11: 11 with Antonia - Founder and owner of Bodeguita Stuff Store.

Before moving to Mexico, Antonia was living a very different fast-paced life in London. Born and raised in Galway, Ireland, Antonia later moved to London to pursue a very successful career in the fashion industry. As a Senior Buyer at Topshop she oversaw their much-hyped Designer Collaborations alongside managing their in-house designed catwalk collection for London Fashion Week.

So just how did Antonia go from that to proud owner of Bodeguita Stuff Store in Puerto Escondido?

We decided it would be best, and polite to feature her first, so read ahead and enjoy to find out more!

1) Why Mexico, and more specifically, how did you decide to move to Puerto  Escondido?

The dream was always to live a tropical life by the sea surfing warm waters and doing what I love, and I spent hours on endless commutes to work thinking up ways to make the dream a reality! (We can all relate). Mexico and specifically Puerto Escondido was the last stop on my 6 month surf trip through South and Central America. 48 hours after pitching up in Puerto Escondido I knew this town was magical and somewhere I could live out the tropical dream whilst also creating something special in terms of business. 

2) Why did you start Bodeguita?

At first I thought I would open a hostel as it was clear from the start that Puerto has already become a hot destination for all types of tourists, not just surfers chasing the endless swell. 

But retail and design is what I know and what I do best and the longer I spent here  and the more people I met, it was obvious there was such a huge community of young creatives, but with nowhere to sell their product.  I had always dreamed of opening my own store but that wasn't something that ever seemed possible in London. Bodeguita was born on the back of a cocktail napkin whilst I served Pina Coladas!!

3) What one, solid bit of advice would you give to someone who wanted to pursue their dream but like so many, are too afraid?

Write it down.  Start with putting down on paper what the dream is.  Once its down on paper in front of you, it seems like less of an impossible dream and more of an ultimate To-Do list that you can make a start on today. Then tell your friends and family. There's no going back after that!!  As for the fear, a little fear is healthy, let it push and motivate you to keep moving towards your dream!

4) As someone who has always been interested in the fashion industry, can you tell me what you regard as a crime against fashion?

Crocs - Always and for ever Crocs.

5) What's you biggest fashion fax paux?

Hmmm. A baker boy cap I proudly sported out clubbing in the early 90's in a very poor effort to channel Madonna's Desperately Seeking Susan. My mates still bring this look of mine up.

6) Bodeguita supports a number of different brands, what qualities do you look for when partnering with brands? 

I know it when I see it, it's a feeling of excitement I get when I see something that's doing something different to everyone else.  All the brands I work with have it, from Ceviche's incredible sense of humour, to ODD's clever graphics, its always exciting to me when I come across it!

7) What’s one thing that we shouldn’t think twice about spending money on?

I need two!! Beautiful underwear, it sets me up right for the day AND expensive bedlinen. Selfridges department store in London has been the scene of near bankruptcy for me.

8) Alright, if you had to choose....a years worth of Agent Provocateur underwear but you had to sleep with 100% polyester sheets, or the most blissful bedding from Merci but you had to wear the most ghastly, beige, elasticated underwear for ALL occasions. What would you choose?

Really?

Fine. Bedlinen.

9) Ok ok, we’ve nearly reached our 11 questions without addressing the fact that you are a new mum! CONGRATULATIONS. (Readers fear not, we have another piece coming specifically talking to Antonia about motherhood in Mexico). So aside from the demands of being a #newmum, what are you most excited about with Bodeguita right now that keeps you up at night?

Thank you, its been a wild ride so far!!! 

Right now we are working on a brand new series of Bodeguita Events where we will be hooking up with some big names in the world of surf and beyond, to be announced in 2021 so watch this space!!  Its super exciting and ALOT to achieve so the sleepless nights shall continue - thank God for that quality bedlinen.

10) And what's with the cute Bodeguita cat - does it have a name? 

I've always been obsessed with these cats! Whenever I see one in a shop window or restaurant I'm transfixed. They are supposed to bring good fortune and luck to a business and I figured we could always do with some of that.  Obviously he needed a Bodeguita-style makeover so we gave him a skateboard for that beachtown vibe. He goes by the name Kit.

11) What is your favourite quote?

"You can't take it with you".

(.....Vaguely eases the credit card bill pain).

Thank you Antonia and we can't wait to see what 2021 holds for Bodeguita (and Kit - we love Kit).

We'll let you enjoy your tacos, pina coladas and Puerto Escondido's stunning sunsets, all with baby in tow!