also be doing incredible giveaways, so don't miss out!  

 

What bands are you excited to see???

Hanging out with Buena Onda

Buena Onda at El Horno

Kevin KennedyComment

Today was amazing!  Buena Onda got to hangout at El Horno, which is a local Wayuu rancheria.  El Horno means "The Oven."  Let me tell you, it was hot!  La Guajira is an extremely dry and arid area of Colombia.  However, we were able to keep cool by swimming in the ocean which was about a kilometer walk from El Horno.  We also got to see how Wayuu Mochilas are made at El Horno.  We would like to give a big thanks to Amelia's family for giving us a wonderful Wayuu experience!

el horno.jpg

How do you make a Wayuu Mochila?

Kevin KennedyComment

Wayuu mochilas are not made on a loom.  That means that, every pattern is carefully planned out in advance.  Once the pattern is chosen the Wayuu woman will use a counting process that allows her to execute the design.  In this video you will see how Amelia constructs a perfect pattern.  Wayuu mochilas are truly a work of art!

Buena Onda in the Kitchen

Kevin KennedyComment

The Wayuu kitchen is where you can find fresh fish being cooked up on a daily bases.  Basic Wayuu diets consist of goats, rice, corn, yucca, and fish.  Most of the diets depend on where exactly in La Guajira the Wayuu live.  For example, if the Wayuu Rancheria is close to the Carribean Coastline then their diet would consist more of fish and seafood.  Whereas the rancherias further inland consist of goats and chickens.

wayuu kitchen.jpg

Buena Onda and the Mid-West Night Fly

Kevin KennedyComment

Buena Onda was in St. Louis this week for the Mid-West Night Fly Event.  A first year water sports festival that was unlike any other.  It was a perfect event for waterskiers, wakeboarders, and water enthusasts alike.  Not to mention, a great opportunity for Buena Onda to get some exposure on our Wayuu mochilas and products.  Thank you so much Mid-West Night Fly for having us!

Mid-west Night Fly