Surf Expo

Buena Onda had the pleasure of exhibiting at the Surf Expo this year.  We had an amazing time showcasing our fantastic line of Wayuu Mochilas, Wayuu Dresses, Wayuu Belts, and Wayuu Dog Collars.  Our products were completely unique and different compared to most of the other companies that we saw.  Sometimes it feels good to "Be One of a Kind."  

We also really enjoyed getting to meet other like minded brands with the same goals as Buena Onda.  And of course, we wouldn't want to forget the great conversations with our clients who are excited to start selling our line.

We would like to thank everyone who stopped by our booth and gave words of encouragement and support.  We look forward to working with you all the future in order to keep the Buena Onda going!

Buena Onda sponsors Katy Diaz

Buena Onda would like to welcome Katy Diaz of El Salvador to the Buena Onda team.  Katy grew up in a little town called El Tunco on the coast of El Salvador.  Growing up in this tropical playground, Katy was able to learn at an early age how to surf.  El Tunco, is the treasured jewel of the El Salvadorian surf community and therefore it is a perfect place to become a professional surfer.  Katy has been shredding hard for the last few years and Buena Onda is excited to support her in her future endeavors.  This is why we would like to shine the spotlight on her this week.  

Katy truly embodies the Buena Onda lifestyle and mindset.  She is a true athlete and competitor.  She strives for perfection and helps bring a positive light to the El Salvadorian surf community and country as a whole.

Buena Onda and Boho Bunnie

We would like to thank the Bohemian Bunnie, Andrea Whitt, for writing a piece on Buena Onda.  Andrea is a a musician, artist, bohemian fashion lover, vegan, cocktail enthusiast, yogi & animal lover. When she is not on tour with Shania Twain in Las Vegas, you can find me at home in sunny Los Angeles.  And of course her photos turned out beautifully.  Be sure to check out her blog.

"There’s something magical about wearing an item that is completely handmade. It has a true story to tell and a journey that started in the hands of the artisan. The artisans that craft these handwoven dresses are indigenous people of the Wayuu tribe in northern Colombia. The women of the tribe spend their days crafting dresses and mochila bags entirely by hand without a loom. Days or weeks are spent creating each stitch and knot while the dress comes to life in the hands of a woman thousands of miles away. The Buena Onda (the good wave) supports these women and by making these gorgeous items available to purchase around the world." - Andrea Whitt

Be sure to follow Andrea at www.BohoBunnie.com or on instagram: @BohoBunnie.  She always has great fashion and style tips to give out.

Cole wins Nationals

We want to congratulation our sponsored athlete Cole Kalkbrenner on winning the Men's jump at the National Competition this year.  Cole embodies the Buena Onda lifestyle by being one of a kind in everything he does.  Check out the video below of his amazing jump!

Buena Onda sponsors DJ DRU

A San Diego native, and all around musician, D.R.U. ( Andrew Krause)  brings a new spin to electronic dance music. He began with the piano early on, and followed with guitar and drums, playing in bands by the end of high school. As guitarist for Counterpoint Culture, he was lucky enough to taste the tour life as CPC trekked throughout the United States last summer. Besides playing guitar, Andrew has always loved writing music. From this love he discovered a new instrument.. his computer.  Amazed by the huge sounds created by single producers like Skrillex, Zedd, Zomboy, Flux Pavilion, and Kill the Noise, he quickly found a new form of expression. Realizing that within this piece of machinery he could learn to create any sound, his obsession began. Not limited by insufficient microphones, recording studios, or even noise complaints from neighbors, the digital audio world opened up unimaginable possibilities. 

D.R.U. currently has two remixes up on his sound cloud page,

www.soundcloud.com/drusounds

He will release a third remix next week, for a very unexpected artist, as well as an EP next month. His sound draws from Electro, House, and Dubstep influences.

Nantucket

Nantucket is such a beautiful corner of the world so Buena Onda would like to play a little game.  If you can find this mochila on Nantucket this week you will win it.  All you need to do is find it and tell the person holding it "Be One Of A Kind."  So good luck and let the games begin!

Erin Kalkbrenner wins Midwest Regionals

We want to congratulate our sponsored waterskier Erin Kalkbrenner on winning Regionals.  She is truly an amazing athlete that embodies the spirit of Buena Onda.  Not only did she win in the jump competition, but she won overall champion.  We look forward to seeing her at Nationals in a few weeks.

Buena Onda joins Without Walls

Buena Onda is excited to announce that we are being sold within the Urban Outfitter's family.  The brand is called Without Walls and is an amazing brand dedicated to brining you new and adventurous products such as Buena Onda.  Check out our dresses on their site at www.withoutwalls.com.  Pictures are taken from the Without Walls website.

Goat Herding

The Wayuu are goat herders. 

The Wayuu typically are goat herders.  The wealth of the family is determined by how many goats they own.  They get milk, cheese, and meat from these animals.  The goats are very resilient animals so they are able to handle the harsh conditions of La Guajira.  By selling Wayuu Mochilas the families are able to bring extra income for tools, school supplies, and extra food.  Get your Wayuu Mochila today and help support this amazing culture.

Buena Onda Welcomes Elisa to the Team

Elisa wearing a Wayuu mochila in NYC.

Hi--I'm Elisa! And I am stoked to be the newest member of the Buena Onda team! The last thing I expected to find while running around Bonaroo was a job, but the moment I saw the Buena Onda bags and learned about the their origins, I knew I had found way more than just a a lot of pretty stuff I wanted to buy--I found a brand that I truly believe in! As an avid pursuer of adventure, the unique, and the unknown--be it around the corner from my apartment in Brooklyn or in another hemisphere--I am so inspired by the Buena Onda mission of sharing the one of a kind Wayuu bags with the rest of the world! Plus, I must admit that I hope we can use these mochilas to spread some "buena onda" energy; I think New York and the rest of the world could probably use some better vibes AND some better waves! I'm looking forward to getting my feet wet!

Happy 4th of July

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!

Buena Onda says goodbye to Elisa

Since all good things must come to an end, Buena Onda would like to take the opportunity to say goodbye to our intern Elisa Olsen as she finishes up her internship.  We wish her all the best on her future endeavors and look forward to seeing where her fashion career takes her.  

"It has been such a blast being an intern for Buena Onda! It was a great experience to help out with a small company and to see how much thought and work goes into each step the brand takes.  I would highly encourage anyone who's interested in becoming involved with a brand that has a great cause to contact Buena Onda and get started! You'll get to see what goes on behind the scenes and practice thinking outside of the box, while building skills of your own. I can't wait to see where Buena Onda goes from here!" - Elisa

Buena Onda at Bonnaroo

Buena Onda had an amazing week at the Bonnaroo Festival in Manchester, TN.  With amazing music acts and activities to keep you busy, Bonnaroo offered a good mix of fun.  Buena Onda was able to showcase our Wayuu mochilas, dresses, headbands, bracelets, and our new edition of hammocks and dog collars.  We appreciated everyone stopping by our tent and supporting Buena Onda.  We made some amazing friends and look forward to keeping the Buena Onda moving this summer.

Thank you Megan!

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

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

Hanging out with Buena Onda

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???

Buena Onda and 100 Smiles

Buena Onda #Spotlight is on Elly Pham this week and her new Buena Onda mochila. Elly is a Digital Marketer, Snowboarder, Surfer, Muay Thai Fighter, and World Traveller. She is a girl who wants to live life to the fullest and "Be the Change" she wants to make in the world, 100 smiles at a time.

At Buena Onda we pride ourselves on working with models and promoting projects that are truly One of a Kind. This is why we love Elly and her 100 Smiles Project, which sponsors various projects in coastal communities around the world. These projects include volunteer work at orphanages and visiting impoverished communities to provide food/school supplies and medical support.

The 100 Smiles Goal is to make at least 100 children smile. In fact, 100% of all donations go directly to the project.To read more about 100 Smiles and Elly visit http://100smilesproject.blogspot.ca.  

Do you have a story to tell? Tell us why you and your Buena Onda Wayuu Mochila are One of a Kind.

Buena Onda at REMAR Orphanage

Buena Onda is at REMAR Orphanage in El Tunco, El Salvador this week.  This safe haven takes in orphans and abused children from all over the country.  There is 80 children here now, with another 30 being added today!  There is a lot of work to be done here and that is why all proceeds from Buena Onda sales made in the next 2 days will go directly to the Orphanage.  So what better time to buy a Buena Onda mochila!  

REMAR has a great vision to become completely self-sustainable by creating different projects to raise money.  This year a bakery, art shop, and tienda that will sell products to the town of El Tunco.  Also, all of the chickens, tilapia, and pigs raised on the grounds are used for feeding the children and selling to the local community.  Unlike, many places that are run completely on donations, REMAR believes that they can grow as a community and in turn help other communities and outreach programs.  In fact, the orphanage is connected to over 12 other locations in El Salvador that include orphanages, women shetlers, and recovery programs for acoholics and drug abusers. They believe in sharing the good news of Jesus Christ through ACTIONS and LOVE.

It is important to keep in mind, no one that works at the orphanage takes a salary or stipend.  The families that live at the orphanage partake in the same food, lifestyle, and comforts that the children do.  It really is an amazing community of love. 

This Orphanage also provides school for the local children of El Tunco.  This creats an environment that is prositive and intergrated with the local community.  

How can you help?  Just buy a Buena Onda mochila that is completely handmade by the Wayuu People of Colombia.  These beautiful Wayuu Mochilas are all one of a kind and are not replicated - but you already knew that :)  

For more information please email us at TheBuenaOnda@gmail.com. 

Buena Onda Model Spotlight: Alex Osipov

Meet Alex Osipova our newest Buena Onda model.  She has been modeling for a few years now and was happy to jump on board with Buena Onda.  However, there is more to Alex than meets the eye. She truly is a one of a kind person in body, mind, and spirit. A strong and motivated yogi, student, activist, and world traveler with aggressive case of wanderlust.  Also, Alex is from Northern Virginia and is our first model from the U.S.A.

"I tend to only value my own opinion in regards to how I look or who I am as a person. That's what ultimately brings me happiness, so that's what I try to embrace." - Alex Osipova

Alex is wearing our new Buena Onda Dresses which are handmade by the Wayuu People of Colombia.  These dresses are the perfect outfit to match your Wayuu Mochila.  Check out our large selection of dress at our shop.

Introducing: Our New Buena Onda Team Member

Buena Onda is happy to introduce you to Elisa Marie Olsen who is our new Creative Content Connoisseur!  Elisa Olsen is a Senior Apparel Design Major at Oregon State University with a minor in Merchandising Management.

"When I stumbled upon Buena Onda at MAGIC in Las Vegas this February, I immediately saw the similarity between the Buena Onda mochillas and a mochilla my mom had given to me from her last visit to her home country of Colombia. After hearing the story behind the company, I was extremely interested in joining the team. These products mix eclectic colors and designs with the literal fabric of my heritage - this along with the upstanding motivation behind the brand.  This has gotten me so excited to help the company in any way I can.  Everyone who knows me knows: I've never been one to do things the "traditional" way, and I don't plan on starting any time soon. This is why I'm so happy to join the Buena Onda team and contribute to a brand that is one of a kind." - Elisa